What Is The BEST Car For New Moms? Here’s What I’d Pick.

Being a first time mom, you want to make sure everything is just right. When planning for the day to day routine with your child, the idea of a new vehicle is bound to be brought up. After all, everything from strollers to diaper bags are the new norm. This begs the question, what car is best for my family?

Today, I’ll be breaking down my first time mom car buying guide! After working with hundreds of families to help hone their choices, I know when the time is right (and when it’s not) to purchase a different vehicle.  

Do First-Time Parents Need a Bigger Car?

Usually, no. Almost every modern vehicle can comfortably fit one car seat, which is why I often tell first-time parents to keep the car they already have.

The average car loan lasts around six years, and it's nearly impossible to know exactly what your family will need that far into the future.

As your family grows or needs change, you may realize you need more cargo space, easier third-row access, or room for multiple car seats. That's why I highly encourage families to live with their current vehicle for a while before making a major purchase. If you can stick with the car you have for even one or two years after your first kid, yuou'll be in a much better position to predict what your family forecast might be.

The experience of actually parenting often changes what you thought you wanted in a family car.

Best Cars for First-Time Moms at a Glance

If you're shopping for a vehicle before your first baby arrives, these are the models I would start with.

Best Small SUVs for First-Time Moms

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• Mazda CX-50
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
• Chevrolet Trax Activ

Best Three-Row SUVs for Growing Families

• GMC Acadia
• Toyota Grand Highlander (hybrid optional)
• Kia Telluride (hybrid optional)
• Hyundai Palisade (hybrid optional)
• Honda Pilot
• Volkswagen Atlas

Best Full-Size SUVs for Larger Family Plans

• Ford Expedition (most car seat friendly, has Car Seat Tilt)
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• GMC Yukon
• Lincoln Navigator (luxury version of the Expedition)

Why I Don't Recommend Buying Too Much Car Too Soon

I’ll use myself as a personal example- I had 3 kids in under 4 years. When I was pregnant with my first, I had no idea how much space children actually take up in a vehicle. This doesn’t account for the importance of easy loading/unloading as well. Although I currently drive a Ford Expedition, I would never have thought to buy a car that large with just one baby on the way and instead would’ve opted for a midsize vehicle, such as a Subaru Ascent.

If I’d agreed to a 6 year loan, by year 4 I’d be at my wits end with the lack of space available. '

Through consulting with hundreds of families, I’ve seen time and time again the frustration that comes with buying the wrong car. It’s a difficult choice to make: trade out a car earlier than planned or live with a cramped vehicle that makes you unhappy.

How to Plan for Future Kids When Buying a Family Car

While none of us can predict the future perfectly, there are a few questions that can help guide your decision:

• How many children do you hope to have?
• How close together might they be?
• Do you regularly travel with grandparents or other passengers?
• Will you need room for large strollers, sports gear, or road-trip luggage?
• Are you open to a minivan?
• Would a third row be helpful in a few years?

Thinking through these questions won't give you all the answers, but it can help you choose a vehicle that will work for longer as your family grows.

But Don't Be Afraid to Buy for the Family You Want

With all of that said, I don't want this advice to scare you away from buying a larger vehicle if you know it's the right fit for your future.

If your current car needs to be replaced anyway and you know you want a bigger family, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying the minivan, full-size SUV, or three-row SUV now.

In fact, I often think it's smarter to buy the vehicle you realistically expect to need in a few years rather than buying a smaller SUV that you'll quickly outgrow. The goal isn't to buy the smallest vehicle that works today—it's to buy the vehicle that makes sense for the season of life you're heading into.

If you know you want three or four kids, don't let anyone convince you that you have to start with a compact SUV just because you're a first-time mom. A Toyota Grand Highlander, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, Ford Expedition, or Chevrolet Tahoe may feel like more vehicle than you need today, but they could be exactly what you'll need sooner than you think.

There's no trophy for upgrading vehicles multiple times. If you have a clear vision for your family's future and the budget allows, don't be afraid to buy for that future.

If you’ve read this and are still interested in a new car, here is the list I would consider first!

• The list of my favorite family cars - organized by size
• Cars with car seat tilt (access to the third row without removing car seat)
• Why I prefer a bench seat for families over Captain’s Chairs
• Cars with bench seats in higher trim levels
• My favorite luxury family cars
• If you know you’re going to have a few more kids within a few years, consider these:
  • The Minivan Showdown (See which of the 4 minivans I LOVE!)
  • The Full-Size SUV Showdown
  • Regular vs. Extended Wheelbase SUVs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do first-time moms need an SUV?

You don't need an SUV with one or two kids, but you may want one! Most vehicles can safely accommodate one car seat, including many sedans and compact SUVs. An SUV may provide additional cargo space, but it isn't a requirement.

What is the best SUV for a first-time mom?

For one kid, your options are endless! If you plan on having 3 or more in a short timeframe, consider a large mid-size SUV like the Traverse or Acadia.

Should I buy a larger vehicle before having kids?

Usually not. I recommend waiting if possible so you can better understand what your family actually needs before committing to a vehicle you'll likely own for several years.

How many car seats fit in a midsize SUV?

Many midsize SUVs can comfortably fit two or even three car seats depending on the vehicle and the car seats being used. Always test your specific configuration before purchasing.