How big of a trunk do I really need?

[Vishenka69]

We're shopping for a new car right now and looking at just about every SUV on the market. But after about 6 testdrives, we're heavily leaning toward the smaller ones (i.e. RAV4, CR-V). Many of our friends and my parents are trying to convince us to for a bigger model because smaller ones just don't have enough room for all the baby stuff. I just can't imagine lugging around so much stuff that it won't fit into something the size of CR-V. I'm sure there'll be times when we'll have to put half of the back seat down but not on daily or even weekly basis.

So how much stuff should I plan for and do I really need a bus?

We have no immediate plans for more kids but would like to keep the car for 5-7 years. This also won't be our only car and there'll always be an option 2-3 years down the road to get another one bigger if do decide to have more kids.

[SuzySunshine]

I'm not sure how big the back of a CRV is but the only thing I normally carry in the back of mine (hyundai Santa fe) is the stroller. When we travel to the grandparents we take the pack n'play and a small portable high chair like thing but really nothing else other then clothes and diapers. We also travel with DH's Infiniti G-35 (i.e. small trunk) and sometimes have to put something in the back seat but not always. If your parents and/or in-laws plan to buy any baby stuff you won't need to take as much, my IL's don't see the point.

What do you mean 'more kids'?

[BonBon]

What do you mean 'more kids'?

Ahem, wondering that myself. Are you holding back on us?!

[radwife]

I have a Honda CRV and I feel like it has a lot to trunk space. It's held a couple sizeable loads from Ikea including bookcases and cabinets. It most recently packed in two adult sized bicycles. I've only had it for a few months, but it's been a great car so far!

[Momo]

Hmmm I NOTICE you are conspicuously not replying to Jenn P question?????

Spill it Vishanka...was that a type-O or what?

[DCJenn]

First-

0 + 0 still equals 0 so I don't know how that also equals MORE....

Once that question is answered, I'll be happy to tell you how nicely dude stuff fits in the Audi wagon.

Jenn

[Vishenka69]

I already replied to Heidi's question in another thread that I came out in my blog last night. We're currently at 0.3. Also, please refrain from posting anything in regard to this news on Facebook, as we haven't come out to everyone yet.

We're not locked into a CR-V per say but rather prefer vehicles of that size in general (smaller SUVs). I'm just wondering what those of you who have small kids generally log around on daily or even weekly basis and if we'll regret getting a smaller SUV in a year or two.

[DCJenn]

Now that he's a kindergardener all I carry around is the booster seat that he'll be in until he weighs 50 pounds- which at this rate will be about age 17.

From birth through toddler you need a carseat, a diaper bag and a stroller. What kind of stroller is entirely dependent on your needs in that moment. I was a big believer is the less is more method of child transportation.

Carseats are NOT small. Even the small ones aren't small. If you think you would ever carry more than one adult with a carseat, then plan accordingly. My parents are happy to stuff into the Yaris with the dude- even when he was in the bigger carseat. That said, we were never in the car for more than 20 minutes at one stretch.

Jenn

[SuzySunshine]

The comparable Hyundai to mine is now the Tucson, we can comfortably get 4 adults and a car seat in it but will probably only be able to get 2 adults and 2 car seats in it come November.

[Gwendolyn]

I have a Murano (same group size I think) and it is plenty big...I've gotten good Ikea loads on and we are planning on squeezing all three kiddos in the back for a while. All you really need other than a car seat is your stroller. I think the less stuff the better

[MrsK]

0.3? Does that mean you are preggers? Sorry, I'm dense.

We are looking at a RAV-4 too for Baby K and potential others. It appeared to me that the travel system would fit in the lower trunk space and that more could fit on the top. The dealer told us we could put 3 carseats in the back and there are attachments for 3.

All you really need other than a car seat is your stroller. I think the less stuff the better

I agree. We just pack a stroller if we're planning on doing a lot of walking. If not, then it's just our Beco carrier and a small diaper bag. If you have already decided on what type of carseat you want, then it's a good idea to test out how much room it gives the driver or front passenger when in a rear-facing position.

If you need more cargo space for longer trips, you can always get an inexpensive rooftop carrier.

[Vishenka69]

I haven't started looking at any baby stuff yet, so no idea on the stroller or the car seat. We're both in the "less is more" mindset and don't plan to go overboard buying or carting baby stuff. Since I'm pretty short, there should be plenty of room behind my seat at the very least.

I know it's my selfish side talking, but I'd rather start with a car I really like and then see what car seat or stroller fits into it. As oppose to picking the right carseat and stroller and then realizing I need a minivan to fit them.

ETA: how do I know how many adults I'll have to fit? I mean the two of us of course, but other than that everyone has their own car.

[GrayMatterWife]

So how much stuff should I plan for and do I really need a bus?

Uh...I drove a Civic Del Sol for the first year of DS's life (how bad is THAT?).

You don't need a bus. Get what you like.