Traveling with Kids in Morocco

Having been inspired by DeliciousBaby, a great blog with tips about traveling with kids, we present to you Morocco with Kids. The information in these guides comes from various ex-pat moms living in each of the different cities. Part One in our series on Traveling with Kids in Morocco focuses on general tips about traveling here with kids.

The other parts in the series are:

1. Tips for Traveling in Marrakesh with Kids
2. Tips for Traveling in Rabat with Kids
3. Tips for Traveling in Meknes with Kids

Here are there results:

1. Snacks: Morocco for all its greatness is not your beacon of variety as far as food options. Most cafes offer more or less the same things: paninis, pizzas, tagines, spaghetti and omlettes. Restaurants will branch out a bit (depending on the restaurant). Several of the moms we talked to recommended by some snack foods at Marjane and keeping those with you as you travel around Morocco.

2. Infant/Toddler Carriers: The streets of the Medina are not stroller friendly. If you are trying to navigate them with a stroller you are in for a headache. Mom’s recommended products like Baby Bjorn or Ergo Baby Carriers as the best way to travel with kids in Morocco. If not, make sure your stroller has big wheels and is made for navigating rough terrain.

3. Kids Cups: Cafes and restaurants in Morocco typically only have glass glasses and cups. If you want to avoid this, bring your own sippy cups for your kids.

4. Diapers/Wipes: Decent quality diapers and wipes are readily available in Morocco. Marjane, grocery stores, and many hanuts have Pampers and wipes on hand.

5. Formula: Most of the formulas available in Morocco are laden with sugar. Similac is available without sugar. You can get it a pharmacy.

6. Baby Food: Same problem as the formula, laden with sugars. If you want to feed your child baby food, bring it from home. Fruits and veggies are abundant in Morocco and cheap, so depending on where you are staying you might give a try at making your own baby food.

7. Medical Care: Check your embassy website, and you may need to call the embassy for info, but most embassies have recommended doctors or doctors they have relationships with.

8. Cribs/Baby Beds: Many hotels and riads will offer baby beds, just ask the property. Quality of those beds vary drastically, so that is an option to think through.

9. Kid-Friendly Culture: Morocco is a super kid friendly culture, and people hear love children. The noise and rambunctiousness of children is considered normal in most Moroccan establishments. In riads, it can sometimes be a different story, as they are trying to cater to many different types of clients in a small space. So it is always good to ask before you come. You can also check out our list of riads that have identified themselves as family friendly riads.One thing that can be a bit strange for Westerners is that Moroccans will often come up and kiss your baby/child on the cheek, or want to hold and play with your baby/child. Our advice is that you do what you feel comfortable with, but just know that it is a part of the culture in Morocco, and is a normal activity.

10. Baby Chairs/Booster Seats: Most restaurants don’t have booster seats or baby chairs. You can have your child sit on your lap, or one product that has been helpful for families with kids is the inflatable booster seat.

11. Strollers- If you want to use a stroller, go with the umbrella kind. They are lightweight and easy to fold up. This is a good solution when you are walking around someplace and you need to carry your stroller.

12. Hats/Cold Gear- As we said before, Moroccan culture is very kid friendly. As a part of this, Moroccans will watch out for your kids needs regarding temperature and sun exposure. If you get advice while out and about concerning the need for a hat for your child in the sun, or more clothes in light of a chill in the air, just know that you are being cared for, even if it is a bit of a cultural difference.

13. Car Seats/Taxis-There is no car seat law in Morocco (at least that we have seen enforced). What this means is that in a taxi, your child will not need a car seat. If you rent a car, be sure to inquire whether a car seat as available. Also, in taxis, the maximum the small taxis can hold is three people besides the driver. Your child, no matter their age is included in this number, so your family may need to travel in separate taxis.

14. Peanut Butter: Is there peanut butter? Yes. Most Marjane’s have it, is is Jessy’s Brand and it is located in the section with Nutella and the like.

15. Hand Sanitizer/TP: Not all bathrooms will have soap or toilet paper. We recommened hand sanitizer and bring your own TP.

16. Don’t Expect Kid Friendly Fixtures in Hotels/Riads: Fixtures in Morocco are not kid friendly. Awkward steps, railings, hard tile floors, are the norm. Many riads don’t offer bathtubs as well. So be prepared to get a little creative in making your room safe for your child.

17. Enjoy Morocco!: In the end, these tips are to help you get the most out of your experience and to have the best time with your family possible. All the parents we interviewed have traveled extensively with their young children in Morocco and have enjoyed their experiences. So have fun!