infant triplets travel

[garberr]

I know it's crazy but I'll be traveling to WDW with our 3 1/2 year old and infant triplets. I'll have 4 adults to help. I have a triple decker stroller. I was wondering your advice about bringing the stroller or using something else. We will rent a single for the 3 year old. Any other travel tips would be welcome as well. We are staying at the beach club.

 

[stacy6552]

I'm thinking that if you are flying, you might want to bring two cheaper double strollers. I know those triples are expensive and the airline might just trash it.

 

[garberr]

I think we will drive just because even though it will take longer, it'll be easier with all that we have to bring.

 

[kmjmom]

Welcome! With four adults, you won't be out numbered so that's a big plus. I didn't have multiples, so I can't imagine how you deal with 3 the same age, but I had three within 5 years, so life was hectic at times. The BC is beautiful and the pool is amazing. I would take a look at the attractions of each park and choose your "must-dos." I would imagine your 3 yr old will love MK. You'll enjoy being able to stroll the boardwalk and enter Epcot by walking to the World Showcase entrance. It's so easy to exit after Illuminations too! You'll have the advantage of taking a boat to MGM. Have a magical trip!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

I have a friend with triplet boys... they are now 6 1/2 but I remember when they were little... her schedule was the best thing for the boys. They stuck to it as much as possible which really helped especially when they were traveling or anywhere out of the norm for the boys...

Bring their favorites of everything... are you staying in the villas at Beach Club? If so, you should have a washer and dryer in the room which will really help out with allowing you to pack less clothes. A triple stroller is very expensive as someone mentioned... do you have a good lock for when you are in an attraction or ride? You don't want anyone walking off with your stroller.. What month? Will the crowds by lite or crowded...allow time for naps back at the resort, allow time for a nap for you......

Have fun and take it slow....

 

[mla2177]

You may want to get one of the harnesses for the 3 yr old for the lines. You have to park strollers to get in line at the attractions, and it may give you peace of mind if he is secure. I used one in July for my then 2 yr old, and I was surprised how much positive feedback I received from it. I was fully expecting people to give me disapproving looks (not that I cared), but I never got that.

I also would recommend a carrier in the lines for the infants. I'm not sure if you have one for each of them, but at least one would be a help.

My husband is a triplet and my friend has 1 yr old triplets. I know it is a lot of work, but what a blessing. Best of luck to you and your family and have fun!!!!!!!

 

[pigget74]

I think I would consider 2 double strollers--you would still have two strollers, but I think it would be easier to get around this way. Depeneding on the time oyu are going getting the 3 person around could be a challenge. Good luck.

 

[Princess-in-Training]

hi there! I have the purest admiration of mothers of multiples -- God Bless you!!! i have no experience whatsoever with mulitples, but I wanted to echo
the suggestion for a baby carrier. It will really help you in the lines!

 

[starrynyt]

I have 3 year old triplets and an 18 month old. We are going in November and it will be the triplets 4th time. We went when they were 6 months, 14 months and 27 months. We never had a triple decker because we almost always had enough people for 2 strollers. I would probably recommend 2 double strollers for a couple of reasons.

One is storage space.

Second reason you will draw less attention. I know when I first had my kids I was really proud and more than willing to have people gawk at my kids but then I realized that it took 4 times as long to do anything so I started pretending not to hear the comments as I went by, not to be rude but because I had to get stuff done. Granted you won't have quite the same reason at Disney but you will want to be able to get where you are going with minimal interference.

Third, I think it is easier for the babies to get air circulation when they aren't in their carseats. I don't know if you are going in the heat of the summer or during the cooler months but It just worked better for us.

If you don't have double strollers I will tell you my favorite that I have owned is the Graco DuoRider. It is a side by side that still fits through doors and reclines. The one negative is that it doesn't fold really compact.

Good luck!!! We had a great time when we went. Oh also one last word of advice. We had 5 adults with our 4 kids last time we went and yet we still lost my son at the airport. Just be careful because it is easy to think someone else is watching them and it would be really easy for a few of you to be dealing with the babies thinking someone is watching the older kid when no one is.

Maybe we will see you there if you are going in November.

Michele

 

[mla2177]

I have 3 year old triplets and an 18 month old. We are going in November and it will be the triplets 4th time. We went when they were 6 months, 14 months and 27 months. We never had a triple decker because we almost always had enough people for 2 strollers. I would probably recommend 2 double strollers for a couple of reasons.

One is storage space.

Second reason you will draw less attention. I know when I first had my kids I was really proud and more than willing to have people gawk at my kids but then I realized that it took 4 times as long to do anything so I started pretending not to hear the comments as I went by, not to be rude but because I had to get stuff done. Granted you won't have quite the same reason at Disney but you will want to be able to get where you are going with minimal interference.

Third, I think it is easier for the babies to get air circulation when they aren't in their carseats. I don't know if you are going in the heat of the summer or during the cooler months but It just worked better for us.

If you don't have double strollers I will tell you my favorite that I have owned is the Graco DuoRider. It is a side by side that still fits through doors and reclines. The one negative is that it doesn't fold really compact.

Good luck!!! We had a great time when we went. Oh also one last word of advice. We had 5 adults with our 4 kids last time we went and yet we still lost my son at the airport. Just be careful because it is easy to think someone else is watching them and it would be really easy for a few of you to be dealing with the babies thinking someone is watching the older kid when no one is.

Maybe we will see you there if you are going in November.

Michele

I couldn't agree more with the attention thing! I was with my friend who has the triplets in their triple stroller, and it took us thirty minutes to get 10 feet!!! Everyone kept stopping her and asking questions!!!!

 

[garberr]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and well wishes. OK, if we use 2 double strollers and don't have their carseats, what do we do for seating in restaurants? They aren't big enough to sit in the wooden high chairs. I didn't even think about having to leave the stroller with the carseats in them with the triple decker which we'd have to do. We are going to a couple of charachter meals. We do have one carrier for lines. We'll probably have to pick up at least one more. Will we be allowed to bring infants in our laps or in carriers on the children's rides such as pooh and small world to name a couple?

By the way, we are going mid september. My dad is a vacation club member and we are getting a 2 bedroom unit at the BC. We have been there 2 times already with the 3 1/2 year old. He just loves it.

Oh, one more thing, you are right about the attention thing. You'd think we had one baby with 3 heads with the attention and questions that we get. We often can't even get through a parking lot with getting stopped many times with the "I just have to look....."

Anyway, any more thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[ZPT1022]

I don't have triplets but I am a twin mom. I agree that I would try to leave the triple stroller at home and get two doubles. We had the Peg Perego triplette because my oldest was only two when the twins were born. I cannot imagine pushing that triplette at WDW. We had enough problems with the double and people running into it, hitting it, trying to maneuver it in stores and counter service restaurants, etc...... I can't imagine having pulled it off with the triplette. I also agree about bringing baby slings or some sort of other carrier. Strollers do not go in lines and unless you have someone who wants to sit out every single ride with the babies (not fun for anyone!) there are times like Fantasyland at the MK where it is just so much easier to park in the stroller lot, do the whole "land" and then go back for your stroller at the end. That was our experience at least. Be sure to get a map and find the baby center at each park and use it for feeding and diaper changes and whatnot, we loved them and they were a real lifesaver. A few times we kind of hung out for a little bit in there and enjoyed the AC which helped to perk up me and DS who like his mommy, doesn't do so wonderfully with the heat. Having the car will be nice because while baby supplies are easily available they are quite overpriced. Obviously this is going to be a much different trip than you are used to so relax and take it slow and have a great time.

 

[ZPT1022]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions and well wishes. OK, if we use 2 double strollers and don't have their carseats, what do we do for seating in restaurants? They aren't big enough to sit in the wooden high chairs. I didn't even think about having to leave the stroller with the carseats in them with the triple decker which we'd have to do. We are going to a couple of charachter meals. We do have one carrier for lines. We'll probably have to pick up at least one more. Will we be allowed to bring infants in our laps or in carriers on the children's rides such as pooh and small world to name a couple?

By the way, we are going mid september. My dad is a vacation club member and we are getting a 2 bedroom unit at the BC. We have been there 2 times already with the 3 1/2 year old. He just loves it.

Oh, one more thing, you are right about the attention thing. You'd think we had one baby with 3 heads with the attention and questions that we get. We often can't even get through a parking lot with getting stopped many times with the "I just have to look....."

Anyway, any more thoughts would be appreciated!

Infant car seats will fit in a lot of the double strollers, such as the Graco (which is one of the ones we had). It takes some practice and at first we didn't think we could get the infant seat into the back seat but it was easy once we figured out how to slide it in. You will be allowed to wear them in a sling, baby bjorn, snuggli, etc.... onto things like It's a Small world, philharmagic, etc..... most of the things your 3 year old can go on, they can too. I don't know about the restaurants. Honestly, I don't know how many restaurants I would plan on going to It's totally a personal choice but there is the very real chance that three people will end up holding babies in baby carriers while they dine, and the other person will be wrangling a three year old. Just my opinion but that doesn't sound like too much fun. Maybe you can take turns going out- one night grandparents take the the three year old, one night mom & dad do, one night mom & dad go out alone, one night grandparents go out alone, etc.... or just cook in for most of the meals. I know this isn't ideal or what we tend to think of for a vacation but I would consider it this time around just because of the logistics. Also with the popularity of the dining plan the restaurants are more booked than they ever have been which can translate to longer waits. again, just my opinion, but that's not fun with infants. I also hear you on the attention and I "only" had twins

 

[starrynyt]

Ours were always big enough to sit in the high chairs when we went. I am not sure how old yours will be by that time but maybe they will be big enough for the high chairs by then. If not, wow, I am not sure what you would do except have the car seats because eating with a baby in the snugli isn't comfortable and it isn't like you will be somewhere that you can lay them out on the floor. I don't know what to tell you. As nice as Disney tries to be they aren't usually accomodating enough to let you bring the strollers in when you eat.

Have fun!!

Michele

 

[pjupton]

You have a triple decker stroller? The black metal frame, three wheeled jogger that only hold infant seats, right? I can't imagine how the airline could hurt it too much. If you don't already have other strollers, buying two DuoGliders seems sorta silly... OTOH, you can't use a triple decker forever, you'll eventually need something with real seats so maybe you could go ahead and get it.

You will have four adults along so each adult gets a child to carry when you need to leave the stroller behind.

If you plan to use pack-n-play's for sleeping at the villa, you'll probably have to explain a few times that you need THREE of them - getting hotel staff to understand you need multiple cribs has been one of our biggest challenges with traveling.

 

[asktriplets]

we've taken our triplets with the Runabout, and i LOVE having it! our 3 were 24 months old on our first trip, so i'm not sure if i have any good suggestions for you beyond these:

-as a pp mentioned, if you're going to use BC's pack-n-plays, i'd put in a request now with your reservation, call BC directly (not CRO) within 3 days of arrival and request again, and ask AGAIN about having 3 at check-in.

-not sure how the TD works and how big it is, but our RA wouldn't fit in the elevators in some of the longhouses at the Poly, so we always request a first floor room, explaining that the stroller may not fit in the elevators (we've done this when staying at the Poly, BC, AKL). for this, i also call ahead 3 days prior to arrival and explain the request. we've never had a problem with this request...staff have been wonderful about trying to help us out!

- as for the attention that the triplet stroller draws---for us, it has been great. people tend to stop us less in the parks than they do when we're at home running errands, but they do sort of step out of the way to gawk (which, i have to say, is a HUGE convenience for us when we're trying to get to our next attraction!). we also always keep the sunshade bar up in the front (even when the shade isn't on), and this acts as a "cow catcher" so we have an automatic foot or so of space between the kids and the "end" of the stroller...very nice not to worry about someone bumping the kids in crowds. because the stroller catches people's attention, we rarely (maybe twice in 5 trips) have an issue with the stroller bumping into someone or vice versa.
guests don't interrupt us frequently, but the cast members and characters are SO much fun with the triplet stroller...the kids have gotten lots of great interaction from CMs/characters coming over to talk with the kids!

hope this helps,

 

[PA Princess]

I am a mom of 4...no mulitples, but I have traveled several times to WDW with infants.

It is very hot in Spetember, and when we had our infants it seemed to work better not to have them in carriers/infant carseats...too great a risk of over heating small bodies and dehydration, etc. We did use the clip on stroller fans to keep air circulating around them and these worked really well.

Keep in mind that rain happens often and fast in WDW at that time of the year, so each time you leave your stroller you will want to cover it or you will risk having to place an infant in a soaking wet seat. Another reason to perhaps avoid having the carriers in the parks or you could have wet carseats and wet strollers. We use a cover by Graco (available for single or double strollers) and it workds so well. Have to say, we did forget to cover once and it did of course pour. We bought a beach towel and placed that in the stroller and that worked in a pinch. But they are $20 a piece in the parks and with three infants that could add up fast!

Over the years we have had many a meal in various restaurants with an infant in a stroller (LeCellier, Coral Reef, Chef Mickey, Crystal Palace, GF...even in the castle and that is a tiny restaurant). Probably the only place you will have an issue will be the restaurant in the Land in Epcot, because no strollers are allowed in that building at all.

We have found Disney to be very accomodating of infants too small to sit in a high chair. Our youngest is 2, so the last trip we ate in a restaurant with an infant in a stroller was July 2005. As well, I never had much trouble eating with a front carrier or sling...even learned to nurse baby and have my meal and it was actually very relaxing even for me to have a nice restaurant meal. Buffets always worked well since there was less time delay and it was easier to stagger eating if need be.

I hope you have a fun trip. I know it isn't always relaxing traveling with babies and kiddos, but what an adventure it always is and oh the memories

 

[garberr]

Thanks for the input everyone. I guess we will borrow or buy a different stroller that reclines. Maybe a quad one so our 3 year old can sit when he gets tired. Will he fit in one?

I will hope for infant high chairs (I called and some restaurants have them) and if not use our stroller. We have reservations at chef mickey, the Crystal Palace, and the breakfast and dinner at the beach club. We are also going to the Backyard Barbeque.

What is the best plan for riding the rides. Would it be better to carry them or put them in a sling or in a front pack type carrier? My thought is the sling or carrier type thing would be better for standing in lines. What do you guys think?

any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[flipflop]

Thanks for the input everyone. I guess we will borrow or buy a different stroller that reclines. Maybe a quad one so our 3 year old can sit when he gets tired. Will he fit in one?

I will hope for infant high chairs (I called and some restaurants have them) and if not use our stroller. We have reservations at chef mickey, the Crystal Palace, and the breakfast and dinner at the beach club. We are also going to the Backyard Barbeque.

What is the best plan for riding the rides. Would it be better to carry them or put them in a sling or in a front pack type carrier? My thought is the sling or carrier type thing would be better for standing in lines. What do you guys think?

any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks!!

First, congratulations from one multiples mom to another. My triplets are 2.
I don't think I see your triplets age anywhere in this thread. How old will they be in September when you go?

I would not get a quad stroller. My triple is heavy enough right now - I can't imagine how heavy a quad would be with a 3 year old and three other babies.
As others have suggested, I would get two doubles, preferably lightweight umbrella types that recline (like a Mac, which is what I have). You are going to have to fold up the stroller anytime you get on and off a bus (unless you are planning on driving to the parks) -- lightweight to me is key.

I agree with those who said that walking around with a triple stroller is a show-stopper. I can't make it through a mall with mine and any time I go out in public with another adult - I split my kids between a double and a single. I like people but I don't like being stopped a zillion times and asked the same questions over and over.

I think the sling/carrier ride question answer partially depends on how old your infants will be (and how heavy!). I see taking a sling/carrier for each baby in addition to the strollers, diaper bag, bottles (if you are using formula or pumping) and other gear you will need into a park as too much gear. I am all for utilizing them for other activities while you are down there but I wouldn't bring them in addition to all the other stuff you are going to have to carry into the park. In addition, your babies won't be able to ride a lot of the attractions so most times adults will be taking turns/swapping.

 

[garberr]

They will be 7 months (4 adjusted).