[julie351972]

Hello im new to this, just found out i am expecting my first child yesterday and am due to pick up my new car tomorrow which is a mini cooper on a 02 plate. So now im thinking is there going to be enough room? After reading some of the other stories i really dont know where to start with car seats and buggies etc as some people are saying that one is good whilst others are not praising it at all. Family keep saying that i should sell the mini when i get it and keep my audi a2 but i really loved the mini! Can someone please help and give me some good advice on buying a great buggy and car seat that really does fit but doesnt mean having to get it from another country.

[Paul]

Lots of options. Read through this forum and I'm sure you'll find more than I can tell you here. We went from 0-4 years with nothing but MINIs and it was NEVER an issue.

[simeds]

i've got a 6 and a 11 year old, I traded up to MINI when my youngest from a classic mini ! I t just means you have to think about how much stuff you really need to take out with them .

[iain cooper]

Julie, I would say that you need to try it first and see how you get on...............and you have 9 months to decide !!

I would say that the main issue would be fitting in a buggy, perhaps other forum members with buggies could comment for you.

[Paul]

Had a M&P Aria from birth, easy, then a quinny zapp, even easier. You could even get a quinny zapp with maxi cosi travel system to use from birth, easy peasy.....

[minimummy]

Do not be pressured into changing your car like I was. I had my first child in May 2005 and sold my car in the July and bought an Astra. Cried when I left the dealership and hated the Astra. Ended up selling Astra within 6 months and getting another mini. Boot space is tight but you just have to pack carefully and choose a pushchair that fits the boot.

[Boro Boy]

Quote: Originally Posted by minimummy (original)

Do not be pressured into changing your car like I was. I had my first child in May 2005 and sold my car in the July and bought an Astra. Cried when I left the dealership and hated the Astra. Ended up selling Astra within 6 months and getting another mini. Boot space is tight but you just have to pack carefully and choose a pushchair that fits the boot.

This is really nice to hear. Too many mothers think that if you have kids then you simply must have a massive 4WD off-roader to transport them to school .

[Paul]

Someone I used to work with.... Got pregnant, got a Land Rover Discovery!

[mini-millie-n-dan]

ignore everyone who is telling you you need a bigger car, if you really want to keep your mini - go for it, see how you get on.
we have an 8 month old and a nearly 4 year old who both fit in the mini nicely, but snug!
As for pushchairs, we have a Petite Star Zia which is like the Quinny Zap but reclines which fits really well in the boot even with a cd changer, you can also squeeze in a couple of shopping bags too.
i think most group 0 baby carrier car seats will fit in the back, we have a Britax Rock a Tot which is easier to fit in the back than my mums Seat Ibiza!
As for group 1 car seats (9 months plus) we have been shopping around last week and found the Maxi-Cosi Tobi a perfect fit, it's quite pricey but well worth it as it means I can keep my mini!! he he!!
I wouldn't recomend doing your weekly shop unless you can get away with not taking your pushchair - I managed to fit £70 worth of Tesco shopping in my boot last Saturday.
Be a cool mummy and keep your mini, much better than a people carrier!! Mine is the coolest car on the school run!!!!!!
Congrats and good luck - enjoy your new mini!

[tadlaj]

Hiya, congrats julie351972! I'm due my first at the end of July and am trying my best to keep my mini too!! My head is spinning going round internet and pram shops trying to get buggy and car seat that fit easily !! Even harder ones that are compatible! I've stopped mentioning it to friends now as I get the standard "you'll just have to sell the mini" reply.
Car seats seems easier to find than a buggy that fits in the boot that is suitable from birth. Compact buggies suitable from six months don't seem a problem either. So far i had my heart set on a jane slalom pro with a matrix cup seat. Thought the matrix cup was a really good idea as it converts to a carry cot that can be used in the car too but the buggy wouldn't fit in the boot without back seats going down and my front airbag doesn't turn off so not an option. (Dealer has quoted approx. £100 to turn off the airbag, another option to think about!)
The Quinn buzz 4 fits the boot if you take off one of the quick release wheels and the maxi cosi cabrio fix car seat that goes with it can fit the back of the mini and can be used with an iso fix base or a seat belt fix base. Think this will be easier option than trying to lean in to the back of the mini and mess around with seat belts! Mini also does a car seat with a base(expensive!) but I would prefer one that clips onto a buggy. I only tried these two so far as I felt sorry for the girl in the shop lugging buggies out to my car in the rain! The maxi cosi mura buggy looks to fold pretty compact but can't find any dimensions on the internet or in the catalogue! The search goes on. No doubt I'll be back at the pram shop and change my mind again! Any tips you find out let me know. Good luck!!!

[Paul]

Bear in mind that travel systems are only really good for short periods (recommended infrequent use and less than two hours at a time) as it can be bad for babies spine.