Baby milk on holiday in Italy
Some UK known brands have an equivalent in Italy, such as Cow and Gate,
which is known as Mellin in Italy, however, Mellin can be extremely
expensive. You are advised to check the contents of any milk or food product before
giving to your baby. There are mineral
waters available suitable for making up bottles. Baby
juice is available from a number of brands.
Have a look at our information on using Italian supermarkets to be fully
prepared for the experience.| In the UK: | In Italy: | Buy it from: |
| Aptamil | Aptamil | Bennet, Il
Gigante, Despar/Spar, Esselunga, Pharmacies |
| Cow and gate | Mellin | Despar/Spar, Pharmacies |
| Heinz | Not known to be available | |
| Hipp | Not known to be available | |
| SMA | Not known to be available | |
| Others baby milk brands available in Italy: | Buy it from: | |
| Nestle Nidina | Bennet, Il Gigante, Despar/Spar, Esselunga, Pharmacies |
|
| Miltina | Pharmacies | |
| Nipiol | Pharmacies | |
| Bebevita | Esselunga | |
Whole milk is known as interno.
Water and Other drinks
The tap water in Italy is safe to drink, though as in other European countries, the taste may differ to that in the UK and different mineral content, can cause mild stomach upsets. If you use mineral water, use a low sodium one. Look for types low in 'sodio' or 'Na' on the analysis box on the bottle.Baby juice is called succhi in Italy are available from the following brands: mellin, nipiol, lasmon and others.
Using Italian Supermarkets
Days of opening are mixed, with some opening every day and some Monday to Saturday and only on selected Sundays.You will often need a euro or 50 cents coin to use a trolley. Most supermarkets have trolleys with baby seats.
When buying fruit and veg, you'll find that some items will be ready priced and others require bagging and weighing, either on self service scales or hand them to a centrally placed assistant who weighs them. You will be required to wear the plastic disposable gloves provided when picking up your fruit and vegetables.
There is a mix of bag policies so you may have to buy carrier bags at the check out (or take your own of course).