Traveling With Babies and Toddlers – The Essentials
The holidays are here – are you ready? For many of us, the upcoming holidays mean travel. Whether you’re traveling within Japan or internationally, going by car, plane, train or boat, you want to make sure you have everything when traveling with little ones. Use this guide as a checklist for what to bring with your on your next trip.
If you have a frequent flier in your family, check out our recommended gifts for frequent fliers.
The Big Items
These may be bulky big ticket items, but they fulfill an incredible role when you’re on the go. While you may be tempted to save (or splurge), choose wisely according to your needs.
*** Traveling With Babies and Toddlers – The Essentials ***
Car Seat (all car seats on Amazon.co.jp)
Aside from their primary role in protecting babies, toddlers, and children when riding in vehicles, car seats also double as a baby/toddler airplane seat. Be sure to check with your airline for details when booking a ticket.
The Combi Fuge Baby Car Seat weighs only 4.4 kilos and can fit in the smallest of cars. Despite its size, it can be used with children weighing up to 18 kilograms. Available on Amazon Japan – 15,000 yen
Another favorite to bring back from overseas is the Britax B-Safe 35 – Infant Car Seat. The Britax brand consistently ranks high in safety, design and engineering. Suited for larger cars and more expensive than other brands but worth the price. Available on Amazon Japan – 27,000 yen
Strollers are a great way to transport babies, toddlers, and all the gear that they require. Check out our stroller guide for more information on choosing the right one for you. Weighing under 4 kilograms, the Aprica Karoon Air Stroller is lightweight and folds easily, making it a great choice when using public transportation. Available on Amazon Japan – 28,050 yen
Another favorite is the Bug-a-boo bee. We love ease of guiding the stroller with one hand, sturdy frame to withstand multiple overseas trips and two babies and availability in Japan. Also Available on Amazon Japan – 142,092 yen
A baby carrier is essential for when you can’t find (or fit in) an elevator or need a hands-free way to console a tired tot. The Ergobaby (high end price and quality) carrier gives parents much-need back support while allowing babies and tots to be carried in four different positions, including front facing. Available on Amazon Japan – 27,000 yen
If you are not using a carrier daily and need a lower price point there are plenty of highly reviewed carriers on Amazon.
Portable crib/play yard
Children may hesitate to sleep in an unknown surroundings, so tote along a portable crib so they’ll feel at ease. The Evenflo Pack ‘n Play effortlessly goes from bassinet to play space. You can also padded floor mat as a play mat with an attached toy bar. Available on Amazon Japan – 27, 508 yen
*** Traveling With Babies and Toddlers – The Essentials***
Diaper Bag
Diapers and Wipes
You don’t want spend precious vacation time hunting for your preferred brand and baby’s size, especially if you’re in a foreign country or new city. Always bring more diapers and wipes than you think you will need. Visit our post on Japanese diaper brands and baby wipes before you go.
Diaper Changing Pad
Baby changing facilities are popping up across Japan and you can also find a changing table in both men’s and women’s restrooms. But, in case the tables are full, you’ll want a diaper changing pad so you’ll be able to change you little one on any available flat surface.
This compact waterproof Lumiere diaper changing pad doubles as a chic pouch, holds 3 diapers, and comes with a case for diaper wipes. Available on Amazon Japan – 1,580 yen
Travel Wipes
Bring a package of antibacterial wipes for cleaning surfaces and toys, and bring a package of wipes for cleaning hands and faces.
Extra Change of Clothes
Kids are messy – be prepared by having an extra change of clothes on hand. Parents can also benefit from a spare shirt tucked in a diaper bag.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are useful in a variety of situations — they’re great for storing soiled or wet clothes, disposing of rubbish, collecting seashells, and more!
Snacks & Prepackaged Baby Food
Vacation time might not be the best time to introduce new foods. Stick with your baby’s favorites and bring them along with you. Check out our articles on Japanese baby food choices and how to read Japanese food labels.
Laundry Soap & Stain Lifter
Keep kids’ clothing clean by spot washing them when you’re on the go. Arau Baby Laundry Soap is scented with lavender and uses no artificial coloring or fragrances. It is highly recommended for little ones with sensitive skin. Available on Amazon Japan – 380 yen
Blanket
From covering up a nursing baby, swaddling, an impromptu peek-a-boo game, or just keeping them warm, carry a thin blanket so it doesn’t take up too much space.
*** Traveling With Babies and Toddlers – The Essentials***
First Aid Kit
Ideally you’ll want to have:
Diaper rash cream
Tissue
Disinfecting Hand Wipes
Children`s aspirin
Thermometer
Bandaids
Icepack
Fever pads
Cough and fever medicine
(Don’t forget medications for parents, too!)
Visit out our article for what items are available on the Japanese market so you can stock up before you go.
*** Traveling With Babies and Toddlers – The Essentials ***
Keeping Them Entertained
Books
Take a few hardcover books that will withstand the journey. Get book ideas here.
Toys
While you don’t want to risk losing your child’s favorite toy when you’re far away from home, bring a few that your child often plays with.
Check out our other posts on traveling with young ones:
How to Pack a Toddler Travel Bag
20 Tips For Traveling With Kids
Osaka One Day Itinerary – Osaka with Kids
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Traveling With Babies and Toddlers – The Essentials
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