Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
When we found out we were expecting baby number 3, my mind was racing with thoughts. Would we have enough time to devote to three children? Would our house be big enough to accommodate a family of 5? Does our car even fit three car seats across??? (spoiler alert: the answer to that last one was a big fat NO!)
The age that children are required to stay in car seats continues to get pushed back later and later. Kids today may be in a booster until age 12 depending on their height and weight. This means parents need to stay up to date on car seat laws and make sure they are installing car seats correctly. And when the time comes that your family needs a new car, parents need to choose a one that works with the type and number of car seats their family needs.
So how do you find the right car for your growing family?
1. Safety and car seat compatibility
Cars.com can make this one easy for you. They’ve rated popular cars after being tested by certified child passenger safety technicians. They grade the vehicles based on the safety checks of their Latch system and the car’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. There is even this handy tool where you can enter a car’s make, model, and year and it will show you a report card for the vehicle. The result will look like this: 
This is a serious game-changer for parents shopping for a new (or new-to-you) car. Look up your current vehicle or the ones you’re interested in buying HERE: https://www.cars.com/news/car-seat-check/ You will quickly and easily see how many car seats fit in each row and how well each row accommodates different types of car seats. Definitely info you want to know before rolling up at home in a new set of wheels that may or may not fit your brood!
2. Features
After you’ve narrowed down your list of possibilities, make a list of the specific features you need in a car. While a minivan may not exactly jive with everyone’s style, I absolutely love mine because the sliding doors and trunk open with the push of a button on my key ring! So convenient when your arms of full of groceries and babies. I also knew I wanted leather seats, because they’d be easier to clean after the inevitable spills (and yes, the dreaded child vomit).
Lots of parents also love having a third row, either in a minivan or SUV. Trunk space and gas mileage may also be important for you to consider. Then there are the not-exactly-necessary (but still nice to have) features like rear window sun shades to keep the sun out of baby’s eyes. A rear-view camera is another nice extra for peace of mind when backing out of driveways or parking lots with children around.
3. Price
When determining your budget for a new car, don’t forget to factor in fees like sales tax, title and registration fees, insurance, and extended warranties. If you are financing the vehicle, consider the interest rate and try to time your purchase for when interest rates are low. Consider trading in your old car and using that for a down payment. The more you are able to put down, the lower your monthly bills will be. If you are unsure of what your ideal price range should be, try using an online affordability calculator to figure it out.
When did you know you’d need a new car to accommodate your family? Which car ended up being perfect for you?
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