Maybe, because you will no doubt have a lot of 'stuff' to carry/lug around on hand.... get a Toddler 'leash' for your 3 year old. It is for safety.
It can be used as a 'harness' around the child's back, or on the child's wrist.
Amazon has examples of it. www.amazon.com
You'd also probably be pushing a stroller around in the terminals and having bags strapped over your shoulders.... your purse etc.
Carrying kiddie things too, snacks etc. So make sure everything is secure. ie: all your Passports, money, credit cards etc.
Many people, us included, wear the neck strap or waist strap type hidden bags/wallets. Don't put the 'snap' of the waistpack, in the back of you.. it can easily be taken off by thieves. Put it in front of you, for example.
Pick-pockets abound in those areas.
The layover should be fine, the kids can rest. But you cannot get any shut-eye yourself, because you have to watch your kids.
How 'mature' is your 3 year old?
You can talk/prep your eldest, ahead of time... to help Mommy kind of thing. Per her age. Tell her to STICK together.... always hold your hand etc.
You will be able to board first etc., because you have kids.
I assume, you will then need to travel BACK, to India... with the kids as well. You being alone on the return flight as well???
Entering the U.S., the Customs lines... can be quite long and arduous. So head's up.
I assume, you viewed the www.tsa.gov website, to see how you should pack and travel and what carry-on's are allowed or not and how containers have to be?
The main thing for me, would be 'safety'... on the trip. Since I'd be alone with my kids. Be aware... of what is around you and who. And don't be shy, in asking for help at any airport, or on the plane. Moms with kids, traveling alone, can be easily 'distracted.'
Oh.. and ALWAYS... carry on you, a little booklet (I use a spiral little mini notebook), and write in it ALL your important phone numbers and contact numbers, your Pediatrician/Doctor numbers, credit card company numbers, family phone numbers etc. It is very important. Doing this, has come in VERY handy for us... traveling abroad to and from Europe.
You can ALSO put your cellphone on a 'leash' or Lanyard around your neck too. Less chance of it getting lost or stolen.
I assume...your cell phone can be used for International calls??? Not all cell phones, can.
Call me anal... but that is how I/we travel or when abroad. And believe me, my Husband has THANKED me for being so anal about all these details. Because, things happened where we needed such information RIGHT on hand.
all the best,
Susan