Gaza’s First Baby Café Opens in Gaza City

Busy parents in Gaza City often struggle to find time for coffee, shopping, or socializing without leaving young children at home unattended — a common dilemma with few solutions in the region.

Gaza City’s first dedicated baby café, Baby Café, opened on May 13 on Victory Street in central Gaza City, offering parents a safe, child-friendly place to leave their kids while they enjoy a drink or meal. The café caters specifically to families with children under seven.

What Is Gaza’s Baby Café?

Baby Café is Gaza’s first combined childcare and coffee shop venue. Opened by 23-year-old owner Lora Shah, the café provides a space where parents can enjoy coffee and conversation while their young children are looked after in a supervised environment. The venue features cartoon characters, music, and floral decor. It officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where each guest received a rose.

What Services Does the Baby Café Offer?

Baby Café is designed for both children and adults. While adult guests can order coffee, the menu also includes food and drinks tailored for children. The facility includes a dedicated library, play area with educational games, and a birthday party hall — all intended for children aged seven and under. The café combines a standard coffee shop experience with family-friendly amenities.

Why Was Baby Café Created?

According to owner Lora Shah, social events in Gaza typically do not welcome children, and there were no existing venues that offered professional childcare alongside leisure spaces for adults. Shah identified a gap in services for young parents and created Baby Café to meet that need. The idea came from her observation that parents — especially mothers — had no trusted, comfortable place to leave their children while going out.

What Do Parents Think of the Baby Café?

Young mothers have responded positively to the concept. 26-year-old mother Basila Nasser said the café offers crucial support for mothers who want to maintain their social lives. “Here, mothers can leave their babies in a safe, comforting environment and go about their day without worry,” she said. Children also enjoy the space, playing with cartoon characters and enjoying music in a cheerful atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gaza’s Baby Café located?

Gaza’s Baby Café is located on Victory Street in central Gaza City. It opened on May 13, 2024.

What age children can the Baby Café accommodate?

The Baby Café is designed for children aged seven and under. It includes a children’s library, play area, and birthday party space.

Does the Baby Café serve coffee?

Yes, the Baby Café serves coffee for adults, along with food and drinks that are suitable for children.

Who founded the Baby Café and why?

The café was founded by 23-year-old Lora Shah, who wanted to create a space where parents could socialize without leaving children unattended, as no such service previously existed in Gaza.

What makes Baby Café different from other cafés in Gaza?

Baby Café combines a typical café with a childcare facility. It features children’s play areas, a library, and birthday party rooms, along with a family-friendly design including cartoons and music.

How do parents feel about using the Baby Café?

Parents, especially mothers, have welcomed the Baby Café as a practical solution that gives them freedom to engage in social activities while ensuring their children are cared for in a safe environment.