How Deseasonalization of Italy’s Tourism Benefits Baby-Toting Families

Imagine sun-soaked vineyards, winding cobblestone streets, and quaint terracotta rooftops. Italy is a living canvas with centuries of history still echoing from every nook and cranny. 

Sadly, overtourism has taken over this country in recent years. For instance, the picturesque Florence hosted around 7.8 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024. A steep rise in vacation rentals is pushing locals out of their homes. 

The situation is dire as the ancient streets swell with foot traffic, and selfie sticks rise above the heads in a restless swarm. It’s come to a point where strict measures like a tourist tax and a ban on loudspeakers are being implemented. 

Another proposed solution is the strategic deseasonalization of tourism. This may be a promising step, especially for families traveling with little ones. This article will look at the three main benefits baby-toting families can derive from the deseasonalization of Italy’s tourism. 

Fewer Crowds 

The busiest months in Italy are July and August. The peak season contributed around 215 billion euros to Italy’s economy in 2023. While that is good, the crowds may be a problem for baby-toting families in particular. 

Babies generally do not enjoy crowds, where loud noise and limited space are the norm. Dr. Alexis Phillips-Walker, a pediatrician at Atascocita Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics, shares that babies do become overstimulated. When that happens, they may get fussy and cry a lot. 

It’s a sign that the child is overwhelmed by their environment: the sounds and sensations. Even scenarios that are low-pressure for adults may be overstimulating for babies. 

Italy’s strategic tourism deseasonalization aims at spreading visitor numbers evenly throughout the year. This means the summer months will not be as concentrated with tourists. 

The fewer crowds at all the popular attractions will lead to shorter lines and wait times. This means families can accommodate strict nap or feeding schedules while they’re out and about. Moreover, the lower headcount will make it easier to navigate with strollers. Infants will not feel overwhelmed by the crowds and people, thereby staying calmer and content. 

Such a benefit matters because Italy’s winter months (or off-season period) may be too harsh for a baby’s developing immune system. Shorter daylight hours do not leave much room for sightseeing opportunities, which is why summer is still the preferred time for tourism.

Better Availability of Baby Gear and Supplies 

Another negative impact of Italy’s overtourism that only baby-toting families tend to discover is the limited availability of baby gear and supplies. The annual birth rates in Italy may be headed to an all-time low, but it’s offset by the tourists who outnumber the locals. 

For instance, Venice’s 50,000 residents are now “fed up” with the daily influx of nearly 140,000 visitors. If even one-third of these numbers include infants, it would be enough to create baby gear shortages in peak tourist areas. 

Plus, the concoction of limited supply and high demand only leads to inflated prices of baby items. Families may find it challenging to buy diapers, baby formulas, feeding bottles, etc., promptly. Deseasonalization may help the country maintain more consistent stock levels and keep prices reasonable. 

However, certain supplies may be limited, in and out of season, despite the deseasonalization. One example is donor milk for infants. An increasing number of parents are feeding their babies donor milk due to health risks associated with formulas. TorHoerman Law discusses how infants fed with Enfamil and Similac baby formulas developed a gastrointestinal condition called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). 

As the baby formula lawsuit emphasized the benefits of human milk, many parents view donor milk as a safer and more natural alternative. Enfamil and Similac may not be available across Italy’s local stores and pharmacies. However, it’s unlikely that families feeding donor milk will suddenly switch to formula feeding, no matter the brand. 

Italy has a limited number of milk banks, and donor milk is a tightly regulated product. Families need to contact beforehand to check for availability, or they may experience a shortage regardless of deseasonalization. 

Enhanced Health and Hygiene 

Some of the most heavily visited cities of Italy include Rome, Venice, and Florence. The state of these culturally rich cities is so poor today that you can find litter on the streets. What happened to the pristine look of the country that Italians were so proud of? 

It looks like over-tourism has left its ugly marks all over the place. Health and hygiene are significantly impacted, with increased strain on sanitation systems, water quality issues, and air quality concerns. Naturally, the risk of disease spread is high, especially in crowded public spaces and transportation. 

In terms of health, even adults are not safe at this rate. The risk only increases among babies, as pointed out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those younger than six months are highly susceptible to contracting serious flu-related conditions. 

Since babies’ immune systems are different from adults, there’s no telling about the effects of a particular germ or disease. With strategic deseasonalization, Italy’s authorities can make public spaces cleaner and safer for tourists, especially the youngest travelers. 

Baby feeding and changing stations will be more sanitary, and the smaller crowds will reduce germ exposure. This does not take away from parental responsibility but adds another layer of protection. 

The overall safety of infants will also depend on carrying essential supplies, using baby-safe sanitizers, avoiding peak hours, and choosing baby-friendly accommodations. It’s equally important to have knowledge of local pediatric clinics for emergency purposes. 

Italy’s glory, one that is untouched by crowd and clutter, is something every local is anticipating. In that sense, deseasonalization is not merely a strategy, but an invitation to experience Italy in its natural rhythm. 

For families with babies, a quieter Italy is a gift. Any change is welcome, given the current state of overtourism. That’s the only way to preserve the country’s rich heritage and make it more hospitable for its youngest visitors. 

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