From Bassinets to Sticker Books: Flying with Kids
Is flying with a baby really as stressful as everyone says? In my experience, the baby stage might actually be the easy part. We’re back in Japan! And after flying from Germany to Japan with my three-month-old baby, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of flying between the two countries with my children. From bassinets and breastfeeding to sticker books, snacks and screen time — what you need on a 14-hour flight changes completely as your child grows. I’ve flown with my daughter from around 11 months old to four years old, often on my own, and every age has come with its own challenges (and some pretty memorable moments!). In this episode, I talk about why I prefer night flights, when a bassinet can be a lifesaver, whether it’s worth booking an extra seat for a child under two, and why I eventually stopped using priority boarding with a toddler. I also share how I organize my hand luggage when flying alone, what actually kept my daughter entertained at different ages, why snacks are sometimes the best activity on board, and how our latest flight with a three-month-old went. And of course, not everything always goes according to plan. From almost missing a flight because of a diaper change to forgotten pencils and unexpected acts of kindness — flying with kids has definitely given me a few stories to tell. If you’re preparing to fly with a baby, toddler or young child, I hope our experiences give you a few ideas — and maybe make you feel a little more relaxed about your next flight. ☕ What’s your most memorable experience flying with kids? Send me a message on Instagram @tamara_matcha_mum. I’d love to hear your stories and share some of them in a future episode.
