Water

The water in Turkey is of very poor quality and it is very important that babies and toddlers do not ingest it at all. Used bottled water for everything, don’t eat raw food that has been washed in water and don’t get ice cubes in drinks. When brushing teeth, used bottled water only. You will be able to buy bottled water everywhere in Turkey and it is relatively cheap.

Heat

Turkey gets extremely hot during the summer months, particularly in July and August. Extra precautions must be taken at these times avoid over heating, sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. There are mosquitos in Turkey although they do not carry malaria although there have been outbreaks. Check the NHS Fit for Travel website for updates and health warnings in the region. It is best to bring a mosquito net and other forms of protection from bites such as patches or repellents. For information on products to help protect against bites click here.

Doctors & Pharmacies

It is advisable to bring a good first aid kit with you to Turkey along with over the counter pain relief medication such as Calpol, although Calpol and Ibuprofen medications for babies are available in pharmacies throughout the country. If you will be staying in Istanbul or in a popular tourist spot, you will find that pharmacists will speak English and will be able to assist you with dealing with minor ailments and injuries. If you or your child needs a doctor, your hotel or local pharmacist will be able to give you the name of a local doctor or direct you to the nearest hospital.

Travel Insurance

Make sure your child is covered on your travel insurance or you have separate travel insurance for you child.  Healthcare in Turkey is not free and you could be looking a huge bill if something goes wrong.  Small issues such as cuts or colds etc are reasonably inexpensive at the local hospital or doctors and medicine here will not break the bank if needed.
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In an Emergency

Important phone numbers:

Ambulance/Medical: 112

Fire: 110

Police: 155