Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world. So, it’s not surprising that you want to bring children for this adventure. We’re sure you’ve prepared a whole itinerary for your visit to Qatar, and can’t wait to share these memories with the kids. But, before that, you should ensure that all the precautionary measures to keep your children safe are taken.
Here are the ultimate safety tips for traveling with children to Qatar.
Before the trip
Before you head off to enjoy the sunny days, beaches, and souqs, create a checklist with everything you need to bring to the airport. Mornings can get hectic, so make things easier by not having to remember everything. Here are some essentials:
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Valid passports and other documents (such as parental consent if the child is traveling without one parent)
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Travel insurance that will cover your entire stay
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Change of clothes for the children
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Entertainment to keep your kids busy while waiting, such as a phone or a tablet, a coloring book, and soft toys
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Chargers/power banks
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Solid snacks (granola bars, chips, crackers, etc.)
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Bandages, sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, medicine (if you or your child suffers from any health conditions, pack all the medical documents to prove that. Qatar has specific regulations regarding the medicine you can bring and how it has to be stored)
Pro tip: If you’re experiencing problems with your family visit visa, check out our guide that thoroughly explains the whole process. We also have an article on applying for a family residence visa.
On the airplane
Most airlines try to accommodate passengers with kids. For instance, at Qatar Airways, travelers can reserve a bassinet for a child under 11 kg. In addition, you can book a special meal for your child up to 24 hours before the flight. This is useful for picky eaters and kids with dietary restrictions. Turkish Airlines also has a kid's meal you can book in advance, and plenty of entertainment options.
And, here’s a tip for decreasing ear pressure during takeoffs and landings: infants and toddlers should either nurse or drink milk or water from a bottle to avoid the painful sensation in their ears. For older children, chewing gum or drinking water through a straw should help.
In the car
Renting a car in Qatar is a great way to visit all the places with your children without relying on public transportation. Just make sure you don’t leave the kids alone in the car, even for a few minutes. The temperature in a parked car can get as high as 55 degrees Celsius!
Furthermore, traffic in Qatar, especially in Doha, can be a bit hectic. So, check the congestion levels before embarking on a trip.
Finally, if you rent a car, make sure to have car seats for the kids. Also, all children under the age of ten have to sit in the back seat.
By the way, you can reserve a vehicle even before arriving in Qatar. The most popular rent-a-car services are the Dohacab and Al Muftah, with vehicle rentals being as low as QAR 100 a day, depending on the model.
At the apartment
If you’re traveling to Qatar with toddlers, we strongly recommend child-proofing the apartment.
For instance, if you booked a vacation on the first or any of the upper floors of the building, go to the balcony and check whether the fence is solid. Also, remove any chairs that your little ones could use to climb on and reach the railing.
Inside the apartment, look out for figurines made of glass or any other fragile material within the kids’ reach. Place those objects somewhat higher, to make sure they can’t grab them while playing.
Finally, if the bed is too high, move the bed closer to the wall on one side, and place some chairs and pillows on the other to prevent kids from falling while they’re asleep.
While exploring
Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenarios. But we need to prepare for those as well. So, here are some key safety tips for sightseeing with kids.
Prepare a first aid kit
Accidents can happen anytime when you’re traveling with kids to Qatar. Children are curious, and they will never admit that they feel tired, which makes them prone to cuts, bruises, and occasional head bumps.
So, prepare a small first aid kit that you’ll carry around Qatar. It should include items such as:
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Bandages
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Antiseptic
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Electric thermometer
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Pain relievers
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Antihistamine
Feel free to add anything else that would make you feel safer during the trip.
Wear ID bracelets
The latest kid accessory that’s also giving parents peace of mind is an ID bracelet. It can contain names, phone numbers of both parents, and other information such as allergies and other medical conditions the child has. If your child gets lost, they’ll get to you more easily once they find an adult to help them.
If you haven’t brought ID bracelets to Qatar, you can order them online. On average, they’re priced around QAR 20.
Teach your kids to find a safe adult
Explain to your children what they should do if they get lost. For starters, instruct them to always look out for people in uniforms. Policemen will help the child locate you fast.
However, in case they can’t find an adult in uniform, advise your children to approach families with kids.
Call 999
You can reach the Qatari emergency service easily by dialing 999. If you aren’t able to find your children, call them and ask for somebody who speaks English. Explain what your kids look like, and send the latest photos you have of them.
At the beach
Qatar has amazing beaches, and visiting them will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of experiencing Qatar. Here are some of the finest family-friendly beaches with kid slides and even playgrounds you can visit:
Even if they do know how to swim, keep an eye on them at all times. Make sure that the kids are wearing brightly-colored swimsuits, so you can spot them more easily. Avoid blue swimsuits, as they just blend with water, and make it harder to find your little ones.
Finally, at least one adult should be in the water while the kids are swimming.
Don’t forget to have fun
As parents, it’s way too easy for us to slip into worrying too much and taking too many precautionary steps.
So, somewhere between childproofing the apartment and instructing your kids what to do in case they get lost, remember to have fun.
You are creating core memories with your kids right now, enjoy it.
