Looking for a vehicle that will accomodate 3-4 kids and a car seat question.

[Unregistered]

Hello

I currently have 3 kids and we would like to add a 4th in the future. I am looking for a vehicle (DH prefers an SUV to a minivan in a HUGE way, but I am open to whatever will give us the space we need and be the safest option and I know he is too.)

My kids are:
11 (approx. 70lbs and 4 foot 9") in a britax parkway (he would like to get out of it ASAP but is not quite tall enough) Would a low back booster be as safe for him?

7 (approx. 50lbs and approx. 4 foot 1") in a sunshine kids radian and will be harnessed until 65lbs or longer if the limits change in Canada where we live. She is nowhere near ready for a booster!

18mos (22lbs and approx. 29") in a peg perego primo viaggio SIP 30/30.

DH has been eyeing the Honda CRV but I am not sure it will work with 3 car seats. We are happy to get something now and then get something else down the road when #4 comes as we are not planning for the 4th baby right away, but if there is an ideal vehicle for 4 kids we would be happy to get it now!

My 18 month old will need a new seat, a convertible-so I was hoping to get suggestions on those as well from you lovely ladies.

I have experience with Britax seats (which I love!) and the sunshine kids (diono) which I am not a fan of (our chest clip broke when I was buckling my daughter in and it is only used part time and never stored in hot or cold conditions.

I am looking at Britax, Clek and Peg Perego for convertible seats so I would love info on those and how they would fit in a vehicle with the radian and parkway, as well as any other seats I should consider looking into.

Thanks so much everyone for your help! To re cap since I feel like my post was long and a bit rambly (I am going on not much sleep here!)

Vehicle for 3 kids in a parkway, radian and SIP 30/30, which seat to move up to for baby (In Canada) and which vehicles to look at for seating and safety.

I appreciate the input

 

[Keeanh]

I would probably be looking at something bigger than a CRV. Maybe the Pilot so you have the option of the 3rd row when you have friends/family along? I only have experience with vans LOL

Your 11yo will be very safe in a backless, as long as there's a headrest behind his head up to the top of his ears. My 11yo likes the Apramo, which is often on sale for $15 at Canadian Tire. Bigger kids also seem to like the Harmony Cruz which is at Target.

Make sure your 7yo's shoulders are still under the top harness slots in the Radian. If not, please let us know so we can help figure out options for her!

 

[YinzerMama]

My experience, generally, SUVs are good for hauling things OR people, and vans are better for hauling things AND people. I find a lot of SUVs, if you use the 3rd row, you have very little cargo space, and going places with kids usually requires lots of stuff. (Yes there are some SUVs which still have decent cargo space behind the 3rd row, but many - maybe most - do not)

I rode in the back seat of a crv once with a marathon in the middle and me and dh on either side, it was cozy but doable. I think it would be tight every day.

I'd bite the bullet now and buy yourself a nice minivan.