The Left Bank area (which includes Saint-Germain Des Pres and the Latin Quarter) and The Opera District are excellent locations to base yourself as they are close to all the major sites thus minimising the need for taxis and public transportation. There are a number of baby friendly hotels in Paris and choosing a location which makes walking to the major sites possible will save you from having to use the Metro. If you like walking then most of Paris’s most famous sites are accessible from here.

When choosing accommodation in Paris, bear in mind that hotel rooms tend to be very small. Apartments are an excellent option as they allow you space to spread out and provide you with a room where your baby can sleep while you relax in the evenings. You can find family friendly apartments from Paris Attitude, Airbnb and Owners Direct. Other great options include Friendly Rentals Apartments which can be found in Saint Germain, Montmartre, Notre Dame and Saint Michel. Friendly rentals have a local office and offer full equipped apartments and cots are available on request.

If you do opt for a hotel, it might be a good idea if booking online to call the hotel after booking and confirm your reservation and ensure that there will be a cot in the room and ask for a larger room if possible. St Germain des Pres is an excellent base for a holiday in Paris with a baby and only a 5 minute walk from Boulevard St Michel and the Latin Quarter and is a 10 minute walk from the Musee d’Orsay, the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Jardin de Tuileries and the Louvre. It is also close to Notre Dame. There is a metro line which will take you all the way to the Eiffel Tower also which you can take from the St Michel Station.

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés is pricey but is a very baby friendly hotel which is  centrally located in the Saint-Michel area on the banks of the Seine opposite the Pont Neuf. Another good option in this area is Hotel de Buci which is located close to cafes and restaurants and is a short walk from many of Paris’s most famous landmarks.  There is also a Best Western Hotel close to the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter which offers family friendly rooms.

The Best Western Paris Louvre Opera is located near the main shopping area of the city and also a short walk from the Louvre and the Jardin De Tuileries and the Louvre. This is a 3 star hotel and is moderately priced. It is baby friendly and offers cots but the rooms may be small.

La Réserve Paris is a luxury five star hotel and spa located  in the Invalides District, close to the Eiffel Tower. It offers high chairs, monitors, changing mats and baby food on request and there are hotel rooms as well as apartments available.

For a useful guide to travelling in Paris with kids please see http://www.timeout.com/paris/en/kids .