What should I pack for kids in Morocco?

After years of packing lists with families, my number one category for kids in Morocco is sun protection, full stop. The sun is strong even in winter and fierce in summer, and children burn fast. Pack wide-brimmed or legionnaire-style hats, high-factor (SPF 50) mineral sunscreen, UV-protective swim and play layers, and good sunglasses for older kids. A reusable water bottle each, kept topped up, is non-negotiable — heat and dehydration cause more grumpy children here than anything else.

Footwear and clothing matter more than people think. The medinas are uneven, cobbled and occasionally grubby, so closed, sturdy, broken-in shoes beat sandals for daytime walking — save sandals for the riad and beach. Pack layers, not bulk: light breathable clothes for hot days, but a warm fleece or jacket each for the desert and Atlas, where nights drop sharply and a child who was sweating at lunch can be shivering by 9pm. A light scarf or buff doubles as sun cover and dust protection in the desert.

Then the parent-sanity kit. A small medical bag with oral rehydration salts (the most useful item you will pack — they fix tummy upsets fast), child paracetamol, plasters, antiseptic, and any prescription meds in original boxes. Crucially, bring your specific brands of nappies, wipes and formula from home; pharmacies in the big cities are good, but in the Atlas or desert you cannot rely on finding your exact product, and that is not a gamble worth taking with a baby. A few familiar snacks (cereal bars, crackers) bridge any fussy mealtime.

Finally, entertainment and the little comforts. Long transfers are part of Morocco, so load tablets with films and audiobooks, pack travel games, colouring and a couple of small "surprise" toys for the dullest stretches of road. Bring a comfort item from home for younger ones, a soft baby carrier if you have an infant (it beats a pram in the souks), and a daypack each so older kids carry their own water and layers. Get the packing right and the whole trip runs smoother. I am happy to send a full age-tailored list when we plan your route.