Baby on Board, But Make it International: Our 'Genius' Plan to Take a One-Year-Old to Japan"
Ah, the joys of parenting. One moment, you're jet-setting around the world, seeing new places, tasting exotic foods, and the next, you're grappling with the existential crisis of whether or not to take a car seat on an 18-hour flight to Japan. But hey, life doesn’t come with a manual so join me on my 'flawless' (note the sarcasm) decision-making process in taking our one-year-old on an international vacation.
Carseats: Because Who Wants to Lug 25 Pounds Around Japan?
It seemed like a no-brainer months ago: Get Asher his own seat on the flight with my extra miles. But then reality slapped me in the face, and the great car seat debate of the year began. To bring a seat or not to bring a seat? After a significant amount of research, we ordered a Cosco and Waybe to choose from. It's like "The Bachelor," but instead of a rose, you get to lug around a bulky seat. Yay!
The Cosco was lightweight, and wouldn’t be a huge deal if it was damaged because of its lower price. Car Waybe was a clear winner in the “compact” department, but it came with a price tag. The kind of price tag that says - do you really want to risk taking me overseas?
We eventually chose neither. (Plot twist!) Instead, I settled on a harness that's supposed to keep him in place. Yes, because a harness is going to contain the boundless energy of a toddler, right? We're just crossing our fingers it works during takeoff and landing. Everything else is up for grabs.
The Stroller Saga
Then comes the stroller debate. Because what's an international trip without a vehicle for your little one, right? Again, we completed hours of research and eventually ordered a Pockit stroller and oh my God, Pockit is it. Lightweight, compact, it was like the Swiss Army knife of strollers. But you know what? We settled for an umbrella stroller. The rationale? Do you really think the Pockit will see the light of day again after this trip? Nah. We have a stroller that carries a ton more for when we are close to home. But let's be real, I still haven't returned it, and my resolve is waning faster than my phone's battery life.
Screen Time: The Unofficial Pacifier of the 21st Century
So what DID I buy in preparation? Aside from the harness I got a toddler friendly tablet and kids headphones. Look, I get it. No screens before two. But are we really going to judge a parent for utilizing technology on an 18-hour flight? Bring on the stink eye; I've got the sleeping mask to dodge you. If Baby Shark keeps him entertained for an hour, it's an hour less of him attempting to deconstruct the airplane seat. I also bought this handy toddler airplane bed. Some of these had reviews where the slack actually left a dip at the foot rendering it useless. However, because this one has an inflatable pillow, it fills the gap and solves that problem. I considered the fully inflatable bed but while definitely a great option, it is a higher price point and they do take up more space when not inflated.
Sleeping Arrangements: To Crib or Not To Crib
Japanese rooms often come with floor mattresses, and let's just say co-sleeping is looking like a better option than setting up a crib in a foreign country. I'm just praying Asher likes the idea as much as I do. If I had to bring anything, it would've been this pop up sleep tent. but let's just say we'll save that for another adventure, shall we?
Final Thoughts: TBD on All Decisions
I'm optimistic, in a "prepare for the worst, but hope for the best" sort of way. Yes, I'm that mom scanning every blog, watching every product review, and planning for all catastrophes. But isn't that what parenting is? A series of well-intentioned, albeit often misguided, decisions? Only time will tell if this trip will go down as the best or worst decision of my life.
So, stayed tuned folks, as I chronicle what could be either a life-affirming experience or a masterclass in what not to do when traveling with a one-year-old. Either way, I promise it'll be entertaining. 😊
