Hello,
My nearly 5 month old ds is fast outgrowing his Maxi-Cosi Mico infant car seat which I can still get into the back seat of my 2003 MC (120K on it). Right now I pull him OUT over the seat (so it gives my back a partial break), but I am still loading him IN the seat beforehand and putting the whole thing seat into the base. Still not a big deal--I've managed thus far and I have the appropriate MINI-sized stroller and everything. However, before long he is going to need one of those stay-in-car convertible seats soon (he is already over 18 lbs!). I've read various threads about putting kids in through the boot--I am willing to give it a try, but I am also contemplating giving up the MINI for a short time, at least until he is facing forward in the car seat again. Thoughts? In particular I am thinking about buying a Maxi-Cosi Priori car seat. Does anyone have any experience with one of these (it is pretty new to the US)? Does it fit in the back of the MINI rear-facing and or forward-facing? Is it possible to wedge a little one in and out of one of these?

I thought about a Clubman, but I just don't like the look (and the seat belt attached to the door seems like it would be in the way anyway). I guess I could always trade mine in for a convertible and pop him in and out that way! (In reality I am probably looking at a Yaris or a Honda Fit....)

I'd appreciate any advice that you might have! --H

 

Did you get the priori? We are using the mico now bit am already looking as time with babies passes quick and I wanna be ready.

 

Make that a 20 month old infant today.......

 

Once the kid gets big enough, you can tech them to climb in through the passenger door, and climb upon the seat. I still must crawl in to connect the straps, but getting out is a breeze....I just reach back, and unbuckle her from the front and say ( one handed with some practice) "Can you follow Daddy out his door?" and she hops up, climbs between the seats, stands on mine, then hops out the drivers side door...with me holding her hand. So it does get simpler as they grow...but once they out grow the seats that click to the bottom...it actually got harder...for a couple years...but it has been worth it..my girl loves her Daddy's "mini Cooper car" and like the view from the back.

 

Thanks for the belated input! I did end up getting the Priori car seat but gave up the Mini Cooper at least temporarily for a Grand Touring Mazda 3 (which at least is pretty fun to drive). Now that he is getting a bit older (yes, 20 months!) I might try going back to the Mini, but maybe I'll give him a bit more time to get better at climbing --he still can't get up into the car seat himself yet in the Mazda.

 

Did you have the priori in the mini at all? I sticking with the mini. We've got an x3 too so I'm able to get away with it!

 

Can't believe we got a responce - OP's 2nd post 15 months later.

Mazda 3's a pretty sporty and dependable...... Helped my son buy a new one in 2005, racks up 30K a year and going strong.