Switzerland

Holidays by Destination Europe Switzerland Attitudes to Childern 

Switzerland is not at first sight a prime destination for children. The attitudes which made the country the last in Europe to give women the vote might be expected to prefer children firmly at home with mother. However, things are changing. While the cities are probably still best seen as day trip options, there is more and more for children to do in the countryside, and children do get half price entry to most museums for example.

Play Areas

Found in resorts, particularly those looking to cater to families.

Breastfeeding

Attitudes are broadly similar to the UK. While some are staunchly pro breastfeeding, there are also conservative traditionalists who don't feel it appropriate in public.

Buggy Access

Given that this is the kind of place where wheelchair access is increasingly expected, buggy access should also be good for example into public buildings. Tourist Offices can also often offer ideas of local paths and walks which would be suitable with a buggy. However, in older, smaller towns you may well find narrower roads/pavements, making it a little harder to get around. Newer trains offer steps which are at the same level as the platform, making it easier to get on and off with a buggy.

Nappy Changing

While you may find facilities for this in institutions and the places marketed as family-friendly, they are not universal.

Babysitting

This is generally offered in the family-friendly hotels. Details of whether resorts operate nurseries are listed in the tourist office publications Summer in Switzerland: What to Do and Where. It is worth noting that given the heavy preponderance of German visitors, most childcare will tend to be German-speaking to cater for these and locals, unless in French-speaking areas in which case it will generally be in French.
The English language information line Anglo-Phone 157-5014 in Switzerland (SF2.13 per minute), can help finding an English-speaking babysitter.

Baby Stuff

Formula (Nestle is of course Swiss but organic options are growing in popularity) is available in chemists and as usual more cheaply from supermarkets (Migros is probably the largest brand). Similarly you will find nappies in either kind of outlet.