Buying your Baby and Toddler Food, Formula and Nappies in Austria

Breastfeeding & Powdered Formula

Breastfeeding publicly is acceptable in Austria and is widely promoted.

You will be able to find Aptamil and Hipp Organic formula in most supermarkets and large pharmacies. You will also be able to find hungry baby products however the pre made formula is only for younger babies. Agrana, Holle and Gittis are local trusted brands.

You will also find formula, food, nappies (pampers and huggies are widely available), wipes, sterilizing equipment and other baby essentials. The baby food selection is excellent and you will find kids menus in most restaurants. Supermarkets and pharmacies also stock snacks, puree, yoghurts and cereals for babies and toddlers.

Family Accommodation in Austria

Most hotels in Austria will accommodate parents with babies, toddlers and young kids. Cots and high chairs are readily available. Kinder hotels are a great option for families. These hotels are specially designed for kids under 4 and offer kids clubs, baby food, toys and everything you could possibly need for travelling with little ones. Kinder hotels tend to be located close to ski resorts. During the summer, you can hike and cycle and during the winter months, you can ski and enjoy a variety of winter sports.

Strollers and Slings

You might want to bring a smaller fold up stroller for older children however a good, solid stroller is very handy in the evenings to allow your baby or toddler to sleep comfortably when you eat out. When in larger cities, a backpack stroller can be very useful if you are using the U Bahn (subway) and other forms of public transport a lot. Remember to bring a sun shade or a parasol and blackout covers are fantastic if you will be out and about a lot as they allow your child to sleep more easily. For information on slings and strollers click here.

Sleeping Soundly

You should bring a grow bag if your baby or toddler is used to them. Some children sleeping with blankets for the first time wriggle around at night and may get cold. The cots offered by 4 and 5 star hotels are usually good quality travel cots with sheets and a baby duvet or blanket on them. Make sure to check first to see if a hotel has a crib before booking (most online booking sites will say whether cots are available). When hotel staff set up a travel cot make sure that it is done correctly as if it is not it could buckle when you put your child in. Also, check the crib is generally clean and safe by moving it around a bit and if it is not right ask for another. For Tips on sleeping soundly abroad click here.

Travel Safety

Taxis in Austria will have a seat belt in the back if you plan to bring your own car seat however this may be cumbersome and you can also arrange to hire a taxi with a car seat if you will only be using a taxi for airport transfers (See getting around). For a guide to Austrian car seat laws click here and for further information on keeping your child safe while travelling, click here.

Using Hotel Babysitting Services

Using a babysitter abroad is not be for everyone but it is your decision. Most good hotels in Austria will offer babysitting services with experienced babysitters. For information on using babysitting services when abroad and a checklist of questions to ask a babysitter click here.

Health & Wellbeing

There are mosquitos during the summer in some parts of Austria although there have been no reports of malaria.

Dressing for the Weather

During the summer months you will need to bring a parasol or some other type of sunshade as it can get quite hot. If you are driving, travel window shades are also a good idea. Sun block is also a must for babies over 6 months.

If you are visiting in winter, remember to wrap little ones up well. It is okay to take baby out in the cold as long as it’s not uncomfortably chilly or windy and you don’t stay out too long. Kids younger than 2 are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, so be cautious. When in doubt, stay in, particularly if your child is under 6 months as young babies cannot regulate their temperature and can lose heat quickly. Dress your child in layers and if younger than 12 months add an extra layer or two than you would need. A hat is a must, and be sure to protect your child’s fingers and toes also. He or she will also need waterproof boots once walking. If his or her lips have turned blue, or they have a pale nose, fingertips, or ears, they might be too cold or they could be too hot if the back of his neck feels warm or sweaty, cheeks are flushed, or a bumpy rash develops on the chest or tummy. Also beware if he or she starts acting fussy or lethargic. Everything will be fine as long as you keep warm and to spend time doing indoor activities so as not to let your little one get too cold such as visiting museums, swimming or visiting other historical sights.

First Aid

A good first aid kit is essential for any trip abroad. For more information on putting together a first aid kit, click here.

Travel Insurance

If travelling from the UK and Ireland you should ensure that you and each family member travelling has either the European Health Insurance Card or private health insurance. Irish residents can apply for the card through the HSE and UK residents can apply here . This card allows you to get health care covered by the public health system in Germany. If you have previously applied for a card make sure that it is in date before you travel. Travel insurance should be taken out if you are covered by private healthcare however check your policy as it may offer you some cover while overseas. The European Emergency number is 112 where you will get English speaking operators who can direct your call to the appropriate emergency response services.

Pharmacies

Most pharmacists speak English well and if your child is unwell they may be able to direct you to a doctor or hospital.

Consular Services

Contact your consular service or embassy if you have been a victim of crime, arrested on suspicion of committing a crime, if you or anyone in your family has a serious illness, experience the unexpected death of a partner or spouse and for help with repatriation after a crisis. Consular offices also provide help in the case of a lost or stolen passport.