So I'm new to this parenting thing, do I have to get a minivan/suv? (teens, wife)
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or, after having to climb in the back seat for the millionth time, to find the seatbelt buckle that is hidden behind another carseat and several gooey cherios
or, after having to climb in the back seat for the millionth time, to find the seatbelt buckle that is hidden behind another carseat and several gooey cherios, or having one child vomit on another one, you might have an epiphany..... captain chairs for all!!
And people wonder why I don't allow food or drink in my cars...
I'm confused is the OP in the market for a new car or considering a purchase because of the child? You might consider that if it would make more sense to rent an SUV for the road trips?
We have both a smaller car and a SUV. I drive the SUV during the week with BabyGirl, we had it prior to BabyGirl and won't be replaceing it once it dies (it's at 100K miles). It is easier on my back getting her in and out - but now that she's 2yo+ , it's not that big of an issue since she can scramble out on her own.
I also have a Bob stroller - I use it alot, it's way more comfortable than the umbrella and offers far more sun and weather protection. We have a lot of outdoor malls and bigger strip malls here in California. I end up taking her in it in Costco , Walmart, the commissary (grocery shopping), Home Depot - she hates riding in the shopping cart and will stand up, try to climb out and thousands of kids go to the emergency room every year from shopping cart falls (a shocking number!). Besides - I just want to get my errrands done so we can do something fun for both of us....
I got a used pack and play from my sister but never really ended up using it very much. We got one or a crib when we stayed in hotels and co-slept at family members houses when we visted.
Thanks for all your input. I think I'm going to buy a roof rack and a rooftop cargo system, and if my 4-door civic gets to be a pain in the rear I'll sell it and get a larger auto.
Smart choice, I believe. When we had one child we were more than happy with our Accord. You will be fine with that vehicle.
Just curious: How come some people hate minivans? Is it just because they aren't "cool?" Sort of like admitting you're an adult and have to live like one if you have a somewhat large family?
We only have one child right now and get by with a regular sedan and one crossover vehicle (Pontiac Vibe). Someday we might need to get something bigger, but for now we don't need to run out and get the minivan.
Just curious: How come some people hate minivans? Is it just because they aren't "cool?" Sort of like admitting you're an adult and have to live like one if you have a somewhat large family?
We only have one child right now and get by with a regular sedan and one crossover vehicle (Pontiac Vibe). Someday we might need to get something bigger, but for now we don't need to run out and get the minivan.
I am sure it's mostly the emasculating stereotype.
Some more valid reasons would be the crappy gas mileage, poor handling/performance, fugly styling, and lack of fun to drive.
But I strongly feel you can't argue the utility of those things.
May have to argue the "crappy gas mileage"....it really depends on how many people and stuff is being hauled. IIRC my minivan got 23 or so mpg on the highway. If I were carrying 4 kids plus all of their baseball/football gear then you'd most likely be comparing it to either 2 small sedans or an SUV to get the same amount of kids/equipment from place A to place B. Which, after a few years, is never in a nearby, convenient location BTW.
Are you doing this every day? No but as the kids get older, you may be doing this more than you thought.
Why not? If the parents have the attitude and the desire (or need) and the capability, why not?
-having to stop and change messy diapers on the side of a highway ... (you know, the ones that involve trying to take off a onesie that is covered in poop while trying not to get it all over their hair, sometimes involving an early bathtime).
-having to stop and feed them five to six times a day, then sit and burp them.
-having to stop when they want to be held and rocked
-having to stop when they are screaming at the top of their lungs as you've just merged back on the highway and you're not quite sure what's wrong.
-having to unload all their stuff in and out of the car at every hotel room.
-having to stop for gas, JUST as they have finally gotten back to sleep, and having them wake up.
-having limited ways to enertain them when they are strapped in a carseat for hours.
-doing all this as a first time parent.
sounds like a blast.... not saying it can't be done, just lol.
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