Diaper Swappers

NewbieSAHM · 03-30-2013, 05:00 PM

We are anticipating the demise of our super old Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It was a much appreciated gift from the in-laws and though it's a gas guzzler it's been there for us when we've needed it. Now we're planning for our next car. I will drive it first, then when the Jeep dies, my husband will take it over. So it will only be our family's main mode of transportation for a short time. That being said, I had in my mind to get a midsize sedan. However, my husband is still leaning toward a more compact, gas saving vehicle since ultimately it'll be his drive-to-and-from-work-not-so-much-a-family-vehcile.

What is your experience with little cars? Are there some easier to get carseats into than others? DS is in a SKJP Radian XTSL and we don't have any other children yet. We are on the same page with one more kid (if we're fortunate enough) but I'm not sure what the future holds beyond that.

HELP!

4boys1girlforme · 03-30-2013, 05:10 PM

I would probably test drive the cars you are interested in. I take all the kids and car seats- kind of a PITA but I need to know how the seats install and that everyone fits well.

I'd look into a Honda Fit. Reasonable price, great gas mileage.

Check out cars.com to see what is available in your area.

chubbycheeks · 03-30-2013, 05:56 PM

Hubby has a 4 door Toyota Yaris that he has driven for five years now with great luck. He uses it as his commuter and occasionally takes a kiddo or two somewhere (we have 4 boys). He gets about 40 mpg on mostly country roads on his ride to work. It was cheap and we have had no issues with it. I fit front facing marathons in it no problem.

jjordan · 03-30-2013, 06:33 PM

Our primary family car used to be a 99 altima (which is smaller than the current altimas). It is totally do-able, especially if you have just one kid. If I'm reading your siggy right, your ds is 5, so he's forward facing, right? In that case the Radian should fit in any car, though it might have installation issues in some.

KrisM · 03-30-2013, 06:39 PM

My friend drives a Ford Focus and has 3 kids. They are older and out of seats now, but they were 2, 4, 6 when she got it and fit them in harnessed and booster seats then.

ambieone · 03-30-2013, 06:52 PM

We have a 2011 toyota corrolla. We have two kids. I really like it, it gets great gas mileage and the kids have plenty of room in the back.

ofthemoonsglow · 03-30-2013, 07:03 PM

We have a 2005 toyota prius. We bought it used about a year ago. Its wonderful! We get about 40 mpg in regular traffic. Highway driving gets even better mileage. We have 1 kid and the carseat fits fine. We could easily fit 2 carseats.

amandact · 03-30-2013, 07:29 PM

We have a honda fit and love it!

We have a Chicco 22 in the back and are about to switch over to britax marathon. Either fits great. You definitely can't recline the front seat back too far with the rear facing seat but I imagine with forward facing it would be no problem at all.

Trunk is pretty spacious for the size car it is but pretty early on we ditched the full size stroller for something compact, nice to be able to put stroller and groceries in car

Melinda29 · 03-30-2013, 07:37 PM

We had a little Toyota Camry when we had 3 kids. We could fit 3 Radians, or 1 Chicco bucket + 2 Radians, or 1 Chicco + 1 Radian + 1 Cosco highback booster in it. It was snug but perfectly doable. I loved the 33 mpg and huge trunk.

It was cozy and I liked not having to climb all the way IN to buckle up the kids like I do with my minivan now. I could just bend over to buckle them. I could pick up a pacificer or toy dropped on the floor and hand it back. I could reach back and stroke my daughter's legs or hold her foot if she was upset and crying.

PoshPants · 03-30-2013, 07:38 PM

remember in europe tiny cars are super common and people put kids in them. Bigger isn't always better

03-30-2013, 05:00 PM	#1
NewbieSAHM Registered Users Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 1,290 Ratings: 18 Feedback: 100%	Who has a tiny (sub-compact or compact) car with kids? We are anticipating the demise of our super old Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It was a much appreciated gift from the in-laws and though it's a gas guzzler it's been there for us when we've needed it. Now we're planning for our next car. I will drive it first, then when the Jeep dies, my husband will take it over. So it will only be our family's main mode of transportation for a short time. That being said, I had in my mind to get a midsize sedan. However, my husband is still leaning toward a more compact, gas saving vehicle since ultimately it'll be his drive-to-and-from-work-not-so-much-a-family-vehcile. What is your experience with little cars? Are there some easier to get carseats into than others? DS is in a SKJP Radian XTSL and we don't have any other children yet. We are on the same page with one more kid (if we're fortunate enough) but I'm not sure what the future holds beyond that. HELP! __________________ Mom of DS (3/08) Thirty-One home organization and accessories! Ask me about our monthly special... http://www.crazybaglady.com

03-30-2013, 05:10 PM	#2
4boys1girlforme Registered Users Previously: 4boysforme Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,781 Ratings: 424 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: Who has a tiny (sub-compact or compact) car with kids? I would probably test drive the cars you are interested in. I take all the kids and car seats- kind of a PITA but I need to know how the seats install and that everyone fits well. I'd look into a Honda Fit. Reasonable price, great gas mileage. Check out cars.com to see what is available in your area. __________________ Lee Ann RN student/ SAHM to Jaret '00, Spencer '03, Preston '05 (CLW at 37 months), Griffin '08 by VBAC (CLW at 21 months), & Mallory '10 by VBAC! Formerly tandem & bfing for a combined total of 122 months & counting! Also cloth diapering & baby wearingMy HUGE FSOT MY ISO Last edited by 4boys1girlforme; 03-30-2013 at 05:14 PM.

03-30-2013, 05:56 PM	#3
chubbycheeks Registered Users Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 651 Ratings: 105 Feedback: 100%	Hubby has a 4 door Toyota Yaris that he has driven for five years now with great luck. He uses it as his commuter and occasionally takes a kiddo or two somewhere (we have 4 boys). He gets about 40 mpg on mostly country roads on his ride to work. It was cheap and we have had no issues with it. I fit front facing marathons in it no problem. __________________ Jodie, crazy in love with my boys, and welcoming our brand new bundle Will (3-28-10)

03-30-2013, 06:33 PM	#4
jjordan Registered Users Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 7,630 Ratings: 20 Feedback: 100%	Re: Who has a tiny (sub-compact or compact) car with kids? Our primary family car used to be a 99 altima (which is smaller than the current altimas). It is totally do-able, especially if you have just one kid. If I'm reading your siggy right, your ds is 5, so he's forward facing, right? In that case the Radian should fit in any car, though it might have installation issues in some.

03-30-2013, 06:39 PM	#5
KrisM Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,010 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100%	Re: Who has a tiny (sub-compact or compact) car with kids? My friend drives a Ford Focus and has 3 kids. They are older and out of seats now, but they were 2, 4, 6 when she got it and fit them in harnessed and booster seats then. __________________ Kris Mom to 3 wonderful kids. Earn gift cards or paypal at Swagbucks! Click Here to join the fun!