Traveling by Plane and Train with 3 Small Kids...

We're from NYC. In late November, you can expect it to be cold, in the 40s - 50s, and possibly rainy, and occassionally snowing. You'll want hats and scarves, mittens, warm socks, proper shoes, long sleeved tees, sweaters and a 2/3 layer coat (a fleece and windbreaker that can be worn together or separately).

Just got off a flight from Toronto and there was a family waiting on the customs line with kids about the same ages as yours. The kids did wonderfully. They stayed near mom & dad, waited patiently, didn't make a peep, and didn't whine.

Start playing "airport" with them so they know what to expect, and what you expect of them.

Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

I would take a double stroller (not a side-by-side) for the older two. (Not because your 7 year old can't walk, but because you want to keep her close. Bring a baby pack for your husband to carry the 1 year old on his back. That will help in the airport AND in NYC.

Dress for the flight in a way to make it as easy as possible for going through security. You can take the stroller all the way to the gate. Board first and get everybody situated. If you aren't buying a seat for the baby, check the carseat.

You want to ascertain if you can take the stroller on the train into the city (I think you can, but you should know in advance.) If you drive to the train station, make SURE you are legally parked so that you don't come back to find your car has been towed.

Layer their clothes. Hungry kids are cranky kids - have snacks and wipies available. Comfy shoes for you. Check the weather channel before you go so that you know if you'll need small umbrellas. Expect it to be crowded.

Good luck!
Dawn

From Ga. it should not be a long flight. Lots of new little treats for the younger ones. The 7 year old should not be a problem.

As far as clothes go: Layering is the key. Just check out the forecast before
you come. They will definitely need a heavier type jacket. Pack some
sweaters and sweatshirts and a hat just in case in is really cold.

Train rides are always fun. Depends on what part of Connecticut you are
going to. You can message me and let me know what part of Ct. you will
be in. Depending on where, the train ride can be long and monotonous
or shorter and fun. Happy to give you info.

Dress very warmly. You are not used to cold weather, and that time of year - it could even snow! Jeans, sweatshirts, and warm jackets.

For travelling, if you have any electronic games or a portable DVD player, definitely take those, and extra batteries for the games. Books, etch-a-sketch pads, and sticker books are good. Make sure you take lots of snacks. A trip to the dollar store for new toys and trinkets is always good. Just bring them out one at a time to extend how long they play with each one.

Take an extra set of clothes for each kid on the plane, so that your child isn't soaking wet and miserable for the entire trip if she spills her drink down her front 10 minutes into the flight :) Also take sippy cups. The flight attendants will bring you drinks, including water and juice, and you can put it in the sippy cups.

If you purchased a seat on the plane for your one year old, you may want to bring the car seat on the plane. My kids were always a lot more comfortable in their car seat than in the regular plane seat. But of course if she's travelling as a lap child, you don't have that option. Plan on taking your stroller to the gate, and you can gate-check it right at the plane door. I usually took my stroller with the basket underneath to help carry all the stuff to the plane.

Have fun!

Make sure they have plenty to keep them occupied. My biggest thing to add is to not let them be a disturbance to the people around them. I flew recently and the couple behind me had only one kid with them. They never told her to stop kicking my seat. That is just so rude. She kept peeping through the seat which was fine once but got old quick. If you could get the first row of seats right behind first class then you won't have to worry about the kicking the person in front of you. It is only the people behind you that you need to consider.

I wish you luck. Hopefully your kiddies are well behaved, but that much traveling is exessive for children that age. Even the most well behaved will be challenged by such a long time in such tight quarters.

We used to make the trek from So California to Eastern Oregon every year. Once or twice we needed weather gear and bought jackets and rain coats once we got here. We discovered that it's easy to find, better quality, with greater selection and lower prices in areas where you need raincoats and parkas. Trying to find real rain and snow gear in So California for 6 people was a big production. So if you can layer for the trip, you can probably find heavier coats at your destination if you need them.