I wanted to start a thread for all first time fathers and their MINI experiences! The subject of this thread was a little joke on the fact that we fathers have so much to learn with raising kids, and our MINI's are often treated like members of the family, or maybe that's only me
that combining the two almost makes me feel like a newborn myself. Completely fascinated with life, with a new adventure everyday.
I'll begin my journey here:
After 8 years of marriage, we decided it was time to start a family (before it was too late!). Well we decided earlier and it didn't happen, but that's besides the point. Fast forward past 9 months and this is where we begin:
The Next Day Lukas Arrives:
A Month Later (Already with a MINI t-shirt)
We call him the "little Man"
The first month, or possibly several months of raising an infant is an interesting ride. I'm not sure about most fathers, but I take an active role of raising my child. The wife and I split shifts to feed and take care of Lukas so that each of us can get some sleep and it's worked out well.
But now to the MINI stuff! Before Lukas arrived I had done a bunch of research on strollers that would fit the MINI. I had settled on the Peg Perego Aria GM.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ight=strollers
But it was all hypothetical since the Lukas hadn't arrived yet, how do I feel now?
We have 2 cars, a 1993 Lexus LS400 with a trunk and the MINI. With the wife in the passenger seat, infant seat in back, the stroller in the boot, it's VERY hard to do much shopping. The good thing is that with a newborn, you can't stay out very long before he wakes up (every 3 hours), so you won't get much shopping done anyways.
Fortunately, for most shopping, Target, Albertsons, Costco, etc.. you don't need the stroller since you can use the shopping carts, and then there is plenty of space left over. Both in the boot and in the rear seat and floor, as you can see here from a recent trip to Target.
Someone brought up an interesting point about wanting to put the baby in the front seat to tend to the baby while driving. This is what I do. It's much safer, and doesn't require any sort of safety changes.
It's a mirror that costs about US$12 and lets me take a peek in back at what Lukas is doing. If he fusses, I can still reach back and comfort him. Without the mirror, I don't know if I'm patting his head or his foot!
This is what it looks like from my point of view.
I love the quick mounting system of the Peg Perego. It takes just a few seconds to put him in the car and remove him. Thanks to the wide opening door, and the fact the seats slide way forward, getting Lukas in and out is a cinch. In fact, even easier than putting him in the Lexus.
Very Comfy in his 5 point harness! I want one too!!
So my first month thoughts as a father are as follows:
1.) I still have time to wipe my MINI down daily
2.) Lukas likes the MINI. He sleeps most of the time. Sometimes I'll forget he's there when I'm taking a turn, and he'll remind me that I'm pulling too many G's.
3.) Putting him in and out of the car isn't back breaking--he's about 8 -1/2 pounds now (born 5pounds 12 ounces)
4.) Shopping with an infant and the wife in the passenger seat still leave plenty of room.
5.) If I had to take an extended trip with the stroller and infant seat, there would probably still be room for an overnight bag in the rear seat, and maybe a backpack or two squeezed around.
6.) My wife sits comfortably in front of the infant seat, but it took lots of trial and error to find a combination that works.
7.) I'm not a tall guy, but I've never been more thankful that I'm only 5 foot 10 and my wife is around 5 foot 4--cause its the perfect combination in the MINI
Time to get motoring!!
