Marrakech with a three-year-old and baby: double or single pram?

[THusAk]

Hi everyone, ws wondering if someone could help, im goin Marrakech with my 3yr old and 9month old in June, im in to minds if i should take a double pram
or a single pram and let my 3yr old walk when we are out and in the markets, has anyone been with 3yr olds? Any advice would be appreciated

Marrakesh is wonderful but no way I would be going with kids that young.

A three year old walking through the markets will be an absolute nightmare. The markets are crowded and a sensory overload for anyone never mind a toddler. So I'd suggest a pushchair (but personally I wouldn't even go!).

Not been with kids but I use a wheelchair.

the roads and pavements are not built for wheels and it’s hard work. So I’d suggest a pram will be tricky either way.
however as others have said it can get very crowded and I can’t imagine a 3yo could walk the distances needed.

I wouldn't be taking young children like this there unless you are ready for lots of unwelcome attention.

You don't want to have an unrestrained 3 year old in the souks. We went with well travelled primary age kids, and the mopeds zooming around the footpaths are terrifying. A double isn't ideal either. Could you sling the baby and buggy the toddler?

I’ve just got back from Marrakech and loved it. But I wouldn’t take a pram or a three year old tbh into the Souks. They are narrow and crowded and as PP mentioned you take your life into your own hands with the mopeds wizzing about.

You need your wits about you in the Souks as they are so very busy. You would struggle with a double pram as the walkways are narrow. The biggest issue though is the motorbikes and scooters that race through the narrow alleyways and Souks. You would need to keep a hold of your child's hand as tightly as you can and be ready to act quickly to pick him up and get him out of harms way. They don't stop for anyone and appear aa if out of nowhere.

It's a fantastic place but I'd be stressed taking very young children there.

We once took my then 2 year old to Casablanca on a day excursion and my DH carried her on his shoulders the whole time we were in the markets to keep her safe. She was constantly being fussed over by local women who wanted to grab her hand and cuddle her and she was very overwhelmed and not at all happy with the attention.

I had a moped crash into me last time we were there. We hugged the walls walking around and definitely not my fault as lots of locals started berating the rider. Luckily I wasn’t hurt just a bit shaken.
Theres no way you’d be able to manoeuvre a double buggy around the Medina.

You won't manage a double pram. A single pram is do-able but awkward and jiggly down the alleys.

I'd do a back carrier for each parent if there are 2 parents going. Failing that, a carrier for the baby and a lightweight stroller for the 3 year old, he can walk in some of the squares and gardens.

I think you'd regret a double pram

This was the point I made earlier and can be overwhelming depending on how blond/fair the child is.

This might be best. The paths in the souk are very narrow and crowded.

People on Mumsnet are always very negative about Morocco. Ignore them.

I loved Morocco and traveled all over the country pre children but still wouldn’t take young children there. Each to their own though and I agree the carriers might be the best option but it could be quite hot for walking around by June.

I went with DD5 and loved it. Your experience might also be influenced by how confident a traveller you are. You need to be chilled with the chaos (donkeys/mopeds/crowds) and relaxed about the attention (I found Moroccans very family/child friendly). PPs are right about the streets though, a double buggy would be too cumbersome. Take a stroller and a sling for the baby instead.

Have a great time!

I agree with other PP Marrakech is not the place for young children. A double buggy is unfair to others in such narrow streets and bad enough in UK cities.. Leave them with someone and enjoy yourselves.

Not somewhere I’d recommend with children.

Def not somewhere I'd take little ones. Hated the place.

I went in October with a 7 year old and a 2y9m toddler.
We went into Marrakech souks for two trips. Loved it. My now 3 year old is desperate to go back and talks about Morocco all the time.
We didn’t bring a pushchair to the souks. Either held hands or carried her. Mopeds would have been difficult to hop out of the way for down the narrow alleys if we’d brought the pushchair.

We went with a 9 month old and a just turned 2 year old. Had baby in sling and toddler was in pushchair or walking with reins, kept very tight when necessary for safety. Pushchair souks, reins for exploring in general.

Brilliant trip. Everyone was incredibly friendly, so lovely to the kids. We also did a night in a dessert camp around 1.5 hr drive from marrakech, and a few nights in the Atlas mountains, inc a day out hiking. That was the highlight of the trip! Got cooked am amazing lunch in the middle of nowhere.

No idea why people are saying its a bad idea. Was such a good trip and Morocco is incredibly child friendly.

We did Sri Lanka this Jan with a 2yr and just turned 4year old. Also incredible and extremely child friendly

I'd double sling (baby front and toddler back) or wear a child each. I love Marrakech but the Medina is not somewhere I'd consider taking a pushchair, let alone a double!