[justineallen]

Hi
I've got a Mini One on a 53 reg which I love very much indeed. I have a baby due in September and just wondered how "baby friendly" other people found the Mini? Mine hasn't got an isofix so that is something else I need to take into account. I must admit I do look at the boot and wonder how a pushchair is going to fit and suffering from back problems wonder how much of a problem it is going to be getting a baby into the back seat on a day-to-day basis!

Any advice much appreciated!

Justine

[Paul]

On the boot. If you have back problems it will be wise to think light and small when it comes to baby gear. There are a few options that fit in the MINI Boot without folding seats or removing parcel shelves (and still leave room for shopping etc).

We used to have the Mamas and Papas single seat Aria buggy (which can recline etc), used it a lot and never had problems. As our Son got older we switched to the smaller and lighter Quinny Zapp, which fits VERY easily, but doesn't recline, so not so great for younger ones, unless you use it as part of a travel system.

For car seats, we began with the BMW child seat (admittedly we had ISOFIX), then moved onto the Maxi Cosi Priori XP, which isn't ISOFIX, but I believe can be.

We've actually found it much easier lifting in and out of the back seat of the MINI than orher cars we've had use of, as you can open the doors so wide (thank heavens for parent/child spaces!) and move the seats so far forwards there's loads of room to put your child in "front on". Whereas with most five doors you have to sort of "lean in sideways" and plonk them "up" into the seats, which my wife and I have both found awkward after being used to the MINI.

We've only owned MINIs (and a Smart Roadster), from the birth of Alfie, and he's now approaching four. We've never had an issue, and always had room for us, his stuff, shopping and so on.

[ALD0]

Can advise the Quinny zapp for when the babs is about 6+ months, as Paul said it doesn't recline, also buyoff Ebay for about £108 incl postage

Can't really help with seats as I have got ISOFIX, luckily the MINI is 50/50 split folding seat so you shouldn't have too many problems with shopping etc.