Essential Umrah Tips with Kids
Planning to perform Umrah with your children can be a deeply spiritual yet challenging experience. Walking is a big part of Umrah, so it’s essential to prepare your kids ahead of time. Talk to them about the journey and build their excitement by sharing its significance and rewards. My 8-year-old daughter, for instance, didn’t complain during Umrah because she was mentally prepared and eager to participate. Once back at the hotel, let them relax with some screen time or their favorite activity as a reward for their effort.
To keep kids engaged during long activities, involve them in meaningful conversations. Ask what they think about the surroundings or share stories about the history of Umrah to spark their curiosity. You can also play observing games, like spotting colors or landmarks, to make the journey enjoyable and keep their minds off the length of the distance.
planning is key to ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey for both you and your little ones. Here are seven practical tips to make your Umrah journey easier with kids.This planning also consists choosing months of Umrah also, Ramadhan Umrah is already very rushy and demand extra effort. Similarly if u choose december or january months for your Holy trip thenits again chellenging.
1. Bring a Pram or Baby Stroller
Walking long distances is obvious during Umrah, as you’ll have to cover approximately 1–2 kilometers daily, depending on your package. If you are performing Umrah with Baby, a baby stroller can be a lifesaver for parents with toddlers. However, if you cannot manage or afford a stroller, wheelchairs are readily available in most hotel lobbies. Simply submit a copy of your documents, pay the necessary fee, and you can even take the wheelchair to your room.
Tips for Managing Without a Stroller
- Opt for hotel-provided wheelchairs: These are easy to rent and ensure your child’s comfort.
- Pack lightweight carriers: For younger babies, a soft baby carrier can also be convenient.
2. Keep Children’s Favorites in Your Hand Carry
Children can easily get bored during long hours of worship. Keep their favorite items in your hand-carry bags to keep them entertained.
Suggested Umrah Essentials for Engagement of kids
- Coloring books, crayons, and stickers
- Small toys or puzzles
- Storybooks or activity pads
3. Pack Snacks for Convenience
Children often feel hungry, and the shops near the Haram are quite far and expensive. Pack dry snacks and other food items to avoid hunger-induced tantrums.
Snacks to Carry
- Biscuits, chips, and crackers
- Cereals and dry milk for toddlers under one year
- Small bowls and spoons for easy feeding
This will save both time and money, as snacks near the Haram can be costly.
4. Don’t Forget a Medicine Box
Children are more susceptible to climate changes, and the journey can sometimes cause exhaustion or minor illnesses. Be prepared with a medicine box containing all prescribed medications.
Must-Have Medicines
- Stomach and diarrhea medications
- Remedies for flu and throat infections
- Pain relief and fever reducers
Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals during the initial days to prevent stomach issues for both adults and kids.
5. Choose Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothing is essential, especially for children. The weather can shift between hot and cold as you move between air-conditioned areas and outdoor spaces.
Clothing Tips
- Opt for full-sleeve cotton clothes to balance the temperature.
- Avoid jeans, hard fabrics, and short-sleeved shirts.
- For December Umrah, pack warm clothes like jackets, socks, and sweatshirts.
Adults can refer to our previous blog on What to Wear Under Abaya and a detailed guide on Comfortable Shoes for Umrah.
6. Ensure Enough Sleep
Children tire more quickly than adults, and a lack of rest can lead to illness and irritability. The most advisable Umrah Guide is to allow your kids to have their full naps to keep them refreshed and healthy. A well-rested child is more likely to cooperate, allowing you to focus on your worship.
7. Use Safety Measures
If you’re worried about losing your child in the crowd, there are excellent safety measures in place.
Safety Wristband Devices in Masjid e Haram Makkah
The wristband is designed to display the child’s name along with the contact numbers of their parents. This practical feature ensures that authorities or concerned individuals can easily reach out to the parents in case the child gets separated, providing peace of mind and enhanced safety in crowded or unfamiliar places.
At the entrance gates of the Haram, you can use a device to register your child’s name, surname, and phone number. The machine will provide a bracelet with a barcode containing this information. For added convenience, ask the staff to write in Arabic.
If your child gets separated from you, the authorities can easily contact you using the information on the bracelet. Rest assured, Makkah is a safe place, but taking precautions is always wise.
Free Childcare Service in Madinah near Gate # 339
In Madinah, a free daycare center has been opened in the courtyard of Masjid al-Nabawi. You can leave your children here for 1–2 hours daily while you engage in worship. They have games inside for children, Quran lessons ,slides and much more for children’s interest.
Key Details About the Daycare
- Operating hours: 9 AM to 10 PM (registration between 5 AM and 9 PM).
- Age limit: Girls aged 3–9, boys aged 3–6.
- Facilities: Toys, slides, balls, free meals, and Quran lessons.
- Location: Near Gate 339, accessible from Women’s Gate 26 of the Haram.
This safe and engaging facility allows parents to focus on their worship without worry.
8. Age Criteria for Performing Umrah
For families preparing for Umrah, understanding the age limits is crucial. In Islam, the pilgrimage is only fully accepted once an individual reaches puberty or maturity, known as Baligh. Although younger children can participate in the rituals, their Umrah is officially valid after they attain the required age. Many airlines consider children under 2 years as infants, allowing them to sit on a parent’s lap, while those aged 2 to 12 need a separate seat and often enjoy discounted fares.
Similarly, Umrah packages often provide reduced rates for children in this age range, making it easier for families to plan. Hotels in Makkah and Madinah frequently allow children under 12 to stay free or with discounted rates, especially when sharing a room with their parents. However, obtaining an Umrah visa or tourist visa is restricted to individuals over the age of 18. These measures ensure a cost-effective journey for families while maintaining a smooth experience for everyone involved.
9. Packing Essentials for Umrah with Small Children
Traveling for Umrah with a baby or kid requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth journey. a guide of Umrah Essential is already published but One of the most essential items while packing for Kids is a stroller or a sling, especially during long waits at airports like Jeddah or Madina, where you may feel tired due to extended transit times. If your child’s age is less than 2 years or up to 36 months, opting for a sling instead of a stroller can be more practical for easier movement.
Additionally, packing the right clothing is crucial. The airplane atmosphere can be extremely cold, so dress your baby in thick clothes with long-sleeved options or use double layers to keep them warm and comfortable. For outdoor activities, especially during the summer season, carry sunblock, a lightweight umbrella, and moisturizer to protect your child and yourself from the rays of the Sun, particularly during Zuhur time or noon time. This strategic packing not only makes the journey easier but also ensures your kid stays safe and comfortable throughout the sacred trip.
10. Performing Umrah with a 3 year old: What Parents Should Know
When planning to perform Umrah with a kid under the age of 7, it’s important for parents to take extra care and keep some key precautions in mind. Although there is no restriction on bringing a child to perform Umrah, guardians should be mindful of several things. The first step is to ensure the child is safe and comfortable throughout the entire journey. You should always remember to keep the child away from all things that are forbidden while in the Ihram. This includes avoiding activities or actions that break the sacred state of Ihram.
Since the child is not yet at the age of pubescence, the rules for Umrah do not fully apply, but parents must still keep the child away from any actions or behavior that might interfere with the sacredness of the experience. This means maintaining the child’s comfort and ensuring they do not disrupt the Ihram state. The experience should remain spiritually meaningful, not just for the child but also for the parents, by ensuring that the journey is handled with care and reverence.
