what car (non SUV or minivan?) will fit 2 car seats plus have room for third child?

[Anonymous]

We have 2 kids, one preeteen and one toddler--and a surprise along the way. We also need a new car. Before the surprise we were looking at Subaru Forrester and Prius. Not sure the back seats are roomy enough for 3 kids though. Any advice?

[Anonymous]

If your non-carseat kid is skinny and you're not planning on doing long trips, you would probably be OK with almost any mid-sized sedan. Maybe not a Prius. The trick is going to be getting the right carseats so your oldest kid isn't totally smushed. I've heard the Sunshine Radian is great for this purpose.

[Anonymous]

Let me know when you find one! I have a mid-sized SUV and with two car seats, only a very thin person can squeeze in the middle back there. I'm really regretting not buying a car with a 3rd row for playdates, out of town visitors, etc.

[Anonymous]

your preteen can probably ride in the front seat before too long, assuming a lot of the trips are with only one parent (around town school drop offs)

Mazda 5?

Plus rent an SUV/minivan for the annual vacation?

[Anonymous]

Do you take any other kids in your car (your preteens friends etc....). You may want something like an SUV with a 3rd row or an minivan so that you can accomodate carseats, your older child and friends. Plus they are good for carrying around all that you need.

Also, in a smaller car, like you mentioned, your preteen would end up sitting next to a carseat of some sort and it may be difficult to buckle or he/she may accidentally unbuckle the carseat when doing his/her own buckle (heck, I've done that by accident when I have to sit between my two kids).

I know there are a lot of anti-minivan people out there. I'm not. We frequently have at least 3 adults, 2 kids and stuff in the car. We have found the minivan to be more than accomodating. Plus, it is great b/c I can now take my DS's friends in the car (which I could not in our sedan).

[Anonymous]

It seems to me that with 2 kids in car seats, there will be no car wide enough to fit all 3 in a second row. We used to do it in the days before big car seats but not anymore.

I think you are looking at a very wide suv or minivan. A Mazda 5 might do it if price or car suze is the issue.

[Anonymous]

I think it has more to do with the carseats than the car. I know the Radian is supposed to be very narrow, and there are one or two others as well.

[Anonymous]

I have 3 car seats in the back seat of my Toyota Camry - so, take one car seat out and a preteen can possibly fit (if he is not fat).

[Anonymous]

We had a Volvo one car ago and its middle back seat had a pop up built in booster -- legal at 32 or 40 pounds (don't remember). Don't know if anyone still makes these, but it sure seemed like a good idea because the middle seat took up much less room than a booster or car seat -- thus making 3 across easy.

[Anonymous]

We put 2 kids in boosters and our au pair (who is petite) in the back of the Camry. We have to use our bigger car for extended trips, but it works for short trips.

[Anonymous]

Our neighbors had 1 booster and 2 carseats across the back of a Prius - there is no reason why you can not get 2 car seats and a preteen (assuming average size) in the same space.

As others have said get the narrowest carseats possible.

In my nanny's car we have a radian and a Graco Snugride and you can easily for a 3rd in - for short trips.

[Anonymous]

Mazda 5!
It puts the "mini" in minivan.
2 car seats in second row.
Preteen in third row, maybe in backless booster.
If you want space in the trunk, fold down the unused third-row seat.
Sliding doors are useful for getting car seat in and out.
Just a few inches longer than a Toyota Corolla, and same width.
Excellent turning radius.
Drives more responsively than a big minivan, since it is lighter.