Flying with Three Children & No Husband

Call your airline about the two carseat thing. However, you might consider taking just one carseat that either the 9 mo old or 3 yr old could use, if possible (the forward-facing booster w/ 5pt harness), and take the baby on your lap. If you need to switch them out during flight, you can.

You'll want to check all your bags, carry baby things in a backpack, and each of the bigger kids can bring a small back pack. Definitely have your stroller with you to push the baby through the airport. You'll just "gate-check" it right before you board the plane. Get a tag from the gate agent, then whell baby right up to the door of the plane, leave the stroller in a small area just outside the door. It's the last thing into the baggage compartment, and the first thing out -- so it is there when you de-plane.

Be sure you take advantage of early boarding. I've noticed flights don't often call for early boarding over the loudspeaker any more, so be sure the gate agent knows you'll need a little extra time to get in the plane and get situated.

Good luck!

Hello M.,

have your 8 year old help you with the 3 year old. use the 'buddy' system (of course don't let them out of your sight.... if the 8 year old entertains the 3 year old, I think it will be much easier for the trip.

I think you should take only ONE carseat otherwise you'll be completely overwhelmed. by any chance, do you have a double stroller? that would help you so much! the first time we traveled on a long trip w/ our kids, I bought those medical bracelets and printed out the following info: parent's names, cellphone numbers. a number of a friend in town and the number at where we were going. also the flight number.

good luck and have fun! ~C.~

yes narrow it down to one car seat for your sanity's sake. then get lots of new toys from the dollar store (coloring books, colors, etc.) that they don't see till the airport. take a dvd player if you have one or a cd player with cds. between the adventure of the flight and the new toys, they will be fine! you, on the other hand, will need a drink during the flight to relax. enjoy it! and definitely take advantage of the early boarding, as each child is likely to have their own bag, plus your own bag and the carseat/stroller.

I don't know how long your flight is but even if it is a short one there are sometimes delays. Take snacks and baby food and milk for the baby. All liquids have to be in 3oz or less containers and put in a quart size ziplock. They make exeptions for the baby. Tell them the milk is breast milk whether it is or not and have a jar or two of baby food. (remember the baby spoon) Also I recomend you take a small blanket or two because the ones on the plane are few and dirty. Have a nice flight.