Umrah with children
Practical guide:
Umrah with children
Everything you need to know to prepare for and experience this spiritual journey as a family.
Taking your children on Umrah is an immense spiritual gift, and a journey that requires a different kind of preparation. This completely free guide, accessible at any time, addresses the practical and logistical aspects specific to families, so you can focus on what truly matters.
From what age can you take your child?
There is no legal or religious minimum age for Umrah. The decision rests with the parents, taking into account the child's health, the heat at the destination, and their ability to cope with the journey and crowds.
Possible, but demanding. The heat, crowds, and long walks are difficult to manage. Recommended only for experienced and very well-organized parents.
Typical age for a first trip. The child retains memories, can walk part of the journey and begins to understand the meaning of the trip.
Ideal. The child is able to walk, follow the steps and experience the journey in a more conscious and spiritual way.
⚠️ Consult your doctor before departure, especially for infants and children with specific medical conditions. Also, check Saudi Arabia's vaccination requirements based on age.
Prepare for the trip
- Book aisle seats to facilitate frequent movement.
- Night flights are often more suitable: children sleep more easily.
- Plan some quiet activities for the flight (books, drawing, screen-free games).
- Bring along the child's usual snacks.
- Children under 2 years old usually travel on a parent's lap. A separate seat is more comfortable for a long flight.
- Choose a hotel close to the Haram (less than 800m) to limit travel with children.
- Check that the hotel has a crib or an extra bed.
- An apartment or family suite with a kitchenette is a real comfort: being able to prepare a bottle or a simple meal at any time is invaluable.
- Inquire about the availability of a games area for rest periods.
The child's bag at the Haram
For each visit to the Haram, prepare a small bag specifically for the child. Here's what it should contain:
- Bottle of water (filled with Zamzam water on site)
- Light and mess-free snacks
- Lightweight stroller or baby carrier
- Change of clothes
- Diapers/changes if needed
- Sunscreen (for outdoor use)
- Usual medications
- Small toy or quiet book
- Plastic bag for shoes
- Identification bracelet (see below)
The Tawaf and the Sa'i with children
- The upper floors (1st and 2nd) are much less crowded and highly recommended with children.
- If you have a stroller, use the ramps to access the floors; they are clearly marked.
- The ground floor (mataf) is very crowded: best avoided with young children, especially during peak hours.
- A baby carrier of the sling or pre-formed type is often more practical than a stroller in a crowd.
- A child's Tawaf is valid even if carried by an adult.
- The Sa'i corridor (between Safa and Marwa) is wide and air-conditioned, easier to manage than around the Kaaba.
- Electric wheelchairs (golf carts) are available and often accept a child with the parent.
- Bring water and some snacks for children who will be walking part of the way.
Security and prevention of separation
The crowds at the Haram can be overwhelming, even outside of Ramadan. Separating a child is a parent's number one worry. Here's how to prepare:
This is the most important measure. Before entering the Haram, write on a bracelet (or a tag attached to your clothing):
- The child's first and last name
- A relative's Saudi phone number (including the country code +966)
- The name of the hotel
- Define a fixed meeting point before each entry into the mosque (e.g., door no. 79, under the minaret).
- Teach your child to stay put and to ask a security guard (recognizable by their uniforms) for help if separated.
- Take a picture of your child every morning before the visit, so you will have a recent image with their clothes of the day.
- Never leave a child alone, even briefly.
Managing pace and fatigue
Jet lag and prayer times quickly disrupt children's routines. A few adjustments can help limit fatigue:
- Start slightly adjusting the child's sleep schedule a few days before departure.
- If necessary, alternate with prayers at the hotel to allow the child to rest.
- The best times to go to the Haram with children are early morning (after Fajr) or mid-afternoon, when the crowd is less dense and the heat more bearable.
- Plan some free time during the day: a nap at the hotel is sometimes more valuable than an extra visit.
- Children absorb the spiritual atmosphere even without understanding all the rituals, so don't put pressure on yourself to explain everything to them.
⚠️ The heat in Mecca can exceed 40°C in summer. Keep children hydrated, protect them from the sun in outdoor spaces, and avoid going out during the hottest hours (12pm–4pm).
Explaining Umrah to children
Children enjoy a trip more when they understand it. You don't need to be exhaustive; a few simple explanations will suffice:
- Explain to them what the Kaaba is and why Muslims face it to pray.
- Tell them the story of Hajar and the Zamzam well before explaining the Sa'i.
- They will not be surprised by the crowds and the size of the mosque.
- Prepare them for the idea that dad will wear white clothes (ihram) and that we won't wear perfume for a while.
- Let them drink the Zamzam water themselves and explain its blessing to them.
- Count the laps of the Tawaf with them, it involves them and keeps them focused.
- Encourage them to duet in their own words, even simple ones.
- Show them how people all over the world pray together; it's a lesson in belonging to the Ummah that they won't find anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are allowed on the upper floors. On the ground floor (mataf), they may be prohibited depending on the number of people present and the discretion of the security guards. Using a baby carrier is recommended as an alternative.
Yes. Each family member, including infants, needs a valid visa or entry permit. Check the requirements based on your nationality.
Yes, according to the majority of scholars, the Umrah of a non-pubescent child is valid and will be counted towards it.
Clinics and hospitals are available around the Haram. Al-Nour Specialist Hospital and Ajyad Emergency Hospital are the closest. Bring your health insurance card and a list of your child's usual medications.
Our Umrah Guide is the perfect and most comprehensive companion on the market! Get yours now!
May Allah accept your journey and that of your children.
Don't forget us in your prayers 🤲