Is it selfish for my husband and I to go to Japan with our 1 year old?

[DisneyBaby]

My husband and I have always planned to go to Japan in May 2021 from when I found out I was pregnant last year. It’s somewhere we have always wanted to visit and it’s pretty expensive so we thought it would be good to go before our daughter is 2 as it would be easier to do it whilst we only have 1 child rather than 2 or 3 plus we can save on a separate plane ticket as she’ll be on our laps. We figure that from a couple of years time we will probably only be able to European holidays for a while if we have several kids so want to get one last big one in. Our planned itinerary in Japan is full of loads of things that she’ll enjoy as much as us e.g Tokyo Disney, Universal Studios, going on a bullet train and time on the beach in Okinawa, as well as some sightseeing and museums etc, lots of different sights, smells for her to take in and experience. I know the flight may be a challenge and also the time difference but other than that I can’t see anything wrong with it...
My parents seems to disapprove of us going. I’m not sure whether this is because of the long flight or because they don’t deem this to be a baby/toddler friendly destination or possibly because of covid too. They haven’t said why, but every time I talk about it I can see them shake their head a little bit, see the disapproval on their faces and they change the subject.
Are we crazy or selfish to go to a long haul destination with a toddler? Or am I right in thinking this is a good time to go?? What do you think?

Took both my kids abroad at 18 month. Oldest one. Amazing child didnt run of etc and stayed up all night partying. But given she was our first child it was hard adapting etc. 2nd child whom is 6 now. Screamed the whole flight. Ran of. Refused to walk a lot of the time. Cant push pram on beach as wheels dont turn. Constant paddies. Refused to eat and threw everything on floor. Had an ear infection and chest infection diagnosed 3 days before we flew. Wouldnt swim or play. Honestly was a nightmare

I've travelled a lot with my now 7yo and already planning next trip.
Furthest place took 31hours in total door to door including 17 hours of flying over two flights with a 6 hour stop over in between.

Everyone in our family acted like we were the worst parents. Dd absolutely had a blast and we still enjoy getting the photos out and talking about it. Even if dd doesn't remember all of her trips I hope she holds nice memories of me and dh talking so very fondly of the time we went to wherever with her. I'd say go for it!

Oh meant to say dd been travelling from birth and no problems. Just ensure full insurances and check out local healthcare facilities before you go should the worst happen. We've never needed it but always travel to places you can get adequate healthcare for dc which obviously Japan will be fine for.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with taking your toddler overseas as I say that as someone who has taken twins long haul since they were 6 months old. You need to manage your expectations. Toddlers at 1 need day time naps. You might have a quiet child who eats whatever abs happily naps in a pram. You might have a tricky child who is fussy and can only nap in a cot and cries hysterically when tired. You won’t be going to too many places if you have an over tired toddler screaming at you. I think you just need to consider what will make your lives easier ie when you wean them make sure they are happy eating food you will find in Japan. Get them used to taking afternoon naps in a pram. If you are going to give them their regular vaccine schedule, look at what this is and make sure you book your flights after any jabs they need so you know they are covered for any major illnesses. If you intend to give them formula at 1year make sure you put them on something you can get in Japan. I don’t know about Japan but Oz doesn’t let milk products into the country so for long trips there we had to buy infant formula when we arrived.

Definitely do it! My friends took their 1 year old to Japan a couple of years ago and had a great time.

If you can go before the baby is eating solids will be even easier. We had some lovely European holidays when our DS was under 6 months. Just carried him in the sling, had lots of nice meals in restaurants etc, was great!

Gosh, we took our two on a 12 month rtw journey. Aged 4 & 1. We visited 14 countries, had some incredible experiences, had some bizarre experiences. Without a doubt the BEST thing we have ever done. Both boys - now 19 & 16 will tell you that travelling from a young age has been an awesome way to grow up.

Do it!!

The only thing I would say is re the flight and depending on what sort of one year old you have. We were on a flight back from Sydney (via Singapore) with a baby I imagine was about one - I am not exaggerating to say he screamed continuously from Sydney to Singapore, and then for about the first 4 hours of the Singapore to London leg by which point I imagine he only quietened because he was exhausted. I wondered whether perhaps he had a cold and so had earache or something poor thing as it was an extremely piercing scream, but we were seriously cursing their decision to take a one-year old on such a long haul flight.

My thought is that the Pandemic (and associated restrictions) would be the problem rather than the toddler. I don't think that the world will be anywhere near back to normal by May 2021.

@ittakes2

I don’t think there is anything wrong with taking your toddler overseas as I say that as someone who has taken twins long haul since they were 6 months old. You need to manage your expectations. Toddlers at 1 need day time naps. You might have a quiet child who eats whatever abs happily naps in a pram. You might have a tricky child who is fussy and can only nap in a cot and cries hysterically when tired. You won’t be going to too many places if you have an over tired toddler screaming at you. I think you just need to consider what will make your lives easier ie when you wean them make sure they are happy eating food you will find in Japan. Get them used to taking afternoon naps in a pram. If you are going to give them their regular vaccine schedule, look at what this is and make sure you book your flights after any jabs they need so you know they are covered for any major illnesses. If you intend to give them formula at 1year make sure you put them on something you can get in Japan. I don’t know about Japan but Oz doesn’t let milk products into the country so for long trips there we had to buy infant formula when we arrived.

Unless there are health/allergy issues I would have thought a toddler wouldn't't be on formula.

If you can go then do go. I have friends who took young kids, they all had a great time.
Booking it fairly last minute would seem sensible! I would add if you feel able to go then you likely have an easy baby, there are some babies who are more tricky which would mean some parents wouldnt even contemplate it.
We could totally have done this with our eldest.
Ignore the disapproving parents! Just stop trying to engage them on the subject, you're adults, you don't require their approval.

Easy peasy with 1 child

I love Japan but I agree with the poster who said you’ll miss out on a lot with a toddler - honestly I’d wait - I want to take ours when they are older

We'd planned to go last year but then DS came along, we've decided to postpone until it's a real cultural experience for him as we are unlikely to go twice and I want to share that with him. That doesn't mean we'll only be going to Butlins in the meantime but it was a big trip for us. I think once they're 7-10+ they can really get to grips with where they are and learn about the country. There are many many places a toddler can go on a beach or a train and a 1 year old won't really benefit from universal studios

Absolutely go!!!
There are people who stop going abroad all together once they had children, there are people who would go hiking in Peru with a toddler in a backpack.
If you feel comfortable going to Japan then it will be amazing. Children are very adaptable

I would wait until they're older. What's the point of taking awkward baggage? Wait until they can get something from it too, and actually remember it. It's such an expensive trip, I would want to get the most out of it.

We took ds to Australia and Singapore when he was 6, even that was a bit young as he doesn't remember much!

@TrollTheRespawnJeremy

I think you’re going to miss out on so much with a toddler. The nightlife in Japan is so fascinating. If you’ve never been, and may never return, I’d be annoyed not to experience it.

I’d find it quite stressful too. Small children are unpredictable at the best of times and I’d be mortified if I was visiting, say a shrine, and my toddler was having a moment.

Just take your toddler out with you, holidays and trips are always the time to throw any routine out the window (well unless you’re the super strict routine parents which it seems like you aren’t...yay for you)

Jeez not travelling somewhere JUST IN CASE your toddler has a meltdown. Yikes. Guessing some people miss out a lot on life’s pleasure when they have kids.

I think much depends on your child

Ds first travelled long haul at
8 months (no issues) and before he was 5 had been to the states a few times and Australia (and a number of times on holiday in Europe) and I travelled alone with ds. The stop over for Australia was the only difficult time as he had to be woken up.

The difference was that at 8 months we were mostly staying with family when staying in a hotel it became more challenging.

Also ds will sleep anywhere and was always an easy baby/toddler If your daughter struggles with changes of routine it won’t be so easy

I think a holiday like this will be much more enjoyable in a few years time when she can enjoy herself too there is so much for her to experience there but at this age it won’t mean anything

Plus things shall still be very different for the next year at least and subject to changes at the last minute

Travelling can be great with a young child/children but really does depend on how your child manages change/being out of routine

Japan is fantastic and there is tons of things for kids whatever age. We have had several family holidays there and loved every one of them. My parents would also disapprove (they give me that "look" when I mention other countries). I never give them the chance to voice anything though. Go and enjoy!

We'd planned to go last year but then DS came along, we've decided to postpone until it's a real cultural experience for him as we are unlikely to go twice and I want to share that with him

That's what I'm thinking. My DC have both travelled a lot, and of course it's possible to travel with children, and the trips can be very enjoyable. But if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, then the DC won't remember anything, and you yourself will miss out on so many things due to adjusting everything to a toddler's schedule and needs.

Didn't see any babies of that age in any of the shrines/temples etc at all in Japan. I would not describe Japan as baby friendly. You may have a issue with food too unless you take stuff with you

But no, not selfish. Just think it's a destination best experienced as an adult without a baby in tow

@takemetomars

Didn't see any babies of that age in any of the shrines/temples etc at all in Japan. I would not describe Japan as baby friendly. You may have a issue with food too unless you take stuff with you

Don't be daft! Japanese people take their babies and toddlers to be blessed at the shrines - it's part of the culture and growing up here

Honestly, I'd wait. Japan is fabulous but if you're doing this for your toddler then you're wasting your time and the opportunity.

When your toddler is older, Tokyo Disneysea (recognised as the best Disney Park in the world) will be magical. At 15 months there will be very little that they can do there. Tokyo Disneyland will be a bit better for a 15 month old, but not by a great deal. You'll be taking turns on the rides at Universal in Osaka and the bullet train to get there is just a train to a toddler.

I know you say you're planning more children but Japan is such as fabulous destination that it's worth experiencing it properly. If it was me, I'd wait till your child (future children) are old enough to take part and remember the experience themselves.

Tanterose - Thank you for your comment. However, I stated that I didn't see babies at the shrines etc in Japan. This was true however much you may dislike my comment

I wouldn’t be waiting to go on a trip like this til my child is big enough to remember tbh you’ll wait a long time

We will be taking our 6 month old to japan next year - the trip isn’t really for the baby - it’s our trip that the baby is tagging along on!

We are going to u oversaw and Disney because we want to - the baby won’t care about it - we will take turns on the bigger rides we want to go on!

It won’t be the same trip we had planned last year when child free - but what can ya do!

Our kid will have to get used to regular flights anyway as we live in a different country to our families so will be back and forth for visits regularly!

Deffo go for it - there will be other holidays in future that your child is more likely to remember