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Conquering Long Flights with Little Ones: A Survival Guide for Japanese-US Families

seats on a plane
Traveling between the US and Japan often involves flights that stretch between 9 and 12 hours. For families with young children, these long hauls can feel like an eternity. Here at CocoTora, we are embarking on such a journey with our two daughters, both under two years old. With a fussy baby and an active and demanding toddler, it is critical to be prepared with all the essentials. We know the journey will be exhausting but we anticipate a smooth flight experience with our two under two. We created this survival guide to help conquer long flights with your little ones by sharing our tips and tricks for when flying to Japan.

 

Ensuring Comfort is Key

The comfort of everyone on board is paramount to a successful flight. Investing in a few key items can make a world of difference.

  • Inflatable Kid Travel Bed:

    These provide additional comfort and support for your little one's seat, especially for toddlers as well as allow for them to lie down completely. Consider a product like the BleuWhisk Inflatable Kid Travel Bed

  • Soothers: Keeping your little one focused on their comforting toy can help district and ease their stress. We recommend picking up one of the softest soothers around with our all organic stuffed elephant or rabbit rattles from Ten I Muhou.

Keeping Busy Bees Entertained

Boredom is a recipe for meltdowns. Pack a variety of interactive items to keep your children engaged throughout the flight. Have some “new” items ready for the flight that they have never seen yet. That way, they will be super excited and engaged in their new toy or activity item, thus keeping them busy. 

  • Kids Headphones: Headphones can be handy for when kids want to watch some shows on their tablet. You can download shows on your tablet to watch offline from streaming services such as Youtube Premium and Netflix. Try KidRox Tiger-Ear Toddler Headphones (For ages 1-7; 85dB volume limit)

Finding Balance: It's All About You Too!

Taking care of yourself is crucial during long flights. Ensure you pack essentials for your own comfort and entertainment, and don't be afraid to ask for help from flight attendants. Remember, a happy parent translates to happier children.

Rest and Relaxation for Little Travelers

Creating a sleep-conducive environment is key for everyone's sanity. Here are some tips to help your little ones catch some Zzz's:

  • Nighttime Routine: Mimic your child's bedtime routine as much as possible on the plane. This includes dimming the lights and bringing familiar stuffed animals or blankets.
  • Nursing or Bottle Feeding: Nursing or offering a bottle during takeoff and landing can help soothe your baby's ears due to pressure changes.

 

On our latest Tokyo family trip our daughter Coco really enjoyed all the amenities listed in this post!. At first we we worried about her ability to remain calm and comfortable for 9+ hours, but we quickly realized that with this preparation we were ready to curb her boredom. 

Tip 1: If you allow screen time, don't forget to download some shows or movies on you mobile device! We loaded up some of Coco's favorite Youtube shows (like synapusyu!) on her tablet. She enjoyed listening using her favorite tiger ear head phones.


   

Tip 2: If possible, check for flights that depart slightly before your baby's typical night sleep time. This will help your little one naturally get tired and ready to sleep. This is where the inflatable bed really comes in handy. When you're at cruising altitude, quickly inflate and set up your little one's bed. Coco slept more than 3/4 of the trip!

Tip 3: We flew ANA (but JAL will do this too) and they provided our youngest with a bassinet for her to sleep in. You need to get seats in the front row of a section to hook it up in front of you so be prepared to get that if you need it. 

Bonus Tip: Be prepared for the unexpected! Pack extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for both you and your children. A spill or a blowout is almost inevitable during long journeys. Don’t forget to bring plenty of your kids’ favorite snacks and drinks for when they want some munchies and are hungry or thirsty. 

By following these tips and packing the right essentials, you can transform your next long flight into a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Do you have any tried-and-true methods for conquering long flights with little ones? Share your experiences in the comments below!

 

At CocoTora, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, Japanese-made baby accessories that embody superior craftsmanship and timeless artistry. We prioritize sustainability with eco-friendly materials, ensuring our products are both exceptional and environmentally friendly. Our commitment to authenticity and customer satisfaction drives us to personally vet each brand and inspect every product, offering you and your little ones the very best.

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