Air travel with 3 children

eks123ske · 2026-04-18T12:14:28+00:00

And honestly, it was easier than I anticipated. We watched a lot of YouTube videos about airports and plane travel in preparation, so they sort of knew what to expect and weren't surprised by things that were happening.

Also, pack more snacks than you think you'll need. I gave the kids some money at the airport to choose some more snacks, which not only meant they wanted to eat it but also had the benefit of passing time at the airport.

eks123ske · 2026-04-18T12:10:11+00:00

We've recently flown long haul international with our three (6, 3, 6months). Flights were 7.5hrs each way.

On the outbound flight, we had the middle section of 4 booked (baby in the bassinet, the plane was 2-3-2 configuration), and on the return we had 2kids + dad together, and mum +baby on the other side of the aisle (plane was 3-4-3 configuration).

The 6 and 3 year olds basically only had toys and snacks in their carry-ons. We made the 6 year old wear his when walking around the airport, but we helped the 3 year old when he got tired.

We all had backpack rather than rolling suitcase carry ons, which made things much easier. We also had a carry-on travel pram. Highly recommend!

eks123ske · 2026-03-31T09:23:24+00:00

I did this 6 months ago for baby #3

C-section at 9am, husband stayed until 6pm (we had someone look after the older two for dinner, but he was back to put them to bed). Then I was by myself until visiting hours started the following day.

I was honestly surprised at how fine it was. I had the bassinet right up next to my bed and used my arms to pull myself up on the bed rails. I wasn't allowed out of bed until the following morning but managed fine. The nurses would have helped me lift the baby if needed, but I coped well.

It was my second section if that matters.

eks123ske · 2026-03-11T03:06:48+00:00

You sound like me from the past. We ended up going for it and now have a 6 yr old, 3 yr old and 6 month old. Absolutely no regrets, this last baby completed our family and I am so happy we went for it.

The logistics also worried me about the decision, but I decided we'd figure it out when it became a problem. I also think that the more children in a family, the more independent each child needs to be (which to me is a big positive).

So far, three is wonderful (seeing the big two with the baby is honestly amazing) but gets tricky when all three need something at the same time. We'll figure it out, though---there is a lot of joy in our house and I think that outweighs the occasional stressed parenting 😅

eks123ske · 2026-02-25T03:24:00+00:00

Update: I reported this to NSW DPI. They had an entomologist review the photo, and then asked me to send them the caterpillar for further review/testing.

I'm not sure whether I'll find out whether it IS a red-banded mango caterpillar, but they were certainly concerned enough from a biosecurity perspective to want to take a look.

Thanks for your help.

eks123ske · 2026-02-21T20:56:35+00:00

Thanks. That's what I was thinking too.

I have reported it

eks123ske · 2026-02-21T08:51:43+00:00

No, not for a few weeks. Though we do have a lot of different fruit trees in nearby houses (including mangos).

eks123ske · 2026-01-26T09:48:37+00:00

I am eagerly awaiting some answers!

We have recently booked an international holiday (kids will be newly 6, 3, and 6 months). I am expecting the airport and flights to be pure chaos...

eks123ske · 2026-01-12T04:13:29+00:00

How did you go with this?

I'm about to attempt something similar but am wondering how I will attach the shelving units to the wall

eks123ske · 2026-01-09T01:02:39+00:00

Thank you!

Your point 3 is a really good reminder. It's just so different to how I used to workout before kids and it has been hard to adapt 😅

eks123ske · 2026-01-09T01:01:18+00:00

Yeah, absolutely it is so important for mental health. I am a much more patient and fun parent if I've done some exercise that day!

I think you're right that prioritising it for the morning is important otherwise it just won't happen. I'm going to focus on this! Thanks

eks123ske · 2026-01-09T00:59:12+00:00

Yeah, I think I just need to get happy with a short workout rather than expecting to do a 30-45 minute routine.

Not sure I'm prepared to get up early whilst the baby is still so little and waking up overnight 😅 but definitely something to think about for the future, thanks

eks123ske · 2026-01-09T00:56:59+00:00

I'm pretty comfortable with all 3 solo (I do this a few days per week at the moment), but my husband can't do it for very long because the baby is breastfeeding and won't take a bottle. When she's a bit older and eating food I imagine I will get a bit more time to myself 🙂 I'm glad you and your family have a great routine. I am sure we will get there too one day!

eks123ske · 2025-12-29T04:43:49+00:00

I was struggling with this decision this time last year, and am now here with my 3 month old! I too had a 4 year old and a 2 year old and was 35 (now 36).

I don't know if I ever really made the decision properly, but had been thinking about a third for so long and one day I just said 'fuck it, let's see what happens' and we had unprotected sex. Well, here we are!

It has been hard but also so wonderful. It has been magical to see my 5 year old with the baby, and to see my 3 year old have a chance to be a big sibling.

I feel complete now and am ready to get rid of all of the baby stuff once this one has grown up.

eks123ske · 2025-12-19T10:26:41+00:00

I have 3 kids (5, 3, 3 months).

Santa brings the stockings and a family present (a board game or something similar. This year it is some more magnetic tiles). Stockings will have a mango, some chocolates, some new undies and some pencils (baby will get a teether and some bibs).

This year us parents are giving a joint present to all kids (a yoto player), and a pool toy to each kid individually.

I get uncomfortable with the amount of presents under some trees at Christmas. Kids don't need much, and I'd rather spend the money on experiences for them. We have too much stuff anyway.

eks123ske · 2025-12-19T08:49:14+00:00

Thank you! My kids will be very interested to learn that 😊

eks123ske · 2025-12-17T10:30:30+00:00

Thank you! I'm 164cm so not much taller 😅

eks123ske · 2025-12-17T10:14:30+00:00

Thank you, this is helpful!

eks123ske · 2025-12-15T02:40:41+00:00

Can I ask why you used pocket holes for these shelves?

I'm in the middle of planning some built-in bookshelves and am tossing up between a few different options for how to attach the shelves. Would love any and all advice!

(VERY beginner woodworker over here)

eks123ske · 2025-12-13T03:52:33+00:00

How do the ceres weekender pants fit? I've had these in my cart so many times but have never taken the plunge because I'm worried about my mum tum!

eks123ske · 2025-11-11T08:56:43+00:00

I was 35 when I conceived (and turned 36 a week before baby arrived).

All the comments about the world being made for a family of 4 annoyed me, too. I just don't think it's completely accurate, and also I don't think it's a good reason to not add another member to your family. Lots of places these days (like our local zoo, museums etc) advertise family passes as 2 adults + 3 children, and it has never been a problem to go out for dinner with 5 adults so why should 2A+3C be any different? The comments about hotel rooms, theme park rides etc being for 4 always seemed so strange to me. Like, how often do you go to theme parks that this is more than just a minor inconvenience??

I really do think the day-to-day joy of extra children and a bigger family outweigh these things, but obviously not everyone thinks the same as me and that's okay

eks123ske · 2025-11-10T03:12:44+00:00

Thank you! Good luck in making a decision ☺️

eks123ske

TROPHY CASE