I know I've posted car-related questions a handful of times over the years, but with another kiddo on the way in April I'm not sure what to do about my car situation. I currently have a Volvo XC60, which I LOVE. I love the size, I love how it drives, I love it all. But I'm concerned about having 3 kids in car seats (2 convertible seats, 1 infant seat) squished in the second row. I know it can be done, but I'm not sure how functional it will be. Here are my options, as I see them. Please tell me what you think based on your experiences!
1) Get a mid-size SUV with 3rd row seats, like a Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7. The problem with this is these don't have captain seats in the second row, so getting DS1 into the 3rd with 2 car seats installed in the second row wouldn't be seamless. Also, I don't know if it would be good to have DS1 all the way in the 3rd row, hidden behind a bench seat 2nd row (could I even see him back there?). The upside to this option is that driving-wise I'd feel comfortable in the vehicle (not too big to drive). I love my current Volvo, so getting an XC90 doesn't seem like it would be a huge change.
2) Get a much larger SUV with captain chairs in the 2nd row, like a Chevy Tahoe or Yukon Denali. From a car seat perspective, it seems like this would be ideal. The problem with this option is I'm afraid of driving such a big vehicle. Maybe I'd get used to it? But the only time I've driven one it felt WAY too big to be safe. FWIW, DH favors this option, and he thinks I'd get used to the size in time. I also thought my current Volvo seemed big at first, so maybe he's right.
3) Keep my current setup and just have 3 kids in car seats in the 2nd row. DS1 will be in a booster seat soon (probably within 6 months of the baby arriving), so maybe that would create a little more space back there? This is also the cheapest option, and it's a car I already know I love.
I'm not interested in getting a minivan right now, so that's out.
So, what do you think? Has anyone driven with 3 kids in the 2nd row for an extended period of time? Will I get used to driving a much larger vehicle eventually??
1) Get a mid-size SUV with 3rd row seats, like a Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7. The problem with this is these don't have captain seats in the second row, so getting DS1 into the 3rd with 2 car seats installed in the second row wouldn't be seamless. Also, I don't know if it would be good to have DS1 all the way in the 3rd row, hidden behind a bench seat 2nd row (could I even see him back there?). The upside to this option is that driving-wise I'd feel comfortable in the vehicle (not too big to drive). I love my current Volvo, so getting an XC90 doesn't seem like it would be a huge change.
2) Get a much larger SUV with captain chairs in the 2nd row, like a Chevy Tahoe or Yukon Denali. From a car seat perspective, it seems like this would be ideal. The problem with this option is I'm afraid of driving such a big vehicle. Maybe I'd get used to it? But the only time I've driven one it felt WAY too big to be safe. FWIW, DH favors this option, and he thinks I'd get used to the size in time. I also thought my current Volvo seemed big at first, so maybe he's right.
3) Keep my current setup and just have 3 kids in car seats in the 2nd row. DS1 will be in a booster seat soon (probably within 6 months of the baby arriving), so maybe that would create a little more space back there? This is also the cheapest option, and it's a car I already know I love.
I'm not interested in getting a minivan right now, so that's out.
So, what do you think? Has anyone driven with 3 kids in the 2nd row for an extended period of time? Will I get used to driving a much larger vehicle eventually??
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