Short Moms TTMA SUVs and Infant Seats

unaveragejane · May 2014

DH has decided that we're outgrowing my Accord. He wants to get something like a Tahoe or maybe an Acadia. Minivans are out b/c he wants to be able to haul a camper. Anyway, my question is whether or not you have any trouble getting kids in and out of the car seats when they're up high in an SUV? I'm only 5'2" and when we test drove a Yukon last weekend, I couldn't get DS1 buckled into his seat. I tried standing on the running boards, but my belly is too much in the way now. Do you get used to having a tall vehicle, or do I need to try to talk him into something smaller?

dogperson11 · May 2014

For reference I am 5'3". We have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner and have no difficulty. We have running boards and I don't need to use them when putting kids in car seats. If the car seat was in the middle it would be more difficult. I've also had no problems with a GMC Terrain or Chevy Equinox. Don't know how big your camper is, but our 4Runner does great pulling our boat and we can fit a ton of stuff in it. I think the new generation 4Runner is taller though. I'd also check out the Honda Pilot.

FmrAFBrat · May 2014

I'm just under 5'5 and have no issues with my 08 Santa Fe Limited AWD. Supposedly that thing will haul pretty big things but I've never done it. You may want to look at Hyundais website for info. It's easy to get the kids in and out of and very well set up to tie your stroller down in the back....even for me. Mine also has a cargo space for groceries and such.

LittleFish1 · May 2014

We looked at the Acadia while I was pregnant. Height & ease of access seemed good to me (however wasn't hefting car seat in/out or child). Saw a mom putting her child into his car seat in a (newer moddel) Ford Explorer & she had to climb & heft the child. Made me glad I had ruled that out.

What ever ypu go with, would make sure there are head rests for the middle seats & as many top teathers as possible since it sounds like you'll have at least 2 kiddos in your future.

unaveragejane · May 2014

LittleFish1 said:

We looked at the Acadia while I was pregnant. Height & ease of access seemed good to me (however wasn't hefting car seat in/out or child). Saw a mom putting her child into his car seat in a (newer moddel) Ford Explorer & she had to climb & heft the child. Made me glad I had ruled that out. What ever ypu go with, would make sure there are head rests for the middle seats & as many top teathers as possible since it sounds like you'll have at least 2 kiddos in your future.

Ooh, thanks for mentioning the head rest thing. I never even considered the possiblity that they might make an SUV that car seats won't strap into! Ack!

AllTheTeaInChina · May 2014

We have a 2014 explorer. DD is RF in a blvd behind the driver. We don't have any problem getting her in or out. She's almost 2 and 23lb. She likes to climb in and out of the seat on her own so as she gets bigger it might be harder to lift her but she'll be able to help.

ETA-- forgot to mention, I'm 5'1

LittleApple · May 2014

We had a Ford Escape before we upgraded to a minivan and I never had issues getting the kids or infant seats into the suv. I am 5'4

tbarker14 · May 2014

My Sister is 5'5 and she had the Tribute suv.. she didn't have any issues.. she just complained that it was heavy lifting her boys on to the suv. Mainly because they did not get the suv until her oldest was already 14 months and the little one was 2 months old.

I'm 5'8, almost 5'9 so it would not be an issue for me. I suggest that while you both are deciding you should definitely try them out and go with what is comfortable for both of you since there will be times where you are alone with the LO. Good luck!

Chatterbug6917 · May 2014

We have an explorer and the kids are easy to get in and out and we tow a boat with it no problem I'm short too

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