Experienced mothers - What's the best vehicle to have with young children?

Question

I am not yet pregnant, but hope to be in the near future. I am currently in the market for a new car and want to get something that's infant/kid-friendly. I am small figured (5'2" and 115lbs.) and want something that is easy to get children in and out of. Obviously, a large SUV wouldn't be compatable because I'd have to lift my child high, but what would you recommend? Is a minivan best like everyone claims? such as the Honda Odyssey? Or is a 4-door car best? such as a Honda Accord? Please let me know your recommendations or experiences. Thank you :)

Answer 1

A minivan. I dont care what it looks like or what other people say. They say it out of ignorance because they never had one, or didnt have a new one with nice features.

We have a 7 month old, and a grand caravan with power doors and stow n go seats and a dvd player. Best damn investment ever.

We had a huge four door car before.. but those things are a PAIN IN THE AS|SS to get the car seat in and out in the parking lot... you end up bashing the car next to you with the door. Bending over and putting it in, taking baby out and latching him in... WHAT a bother. With the van the doors slide open and the car seat is at the same hight that your hands are. Easy stuff.

Plus i breast feed, so having the van is great. I can park anywhere any time, pop in a movie and stick baby on a boobie. Plus, if we have to, he can play in there while we are resting on a road trip, or what have you.

The seats fold down in two seconds so i can haul pretty much anything I could before with my pick up. I love it.

I think everyone should have one. Even with one baby theyre worth their weight in gold.

AND ours makes it from vermont to ohio on a tank of gas. Thats nearly 600 miles. Over 30 a gallon on the highway. This isnt my first caravan, and all of them have gotten that gas mileage, even though the sticker says less.

Answer 2

If you only have one child, I would say a 4 door car. A mini van would work too. It will be easiest if you get one with quad seats because both seats are closer to the doors and you won't have to reach in as far to put the baby seat in the van. The mini van would give you a little more room for carrying a stroller and any other baby paraphenalia. Stay away from a 2 door car. It is a pain trying to put a baby in the back seat. I had a 2 door car with my first one and hated it. I had a 4 door car with my second and it was fine. Then I got a mini van with built in child safety seats. That was nice for when my second one was a toddler. I have had two more mini vans since that one and will keep a mini van as long as my kids are still at home. If you plan to keep this vehicle for a while then you might want to go ahead and invest in a mini van. Look at the crash test ratings before you decide.

Answer 3

I used a Ford Focus at first, when I had my 2 stepdaughters. It worked pretty well, as the kids could easily get in and out, and it was easy for me to get them in and out. The main con was not much storage for all their stuff when we traveled. Once I was pregnant with my first, we had to upgrade to minivan (3 carseats gets pretty crowded in the back of a car). I love my minivan in that there's so much storage space. I have a Chrysler Town & Country Stow and Go. There is enough room for all the kids and then some. The biggest thing is we had to teach my 4 yr old stepdaughter to buckle herself up, as we couldn't get in back as easy (the baby and 2 yr old had the captain's seats). I'm 5 ft 3 in and it gets kinda hefty trying to lift the infant seat into it's holder as it's kinda high up and I had problems getting in the van when I was pregnant. The kids also have to climb into the van which can get kinda messy on the knees in the winter or when it's wet out. So, I suppose I would start with a midsize sudan (better on gas also!!!), 4 dr for sure and you can make your way up from there. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Hi Sweetie- I am ttc#1 and yet not preg. either. and just recently bought the 4door honda cr-v. Because I wanted a child friendly car as well. Air bags like on every inch of this car! you will be safe! I too am 5'3" and 115lbs so were about the same. I love this car. its not large like a SUV and you dont have to lift high to get children out. (as i take my 1yr. old neice and 3yr old nephew) every weekend. Also, i dont like the mini vans and i am 22yrs old and I dont think i want to be caught in driving one of those quite yet. and the honda accord- i just didnt think those were safe enough. Atleast the honda cr-v is up high enough and has enough airbags and is an all around great car! I love it. (2007 honda cr-v) the older styles i didnt like. good luck! hope i helped a little!

Answer 5

If you only have one child and only are planning for one or maybe only two, you still can pretty much get the car that you want.... 4-door.

I was fine with a four door sedan type vehicle until I had my 3rd child, THEN it became an issue with space, and I went and go my minivan (which I absolutely LOVE). Forget the stereotype, the things are NICE!!!

But when I had only two and it was just us three in the car - my favorite car was my Jeep Cherokee; it was high enough I didn't have to break my back bending over getting them in the car and situated. They were level to how I stood and I didn't have to bend or reach. And they had enough room.

Answer 6

To be honest with you right now I'm preggo with #4 and we have only a 5 sitter car so we are now looking for a vehicle for 6-8 sitter. The only type that I can think of is a mini-van. I too am 5'3" and 123lbs. We need the room not only for all of us but you have to think about room for a stroller, diaper bag and depending on travel you have other things as well. We have to travel to see me family and we always travel just in case we spend the night. We pack for ourselves and our 3 yr old and then there is our 13yr old and 11yr old. So small isn't always a good thing. Good luck.

Answer 7

What with regards to the mother who makes adequate money to help the companion and babies and the husband works because of the fact he needs too. and you call those working women folk b******!! i assume your mom on no account had a activity or she'd be one too appropriate? you're attacking something which you won't be in a position to have with a biased, sexist opinion. that isn't any ask your self you have a crummy activity. look at your perfect! Envy is such an unsightly element and so is jealousy.

Answer 8

I would make a list of the vehicles you think you're interested in and take a day to test drive each one.
Personally, I don't like vans but several of my friends do and they love them. Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are both popular with my friends.
I like my Volvo wagon. I feel totally safe and love the style of it.
Good luck in whatever you choose.

Answer 9

a minni van is the best way to go a honda odyssey is a good idea its cute and hondas are fuel efficent but if u want a vehical thats kid frendly and stylish try look at a gmc envoy there not big and have as much room as the odyssey!

Answer 10

the main thing is to have a safe car.... but secondly make sure you have enough room for the enormous amount of things that you need to carry around with you.... a small trunk is not fitting... ie: stroller, diaper bag, toys, bankets, bouncy seat.... etc. I am sooooo glad that i have an suv with plenty of room for the stroller and such... when my husband travels with my daughter in his toyota... the stroller has to be squished in the front seat.... LOL... just because he already has one thing in the trunk. so first go for safety.. but secondly, try to get something with ROOM!