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Multiples
Picking out a new vehicle- HELP!
Currently own a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, which is NOT going to accommodate 3 car seats. We need to upgrade to a larger vehicle, but SO (and I agree) refuses to get a mini-van. If you've got 3 in car seats, or have seen 3 in car seats, let me know what kind of ride it is!!! I have no idea even where to start, there are so many SUVs on the market now. Oh! and looking in the 13,000-18,000 range and a 2001 or newer, that much I know! =D aaanndddd we use Graco car seats if that helps too!
TIA!!!
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Re: Picking out a new vehicle- HELP!
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get used to the fact that you will be a mom - so "looking like a mom" in a minivan is not such a bad thing.
The convienence of a minivan is worth everything to me. I always said I would never get one- and now i would never NOT have one (until my kids are all much older).
realize that the graco carseats will not be the ones you use for long - and convertible car seats are BIG, esp when rear facing - so don't just look at a car thinking about the infant seats fitting.
the auto opening doors... the huge back storage area WITH a 3rd row, too... the better milage compared to a large SUV... all make having a minivan with multiples so great. Not to mention - the cost of a used SUV - dealing with repairs, etc.... you should truly reconsider.
***Twin fraternal girls born at 35w6d in 12/2008***
There's absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting to have a minivan. Having one doesn't make you more of a mom and not wanting one doesn't make you vain or less of one. It seems like it's a constant rift on this board.
That being said, we went with a Ford Expedition. All three seats fit in the middle row and I have a ton of cargo space which i find to be more convenient than having two in the second row and one in a third row (or vice versa). You have to do what works for you and if you are comfortable with a large SUV and find that to be the most convenient option, go for it. We did and are pleased with out choice. I do also know of other MoMs on the board who have managed 3 carseats in smaller SUVs though I can't think of who or what kind off the top of my head.
I have a Jeep Cherokee and all three of our car seats fit in it without any problems. Our older two are in booster seats now, and there is even enough room for them to buckle their own seat belts. The one problem we are going to have in a few years, however, is that the middle seat does NOT have a shoulder belt, so it can't hold 3 belt-positioning boosters at the same time. This could be an issue with just about any vehicle you purchase so make sure you check.
I really like Expeditions but I bought the Jeep because I wanted a newer vehicle but without a huge car payment. It has plenty of room for all five of us plus plenty of storage space.
I had the same question about a month ago I drive a 2 door sunfire and the twins obviosly are not gonna fit. I too was like I am not ready for a Mini Van.
But after posting and having so many replys, I truly thought about it and decided on a minivan.I realized that we are gonna be a family of 4 overnight and the space will be great for everyday and vacations I am just waiting til they are just about here to get it.
no- there is nothing wrong with not wanting one - but when tons and tons of moms with more than one child tell you how much easier it is to have a minivan - maybe there is something to be learned.... Sure- your seats fit- but you haven't even had your twins yet - you have no idea yet what it's like to lift 2 car seats in and out of your vehicle all day long yet... + your toddler. I have done it with a minivan and an SUV and can say that the minivan is 100x's easier.
Many women feel that minivans are not cool... make them "look like a mom", etc... and those of us who have them realize that nothing matters more than having things be a little easier in your life when you have multiples - and a minivan truly makes things easier. There are a ton of moms on here who have done it with an SUV or other car- and then got the minivan... and realize how much easier life is with the minivan.
Nope- it doesn't make you more/less of a mom, etc --- but there is something to be said about listening to the advice of a ton of MoMs who have been there and done that.
Our twins aren't even here yet (and we have no other kids) and I love our mini van already. We looked at the interior configs of minivans and suvs and the mini van just seemed so much more kids friendly.
Yeah, I'm gonna be a mom to two babies. A minivan doesn't make me look any more like a mom. and a suv doesn't make me look any cooler. Either way, I'll be rocking two carseats, a double stroller, and all the gear that two kids come with (and I can't wait!).
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We're just not minivan peeps either. We went with the 7-passenger GMC Acadia with captain seats in the 2nd row (not the bench). It's on a car base (vs. a truck base like the Yukon/Tahoe). So, it's pretty low to the ground and drives really smooth.
The toddler seat is in the 3rd row, she can easily get into the Acadia by herself and go in between the captains chairs and get into her carseat herself. I just have to lock her in and soon enough I bet she can do that herself too.
The twins will be put into the captain's chairs. Honestly, it's one step from a minivan without actually being one. Win-win in my book. This is what works best for us. We love it!
Like PP have said you really need to reconsider the minivan. I have a Honda Pilot and only have the twins. But right now, over the rest of the summer, I have my BFF's girls that I am watching. So I have added a 3 year old (in a 3rd convertible seat and a 5 1/2 year old in a booster. Putting the older girls in that 3rd row in the back is a huge pain in the butt. They have to climb in the back of the cargo area and climb over the seats to get into their seats because you have not fold down the second row with the twins convertible seats in place.
If I were to have another child at this point, I would be trading in my Pilot and going with the Honda Odessy. I like you are not found of minivans, but after experience more than 2 kids in an SUV with the logistics of getting into carseats I would have to go to a minivan.
The other issue I have with the 3rd row up and kids in carseats is where to put the double stroller. Right now I am lucky in that my girls are almost 2 and I usually only take all 4 girls to the park in the morning, so they just get out and walk from the car to the playground equipment. I couldn't imagine if I had 3 or 4 kids that were my own and needing to fit a double or triple stroller in the back on a regular basis, it just would not happen. Just another thing for you to consider because it looks like your 3 are going to be under 2 at one point, so you are going to have to look into what you will do for a stroller and how that will fit into your vehicle.
I hate the way minivans drive. Completely hate it. Not to mention that I refuse to buy anything Chrysler (every single one a family member has owned has fallen under or just missed the MI lemon law) and we just don't buy Honda or Toyota, which are the major minivan brands.
When we looked into SUV's that would accomodate 3 carseats, we looked at the Saturn Outlook, Chevy Traverse, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, Ford Edge, Ford Expedition and Cadillac Escalade. A few of those had the option for Captains chairs in the middle row that were moveable so you could get into the back seat easier. We plan to get a Chevy Traverse early next year when my husband's lease is up.
again... another person who has not had her twins yet....i'm just sayin'.
DH and I thought we weren't "minivan people" either (but we were careful to never say "never.") We also never thought we'd have three kids under three. After finding out we were having twins we really researched every possible vehicle option and decided that ultimately a minivan (Honda Odyssey) was the way we needed to go for now. It's really not that bad.
Do I love it? No. Do I hate it? No. Do I really think that matters right now? Not really. I DO like how convenient it is, and I think it is the best option for three children who aren't capable of buckling themselves in yet. Plus in addition to sliding doors, it has some really great features. I would, if I were you, at least check some minivans out. You may be surprised.
Good luck with your search!
ETA: I love the fact that minivan ownership is one of the most "controversial" topics on this board. We are a tame bunch (and I love that).
this. DH and I were anti minivan until we checked out the Odyssey. The features are great, its such a smooth ride, and the auto open doors are the best things since sliced bread. DH even brags about it to his other friends now. Its pretty funny. Before you say hell no to a minivan at least go test drive a couple first
This x 2000!
Mine are not twins, but they are 15 mos apart and both in convertible seats. I also have a 13 yr old. We have a Ford Explorer with 3rd row seat and I HATE it! It is DH's car. I just bought a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and as long as my kids are in car seats I will have one!! It is amazing!
And I still look cool, btw! It's Inferno Red
I always said I would never ever drive a minivan. I have SO eaten my words. If I had 2 kids, I wouldnt have a minivan. BUT- I have 3 kids. IMO there is no other way.
When we had the twins we were in a 2005 Equinox. I loved that car. We bought it specifically for kids. It worked perfectly with my daughter's one seat. Then, we got pg with twins. Never ever planned on 2 kids. The Equinox was way too small. We jammed all 3 carseats in but there was no way I could fit 3 convertibles.
I totalled my Equinox one week ago. I went out and bought a Honda Odyssey within 2 days. I LOVE this car. Its so convenient. We used to put the double stroller in the back of the Equinox, but that was it. I couldnt even fit a few bags of groceries with it. So, we always had to plan if we needed the stroller, take it in and out all the time etc. Sucked. Now that I have the van, we leave the double in and still have room for whatever.
We went back home to see my parents this weekend just so we could drive it
We put in so much stuff. A packnplay, travel swing, 2 suitcases, a case of diapers, bags of baby toys, Ellies toys, etc. We still had a ton of room.
So, definitely rethink the minivan thing. If you test drive some and hate them, dont buy one. I dont think I could possibly get out with all 3 by myself as often, and we definitely wouldnt travel as much if we didnt have it. I didnt like the way the Chrysler/Dodges drove but loved the way the Honda did.
The "big" SUVs sound perfect but in actual use isnt very convenient. We had a Traverse for a week as a rental. It sounded great until I actually put all 3 seats in it. Both infant seats couldnt fit in the back so they had to go in the 2nd row. When the seats were in I couldnt get in the 3rd row. So, to get to the 3rd row a baby had to be taken out. Its not like you can leave a kid sitting in the parking lot while you climb to the 3rd row. Plus, Im 5'1 It was serious work getting in and out.
This always makes me giggle too! If this is all we "fight" about then I am happy.
I agree with pp that the most important thing to consider is all of the crapp that your kids will require. Whatever vehicle you are looking for, when you are car shopping try to picture all the stuff you need in addition to the carseats and double stroller and see if you think it will fit in the trunk/storage space.
Here is a pic of us on our last road trip to the beach...we were only going for one night! We filled the entire back of the van with the 3rd row seat down.
If you're truly anti-minivan, I think a Chevy Suburban with the captain's chairs is more or less what will work for you.
Good luck.
I'm pretty sure this topic will always end the same on this board. Some on here really push the minivan. But guess what...you don't HAVE to have one and your life won't be miserable because of it. Just as you want to show moms-to-be "the light." It's perfectly okay for others as well to share that there are other options. The options exist because we are all not the same, thank goodness, and like different things. Enjoy your minivan. I'll enjoy my Acadia. Trust me, I thoroughly considered all of your very strong opinions along with friends who have kids and multiples and this is the choice we decided on. The only real thing missing is the sliding doors, so I park a few spots down from the Target entrance and work off some cals. My rear gate is actually power so I don't have to pull it down either. Maybe because I work outside the home, I'm not running errands all day, everyday with them anyway it's not much of an issue. My life won't be miserable because I have to physcially open a door. I'm tall and the Acadia is low so it's not difficult to get them out of the car. I think life is harder with twins period. But I'm still going to put on makeup and blowdry my hair and where nice clothes and drive the car I like.
Nothing seems wrong with that.
I think this board is great at discussing and debating different ways to handle situations or what gear to use or not to use....whether we are talking about sleep training or stroller options.
I think the mini-van debate is similar to those other discussions. It is like when people swear by Dr Luke's book - it helped them so they want to recommend it so it will help others. But not everything thinks or feels the same and that is ok. I don't care or judge what others are going to do or drive, etc - I just know and share what works for me.
But your comment above sounded a bit snarky...did you mean to imply that mini-van drivers are just mom blobs that don't care about their appearance? b/c that is definitely the way it came off to me.
No, actually and sincerely that's not what I meant at all. I'm saying it would be easier if I didn't put on makeup, blowdry my hair, etc. just because I have twins, just to make my life easier. Yes it may be easier to push a button to have the door slide open, but since I personally do not like the the minivan, life will go on if I have to open the door myself for the trade off of having a car I love.
A discussion with different POV is awesome and that's why I contributed to the post, so someone can see that a minivan is not the ONLY option and that there's nothing wrong if you don't want a minivan. But it was implied that my opinion (on the car that I clearly stated works for me btw and gave a couple of reasons that actually compare to the pros of a minivan) is invalid because my twins aren't here yet. I asked the same question and took ALL different factors into account when making the decision. Your husbands may not be driving the car or work in an image industry and so they don't care, but that is another factor, of many, in the decision that we made for us. I really didn't mean it any more than that.