NB Newbie w/ Baby Questions

[MarinoFamily]

First off, I *did* search the forum before posting. I did not find what I was looking for, specifically, so I decided to start a thread of my own.

First, a little background on the Marino Family:

Mom - 5'10"
Dad - 6'2"
Child #1 (at 10 years old) - 5'7"

We look a smidge like a circus show climbing in and out of our little Daisy bug. Now, to make things interesting, we've found out that I'm expecting - due in March. Yowza! With a decade between kids, you'd better believe we thought we were d-o-n-e. Apparently, one should never underestimate oneself or one's fertility.

Earlier last year, we sold my husband's car to help pay down some of our debt. We've assessed the situation and - due to the economic downturn and credit crisis - we simply cannot afford a new car. Furthermore, we wouldn't really be able to find a bank to finance us, anyhow. :-( It appears we're stuck.

But how can one be sad about it, when one is stuck with a sunshine yellow New Beetle that smiles at you as if to say, "Cheer up, poppet! Let's go for a spin, then, and see if we can't put everything to right."

My question is this: Does ANYONE have ANY experience with a child seat that does NOT require the front passenger seat be shoved against the dash? I don't mean one of those infant carriers, but an actual convertible child seat in a rear-facing position?

I appreciate any and all input & suggestions.

Cheers!

Jo

[Wingnut_rb]

Originally Posted by MarinoFamily

First off, I *did* search the forum before posting. I did not find what I was looking for, specifically, so I decided to start a thread of my own.

First, a little background on the Marino Family:

Mom - 5'10"
Dad - 6'2"
Child #1 (at 10 years old) - 5'7"

We look a smidge like a circus show climbing in and out of our little Daisy bug. Now, to make things interesting, we've found out that I'm expecting - due in March. Yowza! With a decade between kids, you'd better believe we thought we were d-o-n-e. Apparently, one should never underestimate oneself or one's fertility.

Earlier last year, we sold my husband's car to help pay down some of our debt. We've assessed the situation and - due to the economic downturn and credit crisis - we simply cannot afford a new car. Furthermore, we wouldn't really be able to find a bank to finance us, anyhow. :-( It appears we're stuck.

But how can one be sad about it, when one is stuck with a sunshine yellow New Beetle that smiles at you as if to say, "Cheer up, poppet! Let's go for a spin, then, and see if we can't put everything to right."

My question is this: Does ANYONE have ANY experience with a child seat that does NOT require the front passenger seat be shoved against the dash? I don't mean one of those infant carriers, but an actual convertible child seat in a rear-facing position?

I appreciate any and all input & suggestions.

Cheers!

Jo

My experience has been that you either have to scoot the seat way up or tilt the seat at an uncomfortable angle. If you have a passenger in the front seat, they WILL suffer, really no way around it!

[antonym]

Britax roundabout is what we use. Passenger seat still usable, although the wife prefers to sit in the back. Notice in the second pic that the passenger seat is not that much ahead of the drivers seat which was pushed all the way back. It is also not terribly uncomfortable to sit in. You wouldn't want to drive 6 hours in it, but then again, who wouldn't get tired driving 6 hours in any seat!

[antonym]

PS... if you ever pass through Gainesville, I'll be happy to show it to you.

[MarinoFamily]

Antonym - Thanks, and don't think I won't take you up on that offer! ;-) My NB doesn't get nearly enough good socialization. :-))

I think this may be the route we need to take. I've spent the last 48 hours doing the hormonal thing and crying my eyes out about my lovely car and it's impracticality for our family ... but you've given me hope!!

The Babies R Us here in town will let me "try out" the seats in my car ... so I'll have to go this weekend and see how it fits. My NB is an '06 - but that shouldn't be too different from the '02.

Again, thanks!

Jo

[antonym]

I have found a great stroller that fits in the trunk/boot. Try the Baby Jogger City Mini. Easy to fold, and easy to manage with one hand, large enough to use for a while. Just pop only one wheel off (made to come off easy) and it can fit flat in the trunk. You can then pile stuff on top of it.

PS.. you may have to get them online. I suggest try the fitment of the car seat if they have it in a store and buy online (cheaper) or at Bed Bath and Beyond. They will ship it to you as they do not have in store in Gainesville; maybe they have it where you are.