Minivan MoMs- a ?

preheatedoven · August 2011

We have decided to take the plunge into minivan ownership. Our budget is quite tight, and we've found a few in our price range that we like. But, here is the sticking point. The one that drove the best had two bench type seats, and I've just assumed that with two car seats the captain chairs are better.

So, for ease of use, do we go with the captain chairs, or the bench seat?

tmbuchmann · August 2011

So, I have an SUV with two captain's chairs, and I wish I had a bench seat. I have to get into my third row (which isn't easy) to buckly kid#3. So if your planning on ever having third, I would go for the bench, but that's me.

JosiePosy · August 2011

We have captain chairs in the second row, and I prefer it that way. Just my preference.

UsedToBeGoldie · August 2011

i have had both and liked having the bench the most when they were babies... it was easier to get into the 3rd row for DS1 back there... and super easy to snap in the twins in the bench.

when they got older and in the convertible seats i preferred the captains chairs (which i got shortly after they both switched seats) b/c it was harder to get one of them into the inner bench seat from the side door when they weren't in infant seats anymore --- not HARD, just harder... and easier to do with the captains chairs.

The thing I like the most about the captains chairs is that now they are all forward facing I can have them all in the back row - and stow and go the middle seats and have a ton of extra room... but with just 2 kids that is not as big of an issue... so bench seating in the middle would be fine for you - you can stow the back seat and have tons of room in the back instead

cauli001 · August 2011

I like having the bench because I can sit in between them on long trips or if someone is crying. THe only downfall is that if someone wants to use the 3rd row, they have to enter through the back bc of the car seats.

s270453 · August 2011

We have captains chairs and I love them. If someone else rides with us, its easier for them to get through to the back.

kelliwill · August 2011

We have the Honda Odyssey and it's not captain chairs and we love it! No problems at all with it and no issue with two car seats at all. The best part is that when they were really young I could climb in back and sit in the middle of them and hold their bottles etc. I wouldn't have been able to do that if there was no seat in between them. GL!

cocojack10 · August 2011

When minivan shopping a couple months back, we decided with wanted bench seating bc many times I end up in the middle of the boys when they are cranky, etc. I like having that option. If someone is riding with us next to them, we move one seat to the middle, otherwise, the boys ride on the outside of the bench.

Actually, with the features we wanted, the only option for us was the Oddessey. I like a lot of the features of the van, but I sure miss my FX35. : ( I guess it will take time to adjust. LOL

preheatedoven · August 2011

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I guess I shouldn't write off the one with the bench seat, it sounds like it would work just fine. Looks like we will continue our minivan shopping!

google123 · August 2011

i have the sienna, and it has 2 captain chairs, with the option of having a seat in the middle between them. You can take it out if you want. We leave it in, and often times I sit in the middle between both babies while DH drives, so I can tend to them if they fuss. It fits my big post-pregnancy butt, so I'm assuming it would fit a 3rd child or person easily.

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