Stockholm

Holidays by Destination Europe Sweden Stockholm Attitudes to Children 

The city is well geared up for families. Public spaces are particularly good but even smart restaurants take children entirely in their stride.

One point to bear in mind however is that children are not nearly as protected as in the UK and north America. The waterfronts are largely without barriers and children are expected to show sense when playing. At Junebacken for example (see Where to Go) the play area next to the caf? includes real hammers and real nails - parents expected to supervise.

Play

There are play areas in Vasa Park, R?lambshov Park and Stora Blecktorn Park (S?dermalm). In addition some parks have a system called ‘parklecar' (park games) where children can borrow toys, sports equipment and bikes for free. In addition there are play areas in many museums (see Where to Go).

Baby Changing Facilities

Found in most public places, including trains, where both male and female toilets provide baby changing facilities. There is even a baby change facility in the ticket hall of the Arlanda Express train to the airport. If by any chance there is no baby change facility, for example in a restaurant, there is generally a spacious disabled lavatory (rarely other than perfectly clean) which can be used instead.

Buggies

Access is extremely good with ramps suitable for both wheelchairs and buggies on most steps in public spaces. The city's 'kneeling' buses along with many other services have been created specifically with prams in mind and an area halfway down the bus has been set aside for them. Prams are available for hire at Bonti, Vidargatan 9, (08) 30 69 16.

However, fire regulations mean than internal doors are heavy and external ones even heavier (hard for smaller children to shift unaided) which makes them difficult to negotiate with a buggy unaided.

In winter locals seem to favour prams rather than buggies as these offer more protection for the child. If using a buggy consider taking a plastic cover against bad weather. For little ones in winter a sling is probably a better option, offering more protection and better insulation (plus extra warmth for the carrying adult).

Breastfeeding

According to the Swedish Breastfeeding Institute rates of exclusive breastfeeding were around 40% in 1995 and in total around 70%, with levels increasing each year. This makes it the norm for the majority of mothers and we found it easily done absolutely everywhere we went.

Babysitting

Only offered by the larger hotels, which use outside contacts for this. In general it appears to be more expected that you take the children with you.

Baby Stuff

The easiest places to buy are the central supermarkets such as the one in the basement of Ahlens department store near the central station. Sample prices are 69kr for Unique 34 nappies for 4-9kg, 129kr for 42 Pampers Active Fit Junior, and 87kr for 46 Libero 3-6kg.
The main brands of food available are Semper and Findus, the Nestle subsidiary. A spaghetti and tomato pot is 9.50kr from both Semper and Findus.
Formula appears to be largely that supplied by Findus (Nestle) with enough for three litres for four months plus 52.50kr, also available in pharmacies.