Something that works: car seat + car

I'm pretty tall---nearly 6'7" (2 meters)---so when our first baby was on the way, it was time to switch out the 99 VW Golf to find something that would accommodate us as well as a newborn car seat.  I still can't believe I fit in that golf as well as I did!

We looked at a bunch of cars and seats.  Often, the drivers seat of the car was fine, but the passenger seat was not okay for my legs.  This happened in a Honda Element, two different Toyota Prius models and every different minivan we checked out.  In an elantra touring wagon (we like the wagon/hatchback style over a sedan) I didn't even fit in the driver's seat. 

Since the golf had been such a good car, we also checked out the 2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen (TDI).  Even if you're not planning on adding children, this is a great vehicle for tall drivers and passengers; I can drive comfortably with the seat in the not-quite-all-the-way-back position.  Matching this up with a car seat was a bit more tricky, but we really lucked out on timing. 

A new infant seat had just arrived: the Graco Snugride 30.  This fits great in the middle of the backseat with both front seats pulled pretty far back.  We could even probably push them all the way and squeeze around the car seat if necessary.  The snugride helps make this possible by allowing the handle to safely be up over the baby while traveling instead of needing to be behind their head.  I don't know why the behind-the-head position is normally required, it's an annoying restriction normally.

So, for simple math: graco snugride 30 + 2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen = comfy 6'7" new parent.

We'll have to see what happens when it's time to find a convertible seat that fits...