We are looking to buy an element. I am in love with this car. Anyone know if a baby seat will fit easily in the back seat?. My wife is "expecting" and we are doing the SUV search.. We want to go "element " as we are loyal honda people... Any info woudl be great...
dictator
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yes, your comments are very helpful, thanks. I appreciate your honesty, I was afraid of just getting E-vangelized if you know what I mean. 
I also did a search in the forum (I searched for 'carseat') and found that this is a recurring topic. Here are other threads that I found helpful too (for anyone else treading this way).
http://elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4748&highlight=carseat
http://elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6404&highlight=carseat
Thanks again, I look forward to my own E someday soon!
I also did a search in the forum (I searched for 'carseat') and found that this is a recurring topic. Here are other threads that I found helpful too (for anyone else treading this way).
http://elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4748&highlight=carseat
http://elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6404&highlight=carseat
Thanks again, I look forward to my own E someday soon!
Hinano: welcome to our group.. and good luck with your vehicle choice.. the E is very new, very unique, very versatile.. and just a wonderful vehicle.. but it is not made for everyone.. no vehicle is made for everyone!
I chose the E before this group was created, i joined as i was waiting for my E to arrive officially.. so i am one of the original E owners (smiles).. and i have no regrets, i completely love my E..
friends of mine with kids love how easy it is to clean the E inside & out.. with us looking at having kids that was a favorable thought to.. even with out kids.. i love not having a nasty carpetted floor in my vehicle... i love the function and versatility.. just a wonderful vehicle!! Plus it is soo CUTE!
But that is me, i am completely in love with the E.. good luck with your choice & do keep us posted! please! again welcome!
I chose the E before this group was created, i joined as i was waiting for my E to arrive officially.. so i am one of the original E owners (smiles).. and i have no regrets, i completely love my E..
friends of mine with kids love how easy it is to clean the E inside & out.. with us looking at having kids that was a favorable thought to.. even with out kids.. i love not having a nasty carpetted floor in my vehicle... i love the function and versatility.. just a wonderful vehicle!! Plus it is soo CUTE!
But that is me, i am completely in love with the E.. good luck with your choice & do keep us posted! please! again welcome!
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134 Posts
Theses questions and answers on carseats is exactly what the docter ordered.I to was going to ask the same questions since my wife is do in November (I have a 13 yr old son as well,I know sarting all over again).The thing is we had been trying for a year and a half and no luck .Then in March our '91 Honda Accord EX got into an accident (the other drivers fault)and the drivers insurance totaled our Accord out.So with the money from the insurance co.we decided to get a new car(since we gave up on getting a new baby).Exactly one week after bringing our new Element home my wife finds out she's pregnant .So now we got two new babys within a week of each other .Anyways thanks amrcanpoet and others for the questions and answers to the car seat dilema.
(I have a 13 yr old son as well,I know sarting all over again).The thing is we had been trying for a year and a half and no luck .Then in March our '91 Honda Accord EX got into an accident (the other drivers fault)and the drivers insurance totaled our Accord out.So with the money from the insurance co.we decided to get a new car(since we gave up on getting a new baby).Exactly one week after bringing our new Element home my wife finds out she's pregnant .So now we got two new babys within a week of each other .Anyways thanks amrcanpoet and others for the questions and answers to the car seat dilema.The E is perfect for kids. Taking him in and out everymorning for day care is simple... I can basically stand inside of it. Road trips are so easy now. It's big enough inside to change his diaper, let him stand and play, or open up all the doors and take a breezy nap.
[quote:c60d45fe73=" "]The E is perfect for kids. Taking him in and out everymorning for day care is simple... I can basically stand inside of it. Road trips are so easy now. It's big enough inside to change his diaper, let him stand and play, or open up all the doors and take a breezy nap.[/quote:c60d45fe73]
funny you would point out the diaper change, that is something i thought about too.. that it is easy, clean, and etc to change little ones in the E.. love that!! Serious BONUS there!!
funny you would point out the diaper change, that is something i thought about too.. that it is easy, clean, and etc to change little ones in the E.. love that!! Serious BONUS there!!
Baby car seat and the E
I just recently found out my wife is pregnant and I was wondering if anyone who has kids can tell me if a baby car seat will work in the back seat of the E. Ususally they are resting against the front seats, but with the large amuont of room between the front and back seats I am wondering if it will still work? Also I would take any recommendations on car seat brands that people might suggest.
Thanks!
I just recently found out my wife is pregnant and I was wondering if anyone who has kids can tell me if a baby car seat will work in the back seat of the E. Ususally they are resting against the front seats, but with the large amuont of room between the front and back seats I am wondering if it will still work? Also I would take any recommendations on car seat brands that people might suggest.
Thanks!
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232 Posts
The rear seats are equipped with LATCH anchors for baby/child seats. I just got my E, so I have not used the LATCH anchors (my son is in a booster seat).
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755 Posts
We have a booster-style seat 'cause ours is a little older now (22 mos.), but I know that what you're wondering is if a baby seat with integral handle (the kind that snap up for carrying/snap forward for in-car use) will fit.
It will!
We came from an Odyssey and so my concern was whether or not the Element wouldn't place the kid too far back to easly extract, because you'll see that when the back door is open the rear seat sorta sits back beyond the opening a bit.
It's not that big a deal, and still better than if you had to use a sedan.
However, if I was getting a vehicle with kids in mind today, instead of spending roughly $20k for a new E I'd spend roughly $20k for an '03 Odyssey EX-L with like 35,000 miles. That's what we had, and that's about what we got for ours at trade in. The only reason we got rid of the van was because of the payments.
Not necessarily trying to talk you out of the E, but consider that a used Odyssey will gain you a V6, the same or better MPG (believe it), more storage, better comfort etc.
It will!
We came from an Odyssey and so my concern was whether or not the Element wouldn't place the kid too far back to easly extract, because you'll see that when the back door is open the rear seat sorta sits back beyond the opening a bit.
It's not that big a deal, and still better than if you had to use a sedan.
However, if I was getting a vehicle with kids in mind today, instead of spending roughly $20k for a new E I'd spend roughly $20k for an '03 Odyssey EX-L with like 35,000 miles. That's what we had, and that's about what we got for ours at trade in. The only reason we got rid of the van was because of the payments.
Not necessarily trying to talk you out of the E, but consider that a used Odyssey will gain you a V6, the same or better MPG (believe it), more storage, better comfort etc.
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755 Posts
I should add that by far the best way to judge the baby-seat thing is to shop for the baby-seat FIRST. Then, take it with you when you car shop, and take the time to see how well it installs/removes. Some are a bitch to work with, some are much quicker --- and futzing with the car seat will absolutely be the most un-fun you've ever had. I'd tell you what we have but I honestly don't remember right now ... but yes, get something with the L.A.T.C.H. system.
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I have a one and half year son and the main reason we got the Element was because we knew he was coming. We started him out in the rear facing infant seat Deckeda mentioned that snaps in and out of the base which is strapped down to the rear seat. It also could snap onto it's own large stroller. I believe it was made by Evenflo. When he out grew that one we moved to the 20-80lb car seat made by Summit. Took awhile but we managed to actually find one to match the black and grey interior perfectly. It even includes a slide-out cup holder in the base. Went ahead and bought 2 of them since it matched the Cooper's black leather interior also and we don't have to worry with constant removal and installation for vehicle swapping. The Element's rear seats actually make installation easy for the car seats. Recline the seat back load the child seat, lock it down with the seatbelts and/or LATCH straps, the seat will still have some wiggle but when you bring the seat back upright it locks the car seat down damn tight. I can load and unload his seat in less than one minute now and have it secure enuff that I can shake the entire vehicle by gripping the seat.
Another tip for you, no matter what vehicle you decide on, is to use a folded towel or blanket under the car seat to help reduce impressions in the surface.
Another tip for you, no matter what vehicle you decide on, is to use a folded towel or blanket under the car seat to help reduce impressions in the surface.
I have an expensive Britax-brand "convertible" car seat for my 9 month old. Its a really nice car seat - it converts from rear-facing to forward facing. I think the one I got is called the Marathon. It fits great in the Element. AFAIK its the only rear-facing brand on the market that allows you to use the LATCH system to tether to the top tethers while in the rear-facing mode, not just to the latches at the bottom.
I also used a Graco Snugride for my son until he was about 20 pounds , and it also fit really well. I'd advise you to get at least two child seats - the tiny one for when he's an infant (like a Snugride), and then a rear-facing one for the time in between the infant seat and when your child reaches 1 year and 20+ pounts, and then a forward facing one for after that. I killed two birds with one stone by getting a car seat that can do rear AND forward facing, so hopefully the only one I'll need after this is a booster.
So my path was Infant Seat -> Convertible Car Seat in Rear Facing Mode -> Convertible Car Seat in Forward Facing Mode -> Booster Seat
Some people do Infant Seat -> Rear-Facing Seat -> Forward-Facing Seat -> Booster Seat
Still others skip the Infant Seat and just get an insert for a regular rear-facing seat.
The infant car seats are great because tiny babies fit in them well, and most if not all come with a base that you LATCH into place and then you latch the car seat into the base. This means the baby can fall asleep in the car seat and you can take them out without waking them (car seat and all) - you just leave the base behind.
Last please note that there is absolutely no reason that a child's car seat needs to rest against the back of the front seat. If installed correctly a good car seat is very stable - your baby will be much safer than you are. In fact, I'd wager that an "expert" wouldn't be happy to see a rear-facing car seat resting against a seat back - but who knows. Summary: the Element rear seat's distance from the front is not a bad thing - and I've heard its great that your kid won't be able to kick the backs of the seats later on in life .
I hope my train of thought drivel didn't confuse you too much here.
I also used a Graco Snugride for my son until he was about 20 pounds , and it also fit really well. I'd advise you to get at least two child seats - the tiny one for when he's an infant (like a Snugride), and then a rear-facing one for the time in between the infant seat and when your child reaches 1 year and 20+ pounts, and then a forward facing one for after that. I killed two birds with one stone by getting a car seat that can do rear AND forward facing, so hopefully the only one I'll need after this is a booster.
So my path was Infant Seat -> Convertible Car Seat in Rear Facing Mode -> Convertible Car Seat in Forward Facing Mode -> Booster Seat
Some people do Infant Seat -> Rear-Facing Seat -> Forward-Facing Seat -> Booster Seat
Still others skip the Infant Seat and just get an insert for a regular rear-facing seat.
The infant car seats are great because tiny babies fit in them well, and most if not all come with a base that you LATCH into place and then you latch the car seat into the base. This means the baby can fall asleep in the car seat and you can take them out without waking them (car seat and all) - you just leave the base behind.
Last please note that there is absolutely no reason that a child's car seat needs to rest against the back of the front seat. If installed correctly a good car seat is very stable - your baby will be much safer than you are
. In fact, I'd wager that an "expert" wouldn't be happy to see a rear-facing car seat resting against a seat back - but who knows. Summary: the Element rear seat's distance from the front is not a bad thing - and I've heard its great that your kid won't be able to kick the backs of the seats later on in life .I hope my train of thought drivel didn't confuse you too much here
.
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299 Posts
We have a 9 month and 3 year old currently. The 'baby' seat was great in the E, just click it in the base, put the handle down (yes, you're supposed to put the handle down for travel) and you're set. Our oldest is in a belt-positioning booster now, works great, she climbs in and you put the seat belt across and click it in.
But....after 20lbs or whenever you get tired of carrying a baby PLUS carrier, you have to switch to a rear-facing seat and that's kind of annoying right now with the E. We take the CR-V more often right now because it's more difficult to get her in the seat. You have to do a little up-over-between-down move and remember not to bump her head on the body. Once we turn the seat forward-facing at 1 year PLUS 20 lbs, it'll be smooth sailing again.
And yes, the rear legroom is great because our oldest can't kick the front seat like she does in the CR-V.
But....after 20lbs or whenever you get tired of carrying a baby PLUS carrier, you have to switch to a rear-facing seat and that's kind of annoying right now with the E. We take the CR-V more often right now because it's more difficult to get her in the seat. You have to do a little up-over-between-down move and remember not to bump her head on the body. Once we turn the seat forward-facing at 1 year PLUS 20 lbs, it'll be smooth sailing again.
And yes, the rear legroom is great because our oldest can't kick the front seat like she does in the CR-V.
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299 Posts
[quote:0a2579298b=" "]I got my E in May before I found out about the baby was on the way, and have no intention of parting with it for a minivan. I love my E and it is part of the family. I'm glad to hear that the babyseat will not be a problem. Thanks everyone for tips. [/quote:0a2579298b]
You'll actually love some of the E features in regards to kids:
no kicking the front seat
spills wipe right up and don't stain the seats
installing a seat is a cinch, just recline the seatback, install child seat somewhat tight, right the seatback again to finish the tightening
kids love looking out the rear sunroof while rear-facing, even when forward-facing
kids can't get out of the rear without you opening the door, good for safety although eventually might be a little inconvenient when they get older
[/quote:0a2579298b]You'll actually love some of the E features in regards to kids:
no kicking the front seat
spills wipe right up and don't stain the seats
installing a seat is a cinch, just recline the seatback, install child seat somewhat tight, right the seatback again to finish the tightening
kids love looking out the rear sunroof while rear-facing, even when forward-facing
kids can't get out of the rear without you opening the door, good for safety although eventually might be a little inconvenient when they get older
I love the E for may reasons, but I'm sure I will be find many more reasons to love it as I embark on my new journey into parenthood. T
They only drawback I can see is trying to get the car seat in the back in a crowded parking lot. It is the same drawback with rear passengers in tight parking lot. It ends up being a lot of shuffling to get around the doors. I guess I will just have to start parking in the empty area of parking lots to make sure I have the clearance I need, near the E owners just trying to avoid getting scratched. :wink:
They only drawback I can see is trying to get the car seat in the back in a crowded parking lot. It is the same drawback with rear passengers in tight parking lot. It ends up being a lot of shuffling to get around the doors. I guess I will just have to start parking in the empty area of parking lots to make sure I have the clearance I need, near the E owners just trying to avoid getting scratched. :wink:
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232 Posts
When my kids were little I was driving a 2 door sporty sedan, so I opted for a car seat that stayed in the vehicle "permanently" rather than the snap-on & off the base type. I also preferred a cheapie umbrella stroller as opposed to the big fancy things. (The umbrella strollers are really easy to pop open, plus they take up so much less room.)
Wish I had a vehicle like the E when the kids were little--I guess now they are old enough to appreciate it, though--LOL.
Wish I had a vehicle like the E when the kids were little--I guess now they are old enough to appreciate it, though--LOL.
I have a 9 month old and a 2 1/2 year old and love my E for them both. THe youngest is rear facing and the eldest is forward facing and both are in Britax Marathon seats. They went in a like a breeze and are incredibly stable.
Getting the baby in and out is a bit hard, but it was tricky in my sedan too. I just climb in the backseat after my daughter has gotten into her seat and get the baby all set, then I buckle my toddler in. I can then easy walk over the console and get into my seat.
I really can't imagine trying to get both kids in and out of a 'regular' car anymore. It would seem like such a hassle.
If you're worried about the install on your seat, have it safety checked at a fire or police station.
Getting the baby in and out is a bit hard, but it was tricky in my sedan too. I just climb in the backseat after my daughter has gotten into her seat and get the baby all set, then I buckle my toddler in. I can then easy walk over the console and get into my seat.
I really can't imagine trying to get both kids in and out of a 'regular' car anymore. It would seem like such a hassle.
If you're worried about the install on your seat, have it safety checked at a fire or police station.
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