Moms with small cars- I have a question

I currently have a Honda Civic, and it was perfect, pre-baby. Since DD, though, I have been a ball of stress worrying about driving with her, and some of that comes from having a small car. I really worry how it would hold up in an accident.

A dealership near me is having a promotion and I might be able to get a great deal on a trade-in. So my question is, if you have a small car, do you feel safe in it with your baby? Am I being overly anxious? I don't even really like SUVs for a few reasons but if they're safer, that's enough for me.

Re: Moms with small cars- I have a question

I also have a civic - a 2003 - and I feel perfectly safe driving in it with both kids. I'm just running out of room, with the double stroller, GIANT diaper bag for both kids, 2 car seats, etc...

ETA: If you have the means, then look into getting an SUV, if you feel more comfortable with it. I could never afford another new car payment right now, but once I can, I'm going to look into it!

Message edited 4/17/2007 10:26:42 AM.

Re: Moms with small cars- I have a question

I have a Ford Focus (which you in the states would consider small) and I feel perfectly safe in it. I think its a false economy having a big car. But thats just my opinion. If someone were to hand me a bigger car, I would really love it, but hey, they aren't, so I am happy and safe in my car!

Re: Moms with small cars- I have a question

SUVs aren't inherently safer. A lot of them are trucks, so they don't have the same safety structure that cars do. Plus, they are more top-heavy, so they can tip easier. We have a PT Cruiser, and from crash test results, and anecdotal evidence, I feel very safe in it. However, when we do replace it, we will get a bigger vehicle. Not for safety reasons, just that it's hard to put all of our stuff in the smaller car.

Re: Moms with small cars- I have a question

I went from Driving a Ford Explorer to driving a Ford Fusion after having DS. At first, I was sooooo nervous. But, IMO, I think that driving ANY car with DS was nerve wracking. Now I am much better. Also, what made me feel better was putting his carseat in the middle, not against one of the doors.

Once you get out a few times and get used to driving with DC, you will feel better

Re: Moms with small cars- I have a question

I feel safe in my Jetta. Mostly because Jake's car seat is in the middle.

While I wouldn't object to my next car being a bit bigger, I'm not about to go buy one right now either.

Re: Moms with small cars- I have a question

I have a 2-door 2001 Accord. I have never felt that it was not safe for me to take DD in, but I don't think the car seat is as sturdy in there as it is in our SUV since the rear seats are bucket-style. Also, because of the car seat being rear facing, the passenger seat has to be pushed all the way up, and the seat back has to be vertical. Because of this, whoever does not have DD for the day uses the Accord, and we only take her in it as an emergency. I will probably feel different once we turn the car seat around.