Mama, let me be the first to say that I DID NOT WANT TO BE A MINIVAN MOM.
When I was planning my perfect future in high school, the type of man I’d marry, how many kids I’d have, my beautiful house, and perfect pup I knew I did NOT want a minivan. I planned to be a cool mom with a sleek SUV. I’d be wearing my basic Lululemon yoga pants, starbies in hand, and keys to my sexy SUV.
Then I had a child.
Mixed with a 70lb dog.
And stuff.
I gave in.
I told my husband. Or I strictly ordered my husband…GET. ME. A. MINIVAN.
I don’t know why I hated on this magical vehicle. It has everything a mama needs to get through her day of errands. Sliding doors, millions of cup holders, third row seating, a TON of room. It was happiness. Now, we are careful with our money and didn’t buy the top end minivan with built in vacuum or screens. We got a suitable one, paid in cash, and said goodbye to our Jeep Renegade. Sad day, but it was needed for our growing family.
Why We Made Our Decision
Our Jeep was small. The front passenger seat had to be pushed all the way up for the carseat to be safely buckled in. It was so uncomfortable that I just sat in the back seat for the time being. It was also a hassle to open the door and literally swing in the carseat into the base. Not to mention, it had to be perfectly inserted into the doorway to even get in the car. The stroller barely fit in the trunk portion. That was a puzzle piece as well. If we didn’t get it in right, it would scuff up the interior. Our families live hours away, so if we wanted to go visit we had to pack up everything for the baby, then our bags. Then our dog.
It was frustrating and stressful. The last straw was when the Jeep was filled to the brim and we had to put Domer in the trunk. I had enough, so that’s when we started researching for the best minivan to fit our needs. We finally chose the Kia Sedona. Because that’s what God would drive.
Why YOU Need a Minivan
Tech Features. Depending on what model or upgrades, you can definitely have a luxurious minivan. I told my hubs, if this is going to be my mom car, then I need some upgrades. Mama has needs. High end needs. Ours comes with bluetooth capability, smartphone compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and multiple USB ports in the front. Some models offer more USB ports for second and third row seating.
Automatic Sliding Doors. Do I need to say more? Just a push of a button and it opens or closes. It’s motherhood luxury. Plus, you don’t have to worry about little hands getting squished. Gah, the horror.
Cup Holders. Everywhere. I never realized how clutch these inventions were until I personally needed 4 to myself. If you’re a pumping mother, then you’ll know why. Or if you constantly need 3 different types of libations. Plus, they hold all of the small toys. Little organizers, a gift from God to struggling mamas everywhere.
Spacious Trunk. Our stroller fits plus groceries, even Domer! The best part about our minivan is that you can stow the third row seating into the floor. There are different configurations so everything fits. It’s literally amazing. Yes, even space for all your Target run purchases.
Leg Room. Even when I’ve sat in the back, I can comfortably stretch my legs out. It’s amazing how much room there is in the second row, not to mention the third row as well! I’ve sat in the third row of an SUV before and I was literally hugging my legs. It was so uncomfortable, not to mention an uncomfortable ride. Plus, if you’re a homeowner, you are constantly doing something around the house. Especially me, I’m Joanna Gaines of our household. Everything from Lowes, Menards, Home Depot, etc. fits in our van. Plus, our live Christmas tree looked so cute perched on top!
Perfect for Road Trips. With our families living hours and hours away, we’re on the road at least once a month. Having the extra leg room is clutch for us, even for the kids when they’re older. They won’t be on top of each other.
Wide Windows. That being said, the seating in the second and third row is spacious. Plus the windows in the second row are wider with automatic lowering capabilities for the warm weather. Second and third row windows have built in window shades as well!
Built In Cooler. It’s in our center console. Cool air from the air conditioner chills whatever you put in there! Once again, perfect for pumping mothers!
Easy to Get In and Out. They’re lower to the ground for kids to get in, even for grandparents. Or us lazy mamas. Or active mamas who get their butts kicked at the gym. Whatever you do, you go girl!
There are so many things in my life that I am proud of and one of them is having a mini van. One of the best purchases ever. We knew we wanted a “big” family, so having room to bring the ducklings to and fro was imperative.
Are you in store for a new set of wheels?
Here’s to you, mama! Whether you’re rocking the mini or SUV. You’re getting s*** done and I’m so proud of you!
