Safe Alternatives for Baby and Child

Although it’s just a temporary solution and not THE solution, my husband and I decided to cut down on fossil fuel usage by driving a fuel-efficient hybrid car . We also wanted to set a great example to our daughter by caring about the environment and her future. After reading reviews and test-driving a few hybrids, we decided to purchase a Toyota Prius.

I had to write this review because so many parents asked us, if it’s spacious enough for our family. And once I showed them how much room there was, they were usually very impressed.

Supporting the Rear End

I use to get envious when I saw other parents changing their little ones diapers in the trunk (you couldn’t do that in with hunchbacks). But the Toyota Prius has a flat trunk, like an SUV’s…so it’s really practical. It also has a little mini-trunk (see picture on the left) under this trunk to store emergency kit, reusable bags, toys, and other stuff you want to bring with you at all times. I also love being able to either extend out, or retract the flap meant to hide what’s in the trunk and keep it shaded.

Although we do not have one yet, I think the open trunk is spacious and comfortable enough to bring a dog along on a ride with you too. (Just a little insight for all you doggie lovers!)

Leg Room in the Prius

I am also amazed at the leg room on the front and back seats. In our Honda Civic, we could hardly put anything behind the front seat or sit comfortably in the back, but the Prius seems so spacious. It’s big enough for us 3 and I am not worried to fit in another baby, there’s plenty of space. For bigger road trips we can add a roof top rack. We’ve done a few small trips and have never run out of space.

In case we would do a big road trip with additional people (parents or parents-in-law) and luggage, we can rent a mini van for 2 week instead of driving a BIG car all year. Driving a big car all year, just to have enough space for a couple annual road trips doesn’t make sense.

I also like all the little compartments this car has, to neatly pack away sunglasses, Cd’s, bottles and toys. And another big bonus: the seats fold down completely and easily, if you ever need to transport big things.

More Good News About the Prius

What I love about the Prius is the multi-function display (MFD). It’s for climate controls, audio system, navigation system (if so equipped) and the addictive info centers that show your fuel usage. I am looking at it constantly when I am driving and making sure I am driving at a high mileage per gallon or if I am lucky, completely on battery power.

Recycling and Hybrid Batteries

I’ve been told by Hybrid critics that the batteries are toxic and can’t be recycled. I did a research on this because I had a hard time believing it.

Here are some facts I learned:

Today’s hybrids use NiMH batteries, not the environmentally problematic rechargeable nickel cadmium. Toyota has a comprehensive battery recycling program in place and has been recycling nickel-metal hydride batteries since the RAV4 Electric Vehicle was introduced in 1998. Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel case and the wiring, is recycled. Toyota puts a phone number on each battery, and they pay a $200 “bounty” for each battery to help ensure that it will be properly recycled.

There’s no definitive word on replacement costs because they are almost never replaced. According to Toyota, since the Prius first went on sale in 2000, they have not replaced a single battery for wear and tear.

Great Options to Add For Parents

• The smart key option.
  It’s especially great for moms who always have their hands full when walking to the car. You don’t need to use your key. The car detects the fob and automatically unlocks the doors when you touch the door handle.
• Bluetooth Wireless technology for hands-free cell phone use. It is the law here in California, hands free!
  
• Back-up Camera for back-up safety.

Peaking Mileage From The Prius

My husband read about gliding, and is obsessed with it. Well, let’s say I am a bit too. We’re trying to “out glide” each other from the grocery store to our home, to see who used less mpg and more battery power.

What it means is, you accelerate a bit and then get off the gas pedal and just glide and see the fuel usage to go from a few miles to 99.99 miles at times. The goal is to stay at least above 40 mpg, which seems easy. Lot’s of times I am able to drive with over 75mpg with the gliding technique.

If you want to know more about gliding, here some tips on other sites:

• http://www.ehow.com
• http://www.hybridcars.com
• http://www.kbtoyota.com

Is Toyota Prius a Safe Car?

The Toyota Prius is also a VERY SAFE family car. Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags, side-curtain and front-seat side airbags. The 2008 model received four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for front impacts and four and five star ratings for side impacts.

Some people tend to believe that they’re safer in their BIG cars, which is proven to be a myth. Please read following articles to find out more about this topic:

• http://www.treehugger.com
• http://www.autobloggreen.com
  

So, for these reasons and more we vote the Toyota Hybrid a safe alternative to the typical family mini-van and/or SUV.

Please let us know about your experience with the Toyota Prius or any other fuel efficient family car, we’d love to hear from you.

Safe travels and tread lightly on mother earth by keeping it fuel effecient.

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