Traveling Around the World With a Toddler: Our First Stop in Romania

Part One: Romania: City Streets, Cold Weather, and Cozy Stroller Naps Our first stop on our five-week journey traveling around the world with a toddler was Bucharest, Romania. We landed in early November, and while the chill in the air hit fast (especially for a family coming from Florida), so did the charm of the city.

This leg of the trip was all about ease and exploration. We stuck to the capital, soaking in the architecture, holiday lights, and a surprising number of stroller-friendly sidewalks. Skyler, 18 months old and not yet walking, was perfectly content riding bundled up in her stroller while we wandered past grand buildings and cozy cafés.

A Walking Tour With a Wiggly Baby

One of the highlights was a free walking tour through the city. We weren’t sure how doable it would be with a toddler, but Skyler was an absolute champ. She snacked, pointed at statues, and clapped when the group clapped. It was the kind of experience that made us feel like we really could travel around the world with a toddler.

The tour took us past Revolution Square, through the Old Town, and along some beautifully decorated streets already glowing with holiday lights. We didn’t expect the city to be so warm in attitude, but people smiled at Skyler, helped with doors, and never once gave us side-eye for traveling with a little one.

Is Romania Toddler-Friendly?

Yes, and surprisingly so.

We weren’t sure what to expect, but Bucharest ended up being a great place to explore with a toddler. Here’s what made it work for us:

• Stroller-friendly sidewalks in most major tourist areas
• Plenty of cafés and bakeries for snack breaks and warm-ups
• Friendly locals who smiled at Skyler and held doors open
• A relaxed city pace that made it easy to wander without a tight itinerary
• Lots of visual stimulation for little ones

Would I recommend Romania with a toddler? Absolutely. Especially if you’re comfortable with cool weather and enjoy history, walking, and low-pressure travel days.

Florida Toddler vs. Romanian Winter

I grew up in northern Vermont, so cold weather doesn’t scare me. My husband and daughter were both born and raised in Florida. Let’s just say their relationship with winter is complicated.

Thankfully, I knew what we were walking into. While we didn’t pack a traditional winter coat for Skyler, we brought full-body zip-up layers that kept her warm and toasty. This fleece-lined zip suit was a lifesaver. It was soft, warm, and easy to get on and off during diaper changes. We also packed a cozy hooded romper that doubled as pajamas on chilly nights, and a lightweight thermal bunting that worked great under the stroller blanket without overheating her indoors.

Accessories were key. We used this hat, mittens, and neck warmer set that stayed on surprisingly well, and we stocked up on bulk packs of basic mittens so we wouldn’t stress every time one went missing. We also brought a few fleece sleepers from one of our favorite kids’ brands that worked great for layering.

Skyler may have looked like a baby marshmallow, but she was comfortable, and that’s all that mattered.

What We Packed for Cold Weather With a Toddler

Here are the exact items that worked for us:

• Fleece-lined zip suit: breathable and warm
• Hooded romper: great for layering or sleeping
• Thermal bunting suit: stroller-friendly
• Hat, mittens & neck warmer set: cozy and secure
• Bulk mittens: perfect for layering and backup
• Fleece sleepers: our go-to for warmth and comfort

Toddlers and Travel Can Work

Romania surprised us in the best way. It wasn’t full of kid-specific attractions or playgrounds, but that didn’t matter. It was stroller-friendly, full of beauty, and had just enough coffee and pastry shops to keep the grown-ups going.

Skyler may not remember Bucharest, but we will never forget seeing it through her eyes. The wonder. The simplicity. The fact that she fell asleep right when we needed her to. It was the perfect start to our adventure of traveling around the world with a toddler.

Coming Up Next: Istanbul, Turkey

The first wedding of the trip, an unforgettable reunion with friends from our honeymoon, and a big toddler growth spurt in the middle of a Turkish winter.

Stay tuned for Part Two: A Wedding in Istanbul and a Toddler Growth Spurt (Coming Soon)

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