The Official Babies, Kids, Carseats and MINIs Thread
Hey everyone,
Thank you for everyone's input! My wife and I spent some time on Saturday at Babies R Us, and found a solution. Both the Chicco and the Graco infant seats fit rear-facing behind the passenger seat with enough room to allow someone to sit up front comfortably. Both those seats also snap into their bases really easily.
Also, the SnugRider car seat frame (stroller) fits both the Graco and the Chicco, and folds small enough to fit into the trunk (boot).
So we're getting the Graco seat and stroller, and probably the Quinny Zapp once our kid is old enough (around 6 months). Hopefully others found this info useful!
Now the next question... anyone have a jogger stroller they really like and would recommend? The ones at Babies R Us looked and felt really cheap (though they cost quite a bit!). It doesn't need to fit the MINI...
Cheers,
Adam
Thank you for everyone's input! My wife and I spent some time on Saturday at Babies R Us, and found a solution. Both the Chicco and the Graco infant seats fit rear-facing behind the passenger seat with enough room to allow someone to sit up front comfortably. Both those seats also snap into their bases really easily.
Also, the SnugRider car seat frame (stroller) fits both the Graco and the Chicco, and folds small enough to fit into the trunk (boot).
So we're getting the Graco seat and stroller, and probably the Quinny Zapp once our kid is old enough (around 6 months). Hopefully others found this info useful!
Now the next question... anyone have a jogger stroller they really like and would recommend? The ones at Babies R Us looked and felt really cheap (though they cost quite a bit!). It doesn't need to fit the MINI...
Cheers,
Adam
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
This is an area where the Clubman shines. It is a more practical MINI but you still get to keep the goodness of the car in a more family friendly wrapper. I grew up aboard French cars (Renault 4s) and had great times. It seems to me your experience of growing up in Europe and riding in small cars left you a bit traumatized.
you don't have to mention Europe, I was born there and lived for 18years of my life. I do know how the motoring looks there, cramped in a Fiat 126p going 400miles to reach the coast for the family vacation: 2 people a kid 4 bags no stroller and hell lot more things that they would love to take but no room in the car 
Trust me it's not that great. Plus hardly anyone could afford huge car anyway. You were perfectly happy if you could upgrade to a sedan (not full size).
I don't know about you, but when i'm going somewhere for a weekend I'd love to take the portable crip (playplace) so the kid can sleep without falling off the bed and possibly a highchair so I don't have to carry him around entire 2 days
Not to mention any food stuff you'd like to take with so you don't have to dine on greasy McD
Sometimes you need to grow up and get "fun" in different forms. you don't have to get a minivan or SUV to travel comfortably and carry basic things. You don't have to go above and beyond to find a damn stroller that folds 10ways in order to fit into your tiny trunk.
Trust me it's not that great. Plus hardly anyone could afford huge car anyway. You were perfectly happy if you could upgrade to a sedan (not full size).
I don't know about you, but when i'm going somewhere for a weekend I'd love to take the portable crip (playplace) so the kid can sleep without falling off the bed and possibly a highchair so I don't have to carry him around entire 2 days
Not to mention any food stuff you'd like to take with so you don't have to dine on greasy McD
Sometimes you need to grow up and get "fun" in different forms. you don't have to get a minivan or SUV to travel comfortably and carry basic things. You don't have to go above and beyond to find a damn stroller that folds 10ways in order to fit into your tiny trunk.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Elgin, IL
This is an area where the Clubman shines. It is a more practical MINI but you still get to keep the goodness of the car in a more family friendly wrapper. I grew up aboard French cars (Renault 4s) and had great times. It seems to me your experience of growing up in Europe and riding in small cars left you a bit traumatized.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
I agree. This market lacks station wagons (albeit we are seeing a steady return of the body type given the impeding death of the SUV) and in Europe, these vehicles are very popular with families. They are called Brakes, shooting brakes, Estates, weekenders, etc. I think you should spend sometime inside a Clubman. MINI really did an excellent job addressing some of the rear space concerns of the standard MINI. And the rear Clubdoor makes a world of a difference for rear passenger entry exit. Those 3-4 inches of extra rear legroom do go a long way in making the Clubman a much more family friendly alternative.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
Amen to that! Since when having a baby = buying the biggest gas guzzler vehicle in the block? Most of us grew up aboard smaller vehicles and/or full size sedans and stations wagons. And we all made it just fine. It just goes to show how gullible the American masses are...
And no Babies R us either how did we ever survive...
..Overkill if you ask me..
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Silver Spring, MD
Anyone have any updated recs for newborns and MINIs?
Hi all,
My wife and I are actually adopting a baby boy who is due in a little over a month!! Very exciting times and this ended up becoming a reality rather suddenly and unexpectedly, but we're obviously thrilled to soon be parents!
I got an R56 Cooper S last January and it isn't going anywhere...our other car is a Mazda6 wagon so we've got one definite baby-mobile, and the MINI will be pulling baby duty as well.
So my question really to all the posters on this thread is whether or not your recommendations for infant seats or infant seat/stroller combos has changed at all over time. Probably not, and it seems like for size, there are a few good options for infant seats and MINIs. The Chico KeyFit is looking most attractive to us right now but we're going to one of those overwhelming baby stores this weekend to get several items and the infant seat is on that list.
Thanks for any new/revised feedback anyone might have.
My wife and I are actually adopting a baby boy who is due in a little over a month!! Very exciting times and this ended up becoming a reality rather suddenly and unexpectedly, but we're obviously thrilled to soon be parents!
I got an R56 Cooper S last January and it isn't going anywhere...our other car is a Mazda6 wagon so we've got one definite baby-mobile, and the MINI will be pulling baby duty as well.
So my question really to all the posters on this thread is whether or not your recommendations for infant seats or infant seat/stroller combos has changed at all over time. Probably not, and it seems like for size, there are a few good options for infant seats and MINIs. The Chico KeyFit is looking most attractive to us right now but we're going to one of those overwhelming baby stores this weekend to get several items and the infant seat is on that list.
Thanks for any new/revised feedback anyone might have.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Hi all,
My wife and I are actually adopting a baby boy who is due in a little over a month!! Very exciting times and this ended up becoming a reality rather suddenly and unexpectedly, but we're obviously thrilled to soon be parents!
I got an R56 Cooper S last January and it isn't going anywhere...our other car is a Mazda6 wagon so we've got one definite baby-mobile, and the MINI will be pulling baby duty as well.
So my question really to all the posters on this thread is whether or not your recommendations for infant seats or infant seat/stroller combos has changed at all over time. Probably not, and it seems like for size, there are a few good options for infant seats and MINIs. The Chico KeyFit is looking most attractive to us right now but we're going to one of those overwhelming baby stores this weekend to get several items and the infant seat is on that list.
Thanks for any new/revised feedback anyone might have.
My wife and I are actually adopting a baby boy who is due in a little over a month!! Very exciting times and this ended up becoming a reality rather suddenly and unexpectedly, but we're obviously thrilled to soon be parents!
I got an R56 Cooper S last January and it isn't going anywhere...our other car is a Mazda6 wagon so we've got one definite baby-mobile, and the MINI will be pulling baby duty as well.
So my question really to all the posters on this thread is whether or not your recommendations for infant seats or infant seat/stroller combos has changed at all over time. Probably not, and it seems like for size, there are a few good options for infant seats and MINIs. The Chico KeyFit is looking most attractive to us right now but we're going to one of those overwhelming baby stores this weekend to get several items and the infant seat is on that list.
Thanks for any new/revised feedback anyone might have.
Our daughter is only 7 months old, and she has a while until she grows out of her infant seat, but I'm starting to research convertibles and strollers. Looks like Recaros and Roundabouts are the best convertible option! And there appear to be quite a few good choices for strollers. If anyone has any new updates, I'd love to hear them.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Fitchburg, WI
Clubman owner here, so take this with a grain of salt.
We have a Britax Marathon in the back of our Clubman, and it fits very well. Sits kind of high, but our little one has plenty of leg room (she's sitting forward facing). For a coupe-Cooper, I would think the Roundabout would be a better choice: it's not as deep as the Marathon.
Note these are for forward facing (12 months plus). Rear facing, I don't think either one would be feasible. The Graco SnugRide would probably be a better better since you can get the little one it in outside of the car, then hoist the whole thing in.
Stroller wise, we have a Maclaren Volo that just barely fits in the boot. Our Bugaboo only fits if we disassemble it
We have a Britax Marathon in the back of our Clubman, and it fits very well. Sits kind of high, but our little one has plenty of leg room (she's sitting forward facing). For a coupe-Cooper, I would think the Roundabout would be a better choice: it's not as deep as the Marathon.
Note these are for forward facing (12 months plus). Rear facing, I don't think either one would be feasible. The Graco SnugRide would probably be a better better since you can get the little one it in outside of the car, then hoist the whole thing in.
Stroller wise, we have a Maclaren Volo that just barely fits in the boot. Our Bugaboo only fits if we disassemble it
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Morgan Hill, CA
When my little one was in a rear facing seat, the mini was still reasonably livable even with a second car seat in the back for my 3 year old. The trick was to put the top down then you just drop the kids into the back seats and buckle them up.. top up and go..
This doesn't work too well when it is raining though..
This doesn't work too well when it is raining though..
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 0
From: USA
Can we start a list of strollers that will fit in the boot?
I think someone said the Graco stroller frame fits, and someone mentioned a Peg Perigo Aria and a Peg Perigo Volo. Another mention is the Quinny Buzz. What else fits?
We are adding baby #2, and I won't have the luxury of being able to fold seat #2 down to get a stroller in!
I think someone said the Graco stroller frame fits, and someone mentioned a Peg Perigo Aria and a Peg Perigo Volo. Another mention is the Quinny Buzz. What else fits?
We are adding baby #2, and I won't have the luxury of being able to fold seat #2 down to get a stroller in!
Last edited by WannaMini_; Nov 30, 2008 at 05:29 AM. Reason: Added a stroller.
I'd like to see this, too.
We don't have any kids, yet, but when we got the MINI instead of a GTI, I assured her it would be fine for strollers and car seats
We don't have any kids, yet, but when we got the MINI instead of a GTI, I assured her it would be fine for strollers and car seats
Neutral
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario
So thanks for everyone who has contributed to this thread, it has been very useful in our first adventure into parenthood. We have moved up from the infant seat to a rear-facing for our 2 1/2 month old DD. We went with the Britax Boulevard and it fitys just as well as the infant seat did. However we haven't found anywhere to tether the seat rear-facing- anyone have their rear-facing seat tethered and if so where?
As for the strollers, we have the quinny buzz - the frame fits in the back if you remove the shelf and stick the little wheels up between the rear headrests. When you use it with the infant seat it is awesome, but once you make the switch you have to find space in the car for the srtoller seat too.
As for the strollers, we have the quinny buzz - the frame fits in the back if you remove the shelf and stick the little wheels up between the rear headrests. When you use it with the infant seat it is awesome, but once you make the switch you have to find space in the car for the srtoller seat too.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 0
From: USA
I'm so glad you've been as successful as we have! Our little boy is 2.5, too, with another due in a couple of months!
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
Time to revive this thread.
I'm due in August and am curious if there are any new seats that fit our 1st gens. So far the frontrunners have been the Brittax Roundabout and the Graco Snugride.
I am still debating whether I should start with an infant carrier or if I should just go with a convertible. How long did most of you with infant carriers make it before having to buy a bigger seat?
I'm due in August and am curious if there are any new seats that fit our 1st gens. So far the frontrunners have been the Brittax Roundabout and the Graco Snugride.
I am still debating whether I should start with an infant carrier or if I should just go with a convertible. How long did most of you with infant carriers make it before having to buy a bigger seat?
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Canada
Our little guy no longer fit in his infant carrier after 7 months. We could have perhaps stopped feeding him to keep his growth down, but that would have caused other issues.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: madtown, wi
great time to move-up.
wonderful, really. 
No matter how you slice it, little & low isn't the safest bet on our roads. Ride height & deeper crumple zones are the way to go. It's not all about rear-end, frontal & side collisions; restrait systems & intrusion rates, - it's about dear loved ones. They trump desires for sporty motoring, (grand as it is).
MINIs kick butt, but I think "TANK" when I think children & moving into an SUV now is meant to be:
No matter how you slice it, little & low isn't the safest bet on our roads. Ride height & deeper crumple zones are the way to go. It's not all about rear-end, frontal & side collisions; restrait systems & intrusion rates, - it's about dear loved ones. They trump desires for sporty motoring, (grand as it is).
MINIs kick butt, but I think "TANK" when I think children & moving into an SUV now is meant to be:
- dealer lots are overflowing
- incentives abound
- gas is cheap
- low rates
- BMW X5
- bmw x3
- Volvo XC90 heck, Jeremy Clarkson admits to loving it so much he recently bought his 3rd! Ask him why: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/dri...cle5531208.ece
- New Volvo XC60 coming: http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=7235
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
I'll strap the baby to the roof before I buy an SUV. Just kidding...maybe.
I have seen accident photo after accident photo (including my own) of how MINIs do in auto accidents. I will be keeping my MINI.
And ride height doesn't mean crap when the SUV is upside down.
Just kidding...maybe.I have seen accident photo after accident photo (including my own) of how MINIs do in auto accidents. I will be keeping my MINI.
And ride height doesn't mean crap when the SUV is upside down.
+1
Agreed, and springing for an SUV in this economy is probably not on the top of most people's lists... Bigger doesn't always = better, or safer. We all got around just fine in cars before SUVs were even invented.
Agreed, and springing for an SUV in this economy is probably not on the top of most people's lists... Bigger doesn't always = better, or safer. We all got around just fine in cars before SUVs were even invented.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Im due with #2 in May and we just went through this debate. Ultimately, the infant carrier won out with us for several reasons. First and foremost, babies typically fall asleep while riding in the car and Ill do just about anything not to wake them up when Im putting them in and out of the car. Second, when theyre really little their heads will bob to the side in a convertible seat and they slump down, I didnt like that. Third, the carrier is also helpful when you take the baby in a store, you have somewhere to put them before they can sit up by themselves.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
Im due with #2 in May and we just went through this debate. Ultimately, the infant carrier won out with us for several reasons. First and foremost, babies typically fall asleep while riding in the car and Ill do just about anything not to wake them up when Im putting them in and out of the car. Second, when theyre really little their heads will bob to the side in a convertible seat and they slump down, I didnt like that. Third, the carrier is also helpful when you take the baby in a store, you have somewhere to put them before they can sit up by themselves.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
Well my 2+ year old boy has finally graduated to a booster seat (Yes he is that big). I have replaced the Britax Roundabout in my R53 S and the Britax Boulevard in my wife's Clubman with a pair of Britax Frontier booster seats.
The Britax Frontier is a great seat. A little irksome to install and the instructions for the LATCH install are not very clear (Hence, the source of many cursing words during the process).
I like the seat very much. Very comfortable, dual armrests, dual cupholders and the seat will serve him until he reaches age 7-8.
It fits fine in both MINIs. This is a pricey seat, no doubt, but once you install it, it works really well. The only aspect of the installation I dislike in the MINI is attempting to tighten the Versa-Tether metal anchor that goes above the head rest and behind the seatback (In the R53) or all the way down to the trunk floor in the Clubman.
I will post some pics for those of you that might already be looking into booster seats for your MINI.
The Britax Frontier is a great seat. A little irksome to install and the instructions for the LATCH install are not very clear (Hence, the source of many cursing words during the process).
I like the seat very much. Very comfortable, dual armrests, dual cupholders and the seat will serve him until he reaches age 7-8.
It fits fine in both MINIs. This is a pricey seat, no doubt, but once you install it, it works really well. The only aspect of the installation I dislike in the MINI is attempting to tighten the Versa-Tether metal anchor that goes above the head rest and behind the seatback (In the R53) or all the way down to the trunk floor in the Clubman.
I will post some pics for those of you that might already be looking into booster seats for your MINI.