Travel Guide: Navigating Nanjing with Infants and Toddlers

Traveling with a baby in Nanjing? Here’s what you need to know about finding mother-and-baby rooms (母婴室) in public spaces. As a family-friendly destination, Nanjing has made strides in recent years to accommodate young travelers, but amenities can vary. Let’s break down the essentials for hassle-free trips with infants.

Are Mother-and-Baby Rooms Common in Nanjing?

Yes—but preparation helps. Major transportation hubs like Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Nanjing South Railway Station prioritize family needs. Both feature dedicated rooms with diaper-changing tables, private seating, and electrical outlets for pumping. Airports often have signs in both Chinese and English, while train stations may rely on Chinese text; downloading a translation app or saving key phrases can ease navigation.

For daily life, shopping malls such as Deji Plaza or Jinling Tower typically include quiet, clean spaces equipped with hot water dispensers and baby-changing tables. However, smaller restaurants or older attractions (e.g., historic temples) might lack facilities, so plan accordingly.

How Family-Friendly Are Nanjing’s Top Attractions?

Nanjing’s iconic sites are working to improve accessibility. At The Ming City Wall and Xuanwu Lake Park, you’ll find basic changing areas near restrooms. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum offers stroller-friendly paths but no dedicated母婴室—pack a portable changing pad as a backup.

A standout is Nanjing Red Mountain Zoo, which combines animal exhibits with child-centric amenities. Here,母婴室 are labeled in English and stocked with disposable mats. For cultural experiences, Confucius Temple (夫子庙) provides母婴室 near its main hall, though crowds during peak hours may limit privacy.

What About Hospitals and Healthcare?

Nanjing’s hospitals are a safety net for families. Jinling Hospital and Nanjing Children’s Hospital have 24⁄7 emergency care with multilingual staff. Most facilities offer private rooms for mothers and nursing areas. To avoid language barriers, note that “medical help” (医疗帮助) and “baby formula” (婴儿配方奶粉) are useful phrases to know.

For minor needs, pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy (found in chains like Yonghe) stock baby essentials, though specialized items (e.g., organic snacks) may require supermarkets like Olé or RT-Mart.

Beyond Diaper Duties: Extra Tips for Families

Nanjing isn’t just about survival—it’s about creating memories! Rent strollers at Xubei Bus Station or request lightweight ones at upscale hotels. Many parks have shaded playgrounds, and restaurants often provide high chairs or kid-sized portions.

For stress-free transit, use the Nanjing Metro. Lines 1 and 2 (connecting airports, downtown, and tourist spots) have elevators and priority seating. Download the Metro Union App for real-time updates.

Final Tip: Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

While Nanjing is improving, gaps exist. Use apps like Baidu Maps (with English settings) to locate母婴室 pre-visit. Pack a mini first-aid kit, reusable bibs, and snacks. Most importantly: Embrace Nanjing’s blend of history and modernity—its neighborhoods, like Wuyishe (乌衣巷), offer peaceful strolls perfect for little ones.

With these insights, your trip to Nanjing can be both enriching and manageable. Safe travels!