When did you start sitting in the front passenger seat again post baby?

[user11290]

Hi,

Just curious as to when you started sitting in the front passenger seat when you go out as a family, after having a baby?

Obviously it's different if you're actually driving. But for those that don't drive/allow someone else to drive - when did you start sitting in the front passenger seat again?

DD is 14 months and I sit in the back together but I do sometimes miss sitting in the front with my partner as I feel as though the 'room mate' phase has extended to car journeys too.

Not sure if I'm being selfish but just curious!

I get car sick in the back, plus we have heated seats in the front which are lush… and if I was in the back we’d never get anywhere cos I’m also the driver!

This has made me laugh. We don’t have a car, so only drive with the kids if with a grandparent. Which means I’m in the back between an almost 4 and almost 2 year old. I’m currently 8 months pregnant, so can assure you all it’s quite possible to squeeze in the middle back seat of a small hatchback, if you so wish. Don’t particularly recommend it though! 😂

Funnily enough, when we do get a car, I’d still be keen to sit next to my PFB. But that’s mainly because he’s travel sick and gives zero pile warning, so good to have someone on hand with a plastic bag.

I still sit in the back with mine at 2.5 years. She has always hated the car and is frequently car sick. At least if I’m in the back I can try to catch the vomit in a bag and not have to clean it out if the car seat. Don’t know what we’ll do if we have another one.

A (genuine) those who have sat in the back all along and whose kids are older … I think some have said 3, 5, even 9 … when do you envisage stopping?

I assume you don’t picture you and your 18 or 19 year old still sat in the back seat, with your OH driving you both around like a chauffeur service. But what is the catalyst for the change, and at what age?

I've never even considered sitting in the back with my child to be honest! And after the first there were two car seats in the back so this would have been impossible.

Um, the day after we left hospital - first trip I sat in the back then went back to the passenger seat. With DS I never sat in the back with him if passenger seat was free. was I supposed to be sitting in the back the whole time?!

Only time I would sit in the back is if we were going to hospital and I was comforting them

Meh just do what suits you, it’s no big deal. We had one of us sitting in the back with DC1 for ages mainly out of convenience really. Could keep them entertained, pass them water etc. We only stopped when DC2 came along and there wasn’t much room. Although even then, on long journeys I still sit in the back in between them as DC2 is sometimes sick.

This has got to be a joke surely 😂😂

Not surprised you're in a 'room mate phase' with DH if you're essentially treating him as a glorified taxi driver with you and a 1.5 yr old in the back . I think I'd just give up and ask for a divorce at that point

Not for a long time, I enjoyed hanging out with them.

Don't worry, I sat in the back for maybe a year or more as well! At first to make sure he was still breating in his car seat, then just became a habit I suppose 🤣

We have a mirror, they can see you as well so no need to feel like they're lonely!

I'm honestly surprised more don't sit in the back.

They might not, though, it depends on your lifestyle. They might not regularly need to drive on their own with the baby. I think I have only driven the kids on my own once or twice and my older one is 8!

That's why I asked the question. On the off chance it wasn't a usual occurrence, I would think you're very much in the minority having only driven your kids on your own a couple of times.

I sat in the back with DD until DS came along - with the two car seats, I could no longer fit. She's 28 months older than her brother. I really enjoyed being in the back with her, chatting and playing games, so never felt the urge to be at the front. I also drove with her on my own (so without DH in the car), and she was always happy in the back, so it wasn't an issue if she was 'alone' back there. I just liked it and have fond memories of that time, particularly of some of our longer journeys. She has her brother to entertain her/annoy her in the back now, but I miss those journeys

On the way back from hospital. I didn’t realise people sat in the back until I saw it on here.

Same 😆

I know someone who sat in the back with their child until he was around 8. She thought I was very neglectful as I didn't as you can't chat to them properly from the front apparently.

A couple of months for me. I was nervous the 1st time I drove and my DH was not in the car to sit in the back but once I got past that we have stayed in the the front seats

My brother in law sits in the back with his dog to keep him company. Everyone thinks it's weird

Genuinely thought it was something that most parents would do. My youngest is 2 and unless we are driving alone either myself or my DH always sit in the back with him. I don't imagine that will stop until he grows out of rear facing.

I think I have only driven the kids on my own once or twice and my older one is 8!
Curious as to why you take have them alone in car with you?

Same here OP! Until the second child came along I’d always sit in the back with my daughter so we could chat, read, play games etc. I don’t think it’s ridiculous at all.

Or anxiety? 🤷‍♀️