Do I Need a Minivan with Three Kids?

Have you looked into the Huyndai Veracruz SUV? My girlfriend just got one with two cars seats and room to spare. It's pretty big with a 3rd row that folds down. It's not a mommy mobile!

I have 4 children and we have never owned mini van. You can fit 3 car seats in the back of most vehicles. Try it out and see if it works.

I can tell you from personal experience that it is not necessary to get a mini-van with 3 kids until the youngest can get in and out on his/her own. You run into bigger car seats being needed and kids fighting because they are cramped when they all can move about good. I had a 2 door Mitsibishi Mirage until my youngest was 2 and then I moved to a mini-van. Less fussing and much eaiser to fit 3 car seats. It is so much nicer with a van. You kinda slide into the role after a few weeks. It is really not that bad.

Take your car, your 2 children, and the 3rd carseat you will be using for the baby down to your local Highway Dept. Hwy Patrolmen are supposed to be educated in laws and safety regarding carseats. Here in my county, they'll even help you install the seats properly (great for new moms)! They will be able to tell you if 3 seats across the backseat is safe or even legal. There's a long checklist that you must pass for it to be approved by them (easy access to the seatbelt buckle on a booster is one of them...uh-oh...).
Your number one priority must be your children's safety, not how you think you'll look driving a minivan.

ok keep in mind i havent read any of the other posts but i have a 93 t-bird that all 3 of my car/booster seats fit in i have had a rental 06 charger that they all fit in i had a 98 tahoe with out the 3rd row option they all fit in and cruuently have an 01 3 row suburban (which i adore great gas milage plenty of storage and room for at least 2 more people and room for the dogs never plan on having anything less than the suburban) they all fit in i have had a rental toyota highlander didnt like it much but it was 3 rows and all the seats fit in had a rental kia sedona i kinda liked again 3 rows so every one fit o and had a rental 4 door silverado every one fit im like you i dont like anything about mini vans and refuse to drive one until i absolutely have to the thing i have done with cars is set all 3 seats beside one another and take a tape measure and measure from one side to the other so you know what the absolute minimum space u need between the doors hope this helps

I really don't have first-hand experience, but I know that most cars cannot fit a rear-facing seat and two other carseats in the back seat. It really depends on what kind of car you have! My car, a Nissan Altima -- definitely not! :)

SO funny how in America mini vans are a "last resort".In Europe they are cool and lots of business people drive one.
We bought one when we got preg with our first. I liked it. I also drove suburban when I worked as a nanny and I liked the trunk space a lot better there.I have to say with more than 2 kids I really like cars that have 2 rows in the back.The fights about who touched who, who looked at who......it's not worth it(we have 5 Godkids + 2 of our own so with all of them in the car sometimes I wish I had a bus:))YOu do not have to sepend lots of $$$ either . A friend of mine bought a van for $1200 on Craigslist and it has been going strong(and she drives alot)MY 2 cents
PS 3 kids is a big family:)
L. C.
http://nomoreboringclothes4boys.blogspot.com/

If you DON'T want to purchase a different vehicle, I'd like to second the respondent who mentioned the Sunshine Kids Radian carseats. Sunshine Kids carseats fit three across (or two across with the third seat being an infant seat) in many vehicles.

ijust tried it this weekend with myneice nephew and son. it's not doable. There are a lot of cool, sporty looking SUVs and stuff out there. You have to keep their safety in mind too. If there is an accident, you don'twant them shoved in there like sardines to where their seats aren't secured properly.

Just do a little research. i bet you can find a cool mom car :) also, i think you get a tax credit for a new car.

Three carseats in a regular car won't work. They are too wide and it would be unsafe to have the seats pushing against each other.

I decided to get a minivan for safety reasons after my second child was born.

There is side impact airbags, better protection from the sun, and better ventilation. Each kid has their own window and cup holder. We got a Kia Sedona for $17,000 and it's been very reliable and comfortable.

It's not just the kids, it's all their stuff too. If you have pets and need to evacuate your house in an emergency would your car be able to fit your entire family, pets, and your bags too?

Make decisions for your family based on needs and safety not on your personal feelings and pride.

You don't need a new car if you can fit the seats in your old car, especially if the payments would be a drain. However, I have five children and did not get a minivan until I had four. I was completely ready for the van as I was able to separate my children a bit more when driving. When my fifth arrived we still had room for everyone. I bought a 1992 Town and Country van brand new off the lot and have driven it for 17 years. It still gets around 20 miles per gallon. Last winter I purchased a newer van even though I only have one child left at home and she is 16 and driving. I just couldn't imagine not having the room that my old van provided. My newer van is a 2006 town and Country and I love it as much as my old van, it was just a lot cheaper as it was pre-owned.

My cousin had twins and an 8 year old. She had a Cardoba( 2 door car with long doors). It fit 2 adults and a small child comfortably but getting the babies in and out of the backseat was a PAIN!! She got a minivan and it was so much easier. Look around and see if you can find something else that would be roomier and more accomodating to multiple car seats. We have had suburbans an extended GMC Safari van. They both worked well with multiply car seats. Good Luck!

Do you NEED it? No.
Would it be practical? Yes!

Your husband is probably like a lot of men who want to feel as if they're providing the very best for their family even sometimes to extremes. Try boosting his ego with compliments about how well he provides for you (and other 'manly' traits), then tell him gently that you don't really want a mini-van. Our daughter and her hubby have 2 boys (ages 7 & 3.5) and a girl (almost 2) and they all fit nicely in a Subaru station wagon or their Chevy Cavalier or Malibu. Of course, the oldest is in a 'booster' seat, vs a 'baby seat', so it fits a little differently. Whatever 5-seater vehicle you prefer should be adequate.

Thing is, as others have said, once you 'cross over', you might love it. Or even get a 'crossover' vehicle (blend of a station wagon/SUV).

God bless!

Just be sure to build up your man's self esteem by letting him make the final decision, and appreciate that he's doin' good lookin' out for you all! (I'll have to say that I've not been very good at following my own advice in this area, tho. After 33 years, my hubby and I have spent more time being 'at odds' with each other than we did co-operating, I'm afraid . . . )

Also a SAHM with two kids in car seats and pregnant with a third a couple of years ago when we bought our minivan.

I hated them. I thought they were stupid, useless, gas guzzling, selfish cars. But we bought one anyway bc we had three other cars we couldn't fit three car seats into. And now, I wouldn't go without it! I would LOVE it even more if it got better gas mileage, but we were at a point where it was either a van or a truck so guess which one I picked? I always said I would never have one, no way not me! but I just love it.

We actually had a miscarriage so we still only have two kids, but I wouldn't sell it nonetheless. Part of the reason for that, however, is that I'm only 4'10" and the driving the van is the first I've had a vehicle in which I could see properly and thus felt safe. Also, it provides ample room to get the kids in and out of their car seats, whereas the smaller vehicles I was always bumping somebody's head, slipping a disc due to the contortions I had to do to get the baby in, etc. And we often have it filled up with carpool, relatives, friends, etc...Plus, the Odyssey engine can outrace almost anything around here (except for performance vehicles....GT, GTO, etc....) and manuevering in and out of traffic is a breeze. It drives really small...like a corolla. So for me, it's been a God send quite literally.

Have you considered a puppy dog close? Go to a dealer, find something you like and may be willing to buy, and drive it around for a few days? Most dealers are willing to that, esp with the economy so bad.....mostly bc most families don't bring em back and sign a loan for em. But it would be something to try just to see if you may change your mind once having one....

Good luck!

Back in 2000 we had a Chevy Corsica with 3 kids either in car seats or booster seats. When we shut the doors, my husband stood with his butt on one dooe while I shut the other door. We made sure the doors were locked for extra security. Does this tell you anything? LOL We ended up buying a Chevy Astro van because my husband did not like minivans and the Astros are on a truck frame. Our Corsica was not a "small" car. It was just not meant for that much plastic in the back seat and it freaked me out every time we had to put the kids in and shut the doors. You could try an SUV, but the price tags on some of the minivans are a lot easier to take!

That will depend largely on the size of your car and the carseats themselves and your state laws for how long the kids have to be in carseats/booster seats. Our car (Saturn SL2) would only fit 2 seats and not even enough room between them to fit the diaper bag. A stroller filled the trunk and no room anywhere for groceries. Not to mention with the reverse carseat, the front seat was up to the dash. Neither of us could ride there very long as our knees were hitting the dash.

We ended up going for the minivan so we could have room for groceries, diaper bag, and leg room. We now have our 3rd on the way (due in Oct.) and I'm glad we went ahead and got the minivan instead of a larger car. I don't think 3 kids in the back seat would be comfortable if you could even safely get their carseats buckled in properly. Here, kids have to be in carseats/booster seats till they are 100 pounds or 8 years old. Our oldest will be 5 this month, youngest just turned 1 in May and then the baby will be here in Oct. No way would I try to do it with a car. By the time a stroller is fit in and diaper bag for 2, I don't see where there'd be enough room for anything else. Not to mention the kids not having enough space.

Go ahead and try fitting all the carseats in the backseat and see what happens. You might be able to fit them in, but how hard will it be getting the child in the middle in and out? Personally, I'd start now getting used to all 3 seats in there, before the baby gets here, that way you'll know what it will be like and have time to look for a larger vehicle if it all won't fit.

Good luck in whatever decision you make! I never wanted a minivan until I saw how little room we had in our car and tried going grocery shopping and ending up not having room to put everything in the car for 1 week. Now that I have a minivan, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, except for maybe a full size van for even more room LOL.

I am right there with you! We had our third child (ages 4, 3 and newborn) in March and tried VERY hard to get 3 seats across our GMC Envoy, but it just wouldn't work. I am not a fan of minivans even though all my friends have them and love them. We ended up with a Chrysler Pacifica and it works for around town. It drives more like a car (I prefer a SUV) and fits all the car seats and the gas mileage is better than what I had before. We stuggle traveling in it because there is not much room for luggage. I can barely go to the grocery store in it if there is a stroller in the back. Don't spend the money if you don't have to. Play with your carseats and see if they fit. Maybe you can make your car last longer and get something bigger when it breaks down. I am not certain of any laws where I live regarding this other than they have to be in a seat until 80 pounds or age 8. Good Luck!

I never wanted a minivan either, but we switched when I started doing in home daycare.

I love my minivan now. I can take the seats out (or drop them down depending on the model) I can take all the kids + a few to the movies, beach, etc. Any kind of going anywhere trip that involves luggage I have enough room for.

Since your not sure its' for you, rent a van for 1 weekend and go to the beach or something, then decide. Better to be out $100 for rental then buy something you don't like.

as some of the others have said ... will they fit? more than likely. will it be comfortable? probably not.

If you're not into the minivans (which neither am I) try to find an SUV that you like. We opted with a Nissan Armada and have just recently had baby #3 and absolutely love the space and the fact that we don't feel crammed in there :)

Hi Helen, I am the mother of 4 children. 2 of them are twins.
I cannot imagine trying to put a child in the middle of the back seat. It is going to be a very tight squeeze for the car seats to fit, possibly anyway, it depends on how big the seats are and the back seat of your car. I think that you would find that a mini-van is a wonderful thing. It just gives everyone so much more room. They can't reach each other very easily to pick and hit or take things away from each other. I would highly recommend that you give it some serious thought and consideration. Maybe you could try putting all three car seat in the car to see how they are going to fit and how it would be trying to get the middle one buckled in. Mini-vans set up higher off the ground so your not bent over the entire time that you are getting everyone settled. I honestly wouldn't want to go a day without mine. Even when I am alone, I still choose to drive it because I feel safer in it than our car. I hope I have given you some things to think about and May God Bless your Family!
G.

I am with ya girl! I didn't want a minivan either - I wasn't even thirty when I had my third baby! But, after a lot of consideration, I finally got one. And boy am I glad we did! It makes life much, much easier. I honestly don't know how you would do it in a car. Besides it being VERY cramped in the backseat, it would be very difficult to reach everyone to get them buckled in, and the toddlers would have their hands all over the baby (trust me!). I have a three year old, a 2 year old, and a 7 month old...there is no way I could live without the van now. Also, when we were car shopping, we almost bought a Yukon XL, which is a great SUV with a third row as well. However, it is VERY tall, which would be hard to lift an infant seat into, and the toddlers wouldn't be able to climb into it themselves (which is a HUGE perk for leaving the house). My suggesetion would be to find a van you like the look of. I decided the only one I wanted was the Quest, because it was "sporty" looking. That made the mini-van more tolerable for me! Good luck!

I was in the same boat as you last year and really resisted the move to a minivan, but three carseats would not fit in our Honda CRV. I reluctantly tried the Odyssey, and realized I loved it. Just try it before you knock it. Good luck!

When I was pregnant with our third, we were looking for a bigger vehicle and I was not a fan, nor have I ever been, of a mini van! By the time the 3rd one came, we still didn't have a bigger vehicle so we put all 3 of our kids in car/booster seats (ages would have been 6, 4 and newborn) in the back of our Ford Taurus. The seats fit and we didn't have any problems. We now have a Suburban which I absolutely LOVE and will never have anything less again!

It depends on what kind of car you have. Sunshine Radian car seats which are very safe will fit 3 across in the back seat of my Honda civic. I will say it is tight though.

M.

Hi Helen! I know how you feel! I have two in boosters, 5 and 6, and a 21 month old between them in a Volvo Station Wagon. Well, we haven't gone to the minivan yet, although everyone says we should. We just don't really have the money and have been putting it off.

I can say several things about having three in a car...it is no picnic. Even with the two older ones in smaller boosters, they barely fit in there safely. I say they are like sardines and this causes problems...her foot is on my chair, she's kicking me, grabbing toys, it is loud, etc. On the other hand, one of the boys can help me with the baby if she drops a cup or toy, and they do. Overall, it isn't very roomy, and since it is a Volvo we have to use premium gas anyway. A Minivan is much more practical with three, I think it is very, very close to being much needed (it's hard to find seats that work-we can't all fit in our Honda Accord), but I am hesitant to spend the money and go bigger. I am afraid it will just get junkier and will take me longer to get to everyone and all our stuff, will have to climb in it sometimes, etc. Although I have slipped a disc in my back this year too...lifting an infant into the middle spot of a car might not be the best idea and I have bumped heads. We can't pick up my grandpa or friends either. I think the Minivan is a better option if you can swing it. Hope that helps. Sorry to ramble.

We don't have a minivan (have two kids), but there are many times I wish we had gotten one instead of the station wagon I drive. Yes, you can fit three carseats (I have toted an extra child in mine), but it is cramped. Cramped but doable.

My friends tell me that once you go to the "other side" and get one you will never regret it or go back. You just have so much extra room! It is also easier to tote around other people's kids if you go on a field trip or take them with you to the movies, swimming or what have you.

Most of my friends who have them tell me they weren't excited either, at first, but they are SO NICE and equipped with so many great features that you will start feeling excited smelling that new car small and the thought of the convenience. You will all love the comfort. I ride around in my friends' with them sometimes and they are so roomy.

Imagine being able to comfortable escort all of your children, AND fit the groceries and all the other stuff that comes along with having three little ones. That is kind of exciting, I think, especially when going on road trips.

Like others have said, you could go with one of the large SUVs, as well. Some, including minivans can be amazingly pricey, but they are a home away from home in a way.

The only drawback is that they can be a large trashcan of sorts in a very short amount of time and it's amazing what you can find in there when cleaning it!

not if you don't want one, they are great for road trips though, I drive a ford Taurus and my 3 grandkids fit just right, but that is with 2 booster seats and a convertible car seat. They are 2, 3 and 6 years old.

I WAS NOT a fan of minivans either. When I had my second child, I drove a Honda Odyssey, we bought it and I LOVE it. The automatic doors are a lifesaver with kids. We got leather and it feels like a luxury vehicle to me. I get about 350 miles to a tank of gas and all the conveniences important to myself and my kids! I would recommend you drive one just for grins! My husband even loves it...

we have a toyota camry we only have 2 kids but we watch my friends son alot and 3 car seats simply dont fit right or properly. to me its a safety issue. the seats arnt flat like she should be there for the car seat doesnt work properly in a wreck. try looking into an suv with 3rd row seats. hope this helps.

We bought a mini-van when I gave birth to my 2nd child. We LOVED it. We had 3 other children and at one point had a 15-passenger van as we homeschooled & often had more than just our children with us.

I have tried to do the car seats in a regular car & it doesn't work well. My sisters, sister-in-law has triplets. She ordered the PT Cruiser..waited for months for it to come in..got it & promptly returned it as she couldn't get the 3 seats in the back.

Personally, we have considered getting a Dodge Caravan and we only have 2 kids left at home, 1 will be 17 next month. The Caravans are amazing. My mother-in-law just bought one and it's only her & my FIL. It has the table you can pull out and the DVD player...it's gorgeous on the inside too. You should look into one. I tell you, getting kids in and out of a mini-van is LOTS easier than the backseat of a car. And when they get to that 'he's touching me' or 'she's breathing on me' stage, you'll appreciate the extra room.

I remember the days when my mother strapped 5 kids (me, my brother and a few friends) in the back of her big ol' Buick. The vinyl was hot and stuck to our legs and there would be two kids to a seatbelt, lol! But I agree with everyone else, you're gonna need a bigger car. I only have one toddler and I can't wait to get my mini-van - my husband is looking forward to it too. We took our friend's mini-van (Toyota Siena) on a drive to Canada and the guys sat in the back playing playstation on the portable DVD players, there were cup holders galore, and it was so easy to get in an out of. Not a problem to drive on windy west virginia roads either. My other friend's mini van you can fold down the seats really easily, which was awesome when I needed her help to pickup my crib from babies r us - it wouldn't fit in my SUV! You can't imagine how many uses you'll have and how comfy you'll be in it. I say try it out - you may be surprised!

Yes you can fit three car seats in some cars. I did when my third child was born. It depends on the size of the back seat and whether you can find car seats that fit. It is a bit of a pain having three seats crammed into the back of the car, but doable. Honestly, I loved my van when I got it much better. I had to move up when we had #4.

I have several friends that hated them and then rented one during a vacation with extended family and now own them b/c it was so much easier for the kids to get in / out on their own and to get the car seat of the infant in /out.

We just got a minivan b/c my husband wanted to replace his two-door car. It is so much nicer and easier even than more 4-door Accord. W/ the 4-door and just one child, I had the problem of space when I'd go grocery shopping and buy the boxes of wipes / diapers, paper towels, toilet paper and groceries. That's just for everyday types of things. With trips, the minivan is so much better than my Accord.

I have the sunshine radian and it is nice and skinny, but not good for younger kids. My daughter didn't fill it out until she was over one. The Graco or Britax carseats provide much better support and protection, but take up more space. It is difficult when they are rear facing.

Good luck.

Personally I think it is very difficult to fit 3 carseats in the back seat of a car. That is why we have a mini-van. We have 3 with one more on the way though. If you not ready for a van why not see if you can fit 3 carseats in your car and if not there are some really nice vans out there or look into an SUV but as a friend of mine tells me with young children they can be a pain at times. There is no law about it that I am aware of. Just your prefrence mostly as long as they are all in the back seat. I hope this helps, Good Luck and Congratulations.

Can 3 carseats fit? Yes. Will you be cramped? Yes. My suggestion is suck it up and go for it. When the time comes to travel or you have grandma over for a visit, you'll be glad for the extra space. I have 5 children and we bought our mini van when number 3 was on the way. It just made sense. If you don't like a mini van try an SUV (we have a suburban too). Although it will harder to reach everyone to buckle.

Look on the Internet for sunshine kids carseats. You can fit 3 across.

I never thought that I would be a "minvan mom". We took one on vacation this past March and I actually fell in love with it. They are not like when I was growing up they have so many more features now that are great. I love the SUVs .. but have decided that when we get our next car it will be a mini van. I love the fact of having both doors open on the sides like cars and you can get the option of having the automatic open doors as well. It was very convienant. Plus the kids were not all close together and it helped with the car fighting. Just to give you some pros about the minivan. I know before we took one on vacation I would not hear of test driving one let alone buying one. The one that I like the best is the Nissan Quest because it doesnt have the true "minivan" look to it. Good luck!

Helen, I know this is late, but i have to share my story....I have always driven a great big ol truck...i'm from Texas and a farm girl. I despised anything other than trucks and when my husband bought his new truck he said mine was next. I had already researched and since I have 3 kids, ages 12, 10 and 5, I knew the Ford Expedition 9 seater was my vehicle. Still a big truck but enough room for everyone. Then we moved to Kentucky....my husband made a comment that he wished i was more receptive to mini-vans....to keep him happy I said, they're not so bad....now i have to mention we were not even talking about buying my truck yet!!!! Six hours later, we drove my brand new Hyundai Entourage off the lot.....????? I know, messed me up terribly, but it had been a long move and I was tired and only wanted to keep him happy. Well, after complaining that the little engine sounded like a lawn mower and a hundred other excuses, I realized I no longer had to climb up into the vehicle to unsnap my son's car seat, my girls could have friends over and I could pick them all up at once, I could buy groceries and they would all stay together in the back without my having to climb up into the back of the darn thing to chase the veggie cans....not to mention driving 900 miles to Texas with three kids and we all arrived in a happy mood!!!! It's been wonderful. I know longer have to worry about driving and not being able to park in the parking garages, or spending 10 minutes manuevering into a parking place ANYWHERE!!! It's really been an eye opener although after visiting Texas this summer, I did kinda want some big, loud truck, but that soon passed. We both now wish we had bought a mini-van 10 years ago when our second child was born, would have made my life so much easier. And even my now 13 yr old daughter tells me that my van is not as "old fashioned" as everyone else's, that it's kind "cool and sporty" looking....LOL!!! Who knows! But thought I would share. Best of luck on your decision and hope this helps!

I have to say that Kia has a really nice mini-van (Sedona). We rented one to take to Florida last year. It didn't feel like we were in a mini-van. No one was cramped, and it had real "get-up and go." The gas mileage was great in it too. Lord knows that should be a considering factor. I would seriously look at one and test drive it before you rule it out completely. I have tried to put three kids in my Toyota Camry as Well and I tell you that I had a very difficult time. They did fit but I think it was more work than it was worth. I am glad I only have one kid in a car seat these days. Good Luck.

I only have 2 kids and need a minivan. I too am of the mindset "I don't want to ba a minivan mommy" but it is getting too hard to go anywhere with the kids with my CVR. Case in point: went to my home last weekend, had to take my car seats out of my CRV and put them in my dad's car with a third seat so we could go to the zoo in 1 car (there were 5 people total). I think you need to rent one for a week and see what you think. You could also rent one of the SUV's with a third row and see how you like that. It may seem like a waste of money, but it is cheaper than a car payment every month on something you hate to get into everyday.

Actually, once you drive one, they are pretty awesome. The extra space is great, the windows are great, and they drive great when you do some research and get the right one for you. The Windstar is an excellent choice. Go test drive one.. they really are a great choice for 3 car seats and safety!

Hi Helen. Congratulations.
Three car seats will fit in some of the bigger cars, but it is a strain to get everyone buckled.
We have a Durango with the third seat for driving around town and a Suburban (extended) for road trips so we can take the dogs too. (it is a pain to get 3 booster seats to fit safely and buckled. Plus, Nowadays, the law is when they are old enough for a booster, they are supposed to have a shoulder strap, so you would need to make sure the middle seat has a shoulder strap too. My oldest turns 7 in Sept and the seat belt law recently changed so she has to stay in a booster for another year or until she is 4'9". In some states, they have to be 12 years old unless they are already that tall.
If you don't like minivans, I suggest an SUV. With 3 kids, you do not want a crossover unless you are not one to keep cars long.
Good luck.

HI Helen!

It will be interesting to see if anyone has a solution to this dilemma. One other consideration, if you do not have a minivan (or a suburban) you will not be able to carpool with other parents because you will definitely not be able to fit any other kids in your vehicle. This will become even more important when you have 3 kids! I only have 2 kids and absolutely love my Honda minivan. I can haul anything and anyone. It's great! Good luck! L.

Hi Helen. I was able to fit three carseats across in my '98 Camry. It depends on your car and the type of carseats. I've heard the Radian (Sunshine Kids Radian 80/Radian 65, etc...) carseats are pretty narrow and get good reviews but I personally don't have experience with them...

it would depend on the size of the car, a small car like a Honda Civic, maybe not. A larger sedan like an Accord, maybe. You can test it out, just borrow one and put it between your two kids and see how it goes. I have a friend who has a Tahoe and also has a sedan and she fits 3 carseats in it. I would suggest if you are able to afford a new minivan but you are not ready for a minivan, try an SUV. You can get 3rd row seating in the smaller SUVs like the Toyota..not the forerunner but the next smallest one, can't remember. A friend has this Toyota and it has 3 rows. You can put the oldest in the back row b/c they can crawl back there themselves and then the other two you put one on one side and only the newborn in the middle then move to the other window as they turn one.

Also, I felt the same way as you about minivans until I drove a Honda Oddysey....oh my gosh, it drives so nice! I found out that the Honda's are all on the same chassy (sp) and have the same steering wheels, same seats, etc so you feel like you are in a car. You should test drive it and see for yourself! :O) It is the new soccer mom car!

Good luck!

Hi. I'd thought I'd share some insights from lots of personal experience. I kept toddlers/preschoolers in my home for 3 years, along with having 2 under age 6 of my own. I had opportunities to leave the house, which I loved, but had 3 children in carseats to fit in the back seat. I can't tell you how many times I hurt my back trying to buckle in a booster with 2 carseats. It was very frustrating and I didn't like how the 3 children seemed crammed in the back seat. I longed for a minivan so many times. If you have the opportunity to get one - take it! Both you and the children will be more comfortable and probably much safer. It is worth the strange feel of a larger auto. Also, as the children get older, you may have opportunities to transport some of their friends, something you can't do in a 5-passenger auto. Also, in NC children have to stay in booster seats through age 8 and it's not recommended to let them ride in the front seat until they're about 10 or 11. There were times I had to put my 5 year old in the front seat or a 6 year old I kept because I was transporting 4 kids. It's not ideal and not as safe. Please take that into consideration.
M. D.

Why is a minivan a bad thing? Its great if you want to take a road trip. They are getting better on gas mileage. And your not gonna get much groceries in a car if you have 3 car seats crammed in. As a mom of 4 I would love if i had a minivan.. Btw any more than 2 kids is considered a large family seeing as close as they are together. 3 kids in 4 years.. umm how many are you having

Hi,
My sister in law was adamately against a minivan, then I got one and she tried it. She now loves it. It is better on gas than the suv and so much more room. I love mine and i can't believe I went so long without it. If you choose to stay with a car you could probably fit all three, but not comfortably. You can also look into the third row suvs. Good luck.

I personally love my minivan, but I can see why a lot of people don't. I find the minivan to be more comfortable to put the car seat in and out of since I don't have to bend over to insert the seats. I also have room to store things, carry things like strollers, and I can fit a guest or Grandma in the vehicle with us. I have three kids, two in boosters and one in a full carseat. To me it's just easier.

If not a minivan, perhaps a larger car or even an SUV might be of more interest to you. However, most minivans drive as smoothly and easily as cars.

But, no, you don't need a minivan with three kids, it'll just be a bit more cramped.

I have a ford fusion and I have 2 kids. We fit comfortably in there and my friend and her daughter always ride with us. 3 carseats fit great, but it really depends on the seats. I have 2 Britax decathlons and they fit great together, but some other seats are too big to fit. It just depends on the size of the back seat and the carseats. My husband doesn't like riding in my car though because he is about 5'11" and it isn't comfortable for him. It can be done though!

Helen,
Don't forget that a Mini Van isn't the only option. I am NOT a Mini Van person, but I have 3 kids (4,8 & 11, and I could not function without my Expedition(w/3rd row seat). I know your children are younger, so you have some time before the sleepovers, and the games, and the extra classes start. Now may be a good time to by though, because of pricing and all the deals available. It is a matter of how much hassle you are willing to but up with taking the kids in and out of the car, and if you will need to have anybody else in the car. It is a lot to think about. Good luck!

We were not happy about buying a mini-van either but it's not so bad :) In fact--it's one of the nicest cars we've ever owned and VERY easy to transport car strollers, groceries, sofas or anything else you can imagine :) Some even come with built-in child's car seats!
There's also more and more cars being made that have 6 seats for families--and don't look quite like a standard mini van :) I would definately consider it!

Hi Helen,

A minivan is not something I would have spent my money on a few years ago either. However, we were driving 2 sleds at the time, and either could have blown at any time. We only had 1 child then also. And we were blessed with a used Honda minivan as a gift. Needless to say, we were very thankful reguardless of the kind of vehicle. And now... I LOVE IT! Since then things have changed, and we've bought a new car for my husband, and have considered replacing the van in the next year or so... and I can't imagine going back to a car. The space is so amazing, you can fit other people in the car with your family, and there is no problem when traveling for everyone to have their space without being on top of each other. I wasn't too keen on the look to start with either, and I doubt we would even have a van now if it hadn't been given to us. But like I said... now I love it.

If the look is a really big deal, you may want to consider an SUV with 3rd row seating. Like the Toyota Highlander, or Honda Pilot. I know Chevy has one too, not sure of the name, and the Saturn Outlook is pretty nice. (I know, you're thinking, "Saturn?", I did too, but I was surprised when I looked at one how much I liked them.

I know exactly how you feel, I didn't think I was a "minivan kinda person" either. But just think how many fights you could prevent when they get a little older by having an extra seat or two, or how great it can be not to have to wrestle a stroller in a trunk. You may want to just test drive one... just in case. ;-)

Two words...automatic doors. They're the best when you're lugging kids and all their stuff. I never wanted a minivan, but I'd never go back now.

Helen, I know how you feel- never wanted a minivan and swore not to have one. However, after we had one child it was time for a new car and we ended up with a Toyota Siena and both of us were shocked at how much we love it! Drives so nice and is so convenient with the carseat. Also, they have a higher saftey rating than regular cars. Most new minivans has side impact bags in the back seat. Hope that helps and you find the car or van your family can be happy with.

I have 2 and one on the way. I had a saturn, but the constant bending was hard on my back and there was not way I could get three seats in the back. The two vans that I really liked was by Honda and the other by Toyota. Both had excellent safety rating and handle really well on the road.

Go test drive a few. You might be surpised by how much you like them. I had a friend that would not even think about a minivan until she had 3 kids. Then she gave in and now she says she wished she bought one sooner.

Hi Helen. Well I only have 2 kids but I went from having a Corolla to a Jeep to a 2000 Dodge Caravan with middle captain seating. And I ALWAYS said I'd NEVER get one. let me tell you I love it. The kids aren't smacking eachother and unless they get a good pitchers arm they can't toss things to eachother either. I sold the Jeep for $3500 and found the Caravan on craigslist for $3000! My husbands a mechanic so he checked it out and it had only minor issue so he fixed it , no biggie... THERE IS NO NEED TO GO *NEW* and get into a car payment. but it is a lot more comfortable .

Our Honda Odyssey is our "heaven on wheels". We have two kids...one in a booster and one in a carseat. I can't imagine life in a car. Plus, how will you transport your kids friends'? We can seat 8 people and have done so on many occasions. You should go test drive one and see for yourself how comfortable and spacious and easy to drive they are! If you don't like a full out minivan..what about a Pacifica or something along those lines?

No....I am a single mom with 3 boys and all three of my car seats fit in my Toyota Camry. It was tight but at the same time, it fit perfectly....the baby bags sat either in the front seat with me or on the floor in the back. It can work! Now, once the sports start, then you may want to consider something a little bigger...

I didn't like the idea of owning or driving a mini-van at first either. We bought a used one anyway right before we took our first family vacation with two kids and LOTS of luggage and beach gear. There's no way that we could have fit all that stuff and 4 people in our Camry! Last summer (3 years later), I traded in my used van for a newer (2004) Honda Odyssey. I love it! The kids love it (now 7 and 10)! There have been countless times that I have thought "I am so glad I gave in and got a mini-van". To answer your question, no, you don't NEED a minivan with three kids, but it sure would make your life a lot easier! Unless you don't plan on going out much with all three kids with you.

Sweetie the average family has 1.6 kids or something like that so you are moving toward the bigger side LOL. I think you are going to have to get something bigger than a car. If you get into a side impact crash with three cars seats side by side your kids will have nowhere to go but into each other. Even if they fit it will be a struggle to even get the doors closed. I love my toyota sienna minivan it has automatic doors which are so nice when your hands are full. We have the spoiler on the back and it looks a little sportier. Yes it sucks to drive a minivan but the safety of my children is the most important thing to me not the look of my car.

My best friend does it with a Honda Accord. She has three boys (ages 5 years, 2 years and the youngest is about 10 months now). I was surprised it works, but it does! She said it's really nice because the older one could help hand pacifiers back and also talk and play to younger fussy siblings easier. Hope it helps and good luck to you!

You are not a "minivan" family...you are a family and you need to make the best decisions for your family. Van, car, SUV, etc? They each have their advantages and disadvantages. As a mom of three, I can tell you that the room, comfort and safety of a van not only for around town, but also for traveling was unsurpassed. The van gave us room for the children to have their "space" which in turn, made for a safer car ride. As they got older, we had room for friends and sports equipment.

I only have two kids but I know how you feel. My kids are seven and nine but I have a nephew that spends a lot of time with us that is right in the middle of them at eight. I never felt comfortable putting three car seats in my backseat because the seats literally touched the doors on both sides. I didn't feel that I was a minivan Mom either. I kept telling my husband that I am way too young to drive a minivan. When the kids started school and wanted friends over I knew that it was time for a bigger vehicle. I still wasn't old enough for a minivan so we got a SUV. I LOVE it. Now both my kids can have friends over and when my nephew comes over I have room for my niece too. I highly recommend a bigger vehicle for anybody with more than one child. (I have made the recommendation to a few friend and they all love their bigger vehicle too.) Congratulations on your new baby.

Our dodge intrepid fits two car seats (one rear facing - just brought baby home from the hospital) and a booster seat just fine. Of course you don't need a minivan, though the new car industry will tell you otherwise. It would be convenient - I'd love to get one, but that wouldn't be responsible for us until we get our debts paid off and can buy a decent used one for cash. I have a few friends who have not gotten minivans with their third children; one drives a chevy malibu, the other a ford crown victoria, and they are doing just fine. I suggest you check out Dave Ramsey, and lovingly try to get your hubby on board. The book The Total Money Makeover is excellent (a book). He periodically has his books on sale on his website for $10.