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Yes. Absolutely. You must get either a Suburban or a minivan. Then be sure to learn the secret parenting handshake and password or they won't let you purchase diapers at Target anymore.
Every family is differernt. A lot depends on how much driving you'll be doing. And what kind of driving. With one child, and everyday driving the only thing that I would say is be sure you have a 4 door car. Maneuvering children in and out of a carseat in a 2 door car can really get old quickly. After that? Just see how it goes. You'll figure out what works for you....and that's all that matters.
I just dont see the appeal of a van personally, unless i had maybe 5 kids, but still even then, i'd rather take 2 cars then drive such an ugly and impractical (MPG wise) van.
I'm a minivan mom. It's lame but gets better gas mileage than anything comparably roomy in the same price range, and I can't afford whatever new hybrid low MPG fancy crossover is selling for $40K. It fits seven people and our stuff, and we have a tow hitch.
For one kid? A sedan is fine. When we had one baby, she was in the backseat of my Camaro. Trying to put a baby in the backseat, in a backward-facing car seat when you only have two doors is super fun.
I just dont see the appeal of a van personally, unless i had maybe 5 kids, but still even then, i'd rather take 2 cars then drive such an ugly and impractical (MPG wise) van.
I'm not following ... two cars burn more fuel than my van does.
We drive diesels, so we average over 40 MPG each car.
Ah. Driving two cars sounds like a royal pain to me, but whatever shakes your tree. Sometimes both adults can't go to the same place, but I think a regular car is fine for one or even two kids.
I just dont see the appeal of a van personally, unless i had maybe 5 kids, but still even then, i'd rather take 2 cars then drive such an ugly and impractical (MPG wise) van.
Well....to me, I'd rather be a bit more frugal and greener. A minivan may not be "sexy" but can hold a lot, for a relatively low cost in purchase price, insurance, maintenance and fuel. Personally, I'd rather use that money elsewhere. For us, that was the better choice. We drove 12 hours each way to visit family out of state frequently. With 2 kids, all their stuff and a large dog. Then there was sports practice and games. The ability to carpool, with gear, was very appealing and freed up my schedule. Eventually, there were school dances and other activities. Being the mom who was willing and able to drive a number of kids allowed me to get to know my children's friends in a unique way. All of that was more important (to me) than what I drove, or how people perceived me based on what I drove.
Alas, those days have passed and I haven't had a minivan in a number of years and I don't miss driving one. But I don't regret the choice either. It was the right vehicle for us at the time.
Last edited by maciesmom; 08-26-2012 at 09:10 AM..
I just dont see the appeal of a van personally, unless i had maybe 5 kids, but still even then, i'd rather take 2 cars then drive such an ugly and impractical (MPG wise) van.
That doesn't make sense. Having to take 2 cars everywhere is not practical for most families.
Ok I am a dad to be, and feel like my civics might be small for carting around a kid, a pack-n-play and a BOB during normal day to day life. Am I mistaken, is it easy to get kids in and out of small cars?
Additionally I am going on two coast to coast trips when my baby will be 4 months old, the previously mentioned items will be coming with, as will three duffels and one large suitcase (as well as a food processor to make the baby food and some dishes for mom and dad. Do you think the car will suffice?
I also posted on the car forum, but that was more in regards to rooftop boxes (a possiable inbetween getting a mini van and keeping what I have).
Keep what you have. There are people who do it with cars smaller than yours. You'll be fine. You'll also find you really don't need to cart all of that stuff around. I kept a pack'n play at my parents because I was there often, but you know what a blanket works just as well. Plus a blanket is a lot easier to set up. I'd still buy the food processor (a 20 dollar blender from wall-mart makes baby food too). You can also pick up cheapo plastic plates there for under a 1$.
I especially recommend keeping what you have if it's paid for. There is no reason to take on a car payment if you don't have to.
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