Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

So....I love my car. It's a Honda Fit. We're having our first baby in June. DH thinks I should trade it in for another, new Fit. It's a great car- awesome on gas, and surprisingly roomy and super affordable. But it is a regular sized car (4 door). I figure it'll be good enough for our first child. I've seen many a Fit with a carseat in the back. My only concern is, would it be hell with 2 kids? You know, getting them in, getting them out...it has a great roomy cargo area so I'm not worried about stuff accumulating. It's more about the ease of getting them in and out of their seats.

Any moms out there with a 4 door car care to share their experience? My family seems to think it is a MUST to have a large car like a mini-van or an SUV when you have a family. But DH is always arguing that our parents did just fine.

Thanks all!

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

While I can't offer my own experience, my brother has 4 kids and I know he was fine in a smaller car with just 2. My SIL has always been a SAHM so they did all their errands together which may have been a big help in that situation (carrying baby, carseat, groceries, etc....)

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

I'm a new mom to 2 in carseats, but we are fitting fine into my Galant at this point...the two carseats fit well and a small person could squeeze between them if absolutely necessary...I am having trouble fitting my double stroller along with other things into the trunk, but if I plan well, its ok...we have a large 4-door pickup as well that we plan to use if we are traveling any distance, but for my needs, the car is great because its paid off and really good on gas!

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

We never had a minivan. What I did was put the baby in back of the driver. Reach across to unbuckle the 2 year old. He climbed out & came out the passenger door on the driver's side & got the baby.

I would think a smaller car would make it easier to get 2 kids out of it. What it may not do later on is accomodate each of their friends when they hit elementary school & want playdates or to go to the movies.

etd to add - Grocery shopping plus 2 kids would be tough.

Message edited 12/6/2008 8:04:56 AM.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

I have the Hyundai Sonata. It was perfect for one child...the trunk is pretty spacious. Could fit the pack and play and a stroller.

It's ok for two kids, really because the baby is so small right now, but we have a sit and stand stroller and if I don't direct it towards the trunk just right (I'm talking within centimeters) it won't fit.

And a larger grocery shopping is impossible. that's when I take DH's grand cherokee...

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

Thanks for your replies!

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

We have a PT Cruiser with two Boulevards in the back seat. We've never had a problem, even going on long trips (we have a roof rack for overnight trips). Our next vehicle with have a 3rd row, but that's mainly for other people's DCs (playdates, carpooling, soccer practice, etc). We have DS in the PT for 5.5 years, and DS and DD in the PT for 2.5 years. Never had an issue.

A standard, 4 door car is totally fine for 2 DC in car seats.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

I have a honda fit too, agree completely that its a great car!

I only have one baby, and for everyday use, he fits fine, and its very easy to get him in and out. Another car seat would fit fine, though I don't think anyone would be able to sit between it.

With that said -when we are traveling, it gets really tight in the car with all the gear. Between the stroller, suitcase, the diaper bag and whatever else, it can be a struggle. I don't think you'd be able to get two kids, and all your gear in the car.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

I had 2 Britax Marathons in the back of our Camry no problems. And was able to fit a double stroller in the trunk.

Big shopping trips were a little hard, I'd fit as many of the grocery bags in the trunk with the stroller as I could and the others on the front passenger seat.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

I have a Jetta and 1 DS. Its really no problem. I can fit DS's car seat (Britax) and another passenger in the back. When I have my niece I have her forward facing carseat and DS with really no issues.

When DS was in the infant seat it was alittle tight in the front passenger seat, but generally no one is sitting there and if we all go out I am in that seat and I am only 5'4 so it was fine. The Britax actually allowed me to move the seat back more so now its fine.

My car is paid off so I am trying to stretch it as far as possible. But I think when I hvae #2 I will move on to an SUV.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

We have a Toyota Corolla. Its not hard getting them in and out at all. What is hard is getting the double stoller in and out of the truck. It just barely fits and takes up the whole trunk.

Message edited 12/8/2008 10:55:48 AM.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

I drive a Hyundai Sonata. It has a BIG backseat but I have put my girls carseats in my friends smaller cars and never had a problem. I won't get a bigger vehicle until I have a 3rd baby

Here is a picture of my girls carseats in my 4 door car:

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

we have a honda accord. We cant afford the honda pilot that i want right now so we make do with that. We also have a F150. Still not enough space though. We make it work though.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

we have a honda accord. We cant afford the honda pilot that i want right now so we make do with that. We also have a F150. Still not enough space though. We make it work though.

Re: Experienced moms with 1 or more kids...in a 'smaller' car

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS TARA!! I don't remember seeing you announce that you are preggo!! That is awesome news!! Ok, on to the question at hand... I have an '07 Honda Civic, 4 door and it is on the small size. I think for 2 careseats in the back would be fine. 3 or more would probably not happen. Not sure if the Fit is comparable to my Civic. Hope that helps!! And Congrats again Mama!!