My husband, 3 year old son, and I are planning a trip to Paris in early March. Does anyone have advice on what to bring? stroller vs walking at toddler pace? dvd player too cumbersome or worth every ounce? wool coat vs. down jacket? rain boots? We'll be bringing lots of little toys all wrapped up for flight entertainment. What else will I need in Paris?

and the child IS coming with us( i've read some rather nasty threads here)

I suggest a stroller. Our boys at 3 could not walk any real distance, and if you are trying to get somewhere toddler pace can make it difficult. We don't travel with a dvd player but do bring a cd or tape player, we use music and books on tape rather than a dvd on trips. Definitely toys and snacks on the plane, a couple of favorite books and lovey. Otherwise we try to travel light (I tend to overpack their toys, my husband tries to convince me to bring less). My boys love to pick out new toys on trips, especially in outdoor markets so I try to pack lighter so we can bring some new books and toys home. I like a coat that has a hood and is waterproof for my kids. You will have a great time just remember travel with children rewards you in different ways than travel without.

Bring the stroller. I would also bring a portable crib. You never know what the hotel has available.

Dress in layers. Nothing real heavy. Sweaters and windbreakers. Leather is good in cool wet weather. Pack gloves and hats. I wouldn't bother with rain boots.

"Lots of little toys for flight entertainment?" Maybe better to have something that will lull him to sleep. Consider the comfort of others on the plane who will be trying to sleep and will not be amused with an active kid making noise.

Traveling with a child opens up many new experiences, and puts a damper on some things you would otherwise be doing. Our experiences with a child of 2 to 5 were overwhelmingly favorable, but it is considerably more work.

Definitely bring the stroller! My three year old was complaining about the walking she had to do in Italy and we HAD a stroller for the longer days. I can't imagine how tough it would have been not to have it. I would absolutely NOT bring a portable crib. Your hands will be full enough with all of the other junk you have to carry! Hopefully your son is able to sleep in a twin bed--we even managed to get the one year old to sleep with us in one in a pinch. We had no DVD player but we don't watch much TV at home either so the girls are both used to entertaining themselves by staring out the window in the car or (god willing) sleeping. Yes, lots of toys for the plane will work fine. Request the bulkhead row, I know it might seem more inconvenient because you won't have easy access to your carryons but your son will want to sit on the floor and play and there's more room there. You can read my trip report at http://www.markandmonica.com/Travel/italy.htm for more info on what worked for us.

Bring the stroller!

March could be snow, or could be spring-like, just check the forecast before you leave.

I take a small dvd player. It keeps children quiet on the flight. I once flew on my own with my then 4-year old, and was very glad to have it when my flight was delayed by 7 hours; I bought him some new dvd's at the airport. In the past I have always brought too many things on the plane (colouring books, toys etc), and they haven't really used them. One new sticker book with colouring pencils, and the dvd-player, is what I took when they were that age.

Take some medicines from home, in case you cannot find the same thing in Paris.

And have fun!

bring a LIGHTWEIGHT stroller. you'll need to fold it up a lot on stairs and carry it about.