Kids but no car

ironman1

Hi all, We are due to have our 2nd daughter in three months time and I am worried about getting around without a car.We are both 29 and have a four year old already. We sold our last one to save money for other things but with a second child I feel I will have to try and get a loan or something to get one. We both currently work but living fairly near central London, we have very little cash after all bills are gone especially once my OH goes on maternity leave.

Does anyone else cope without wheels? It is really stressing me out. We both get the train to work its just days out and things like that.

Gloomendoom

If it's just days out, then hire a car as and when you need it.
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Beckyy

Could you use: http://www.zipcar.co.uk/ or similar? Don't overload yourself financially just to get one, there's no avoiding the fact they are expensive to keep not just to buy.

ironman1

I'm trying to think of what we will need one for,it just seems you NEED one when you have kids if that makes sense.To be honest we haven't missed it one bit so far. But that is because we both work full time. Any day trips we usually get the train at the moment. But that is with one child

Counting_Pennies_2

I only see it being a problem if you can't easily get to something.


Perhaps when child 1 starts going to school and child 2 needs to go to nursery in the opposite direction.


If you get by ok without a car now and don't miss it, don't lose sleep over not having something you don't need. Clearly you have a great public transport system so stick with what works for you and go for a zip car or equivalent, when needed.


You will have plenty to lose sleep over, so keep it as simple as you can.

sulkisu

I cope. I don't drive (OH does, but works away so it's like having no car) and I have three children - 3 year old and 16 month old twins. We also live in London, zone 2. My nearest stations have level access and I find getting around by bus or train easy enough - you just have to plan a bit more and be prepared to walk where necessary. Most of the places that we go to regularly are within walking distance. My three year walks long distances and can hop up on the pushchair if he is really tired.
If like me, you have never driven, you find ways to manage without a car. OH on the other hand, becomes virtually impotent [smiling Smilie] the moment the car is off the road.


ETA - For days out public transport, especially trains, are far more pushchair friendly than they used to be, and even easier if there are two of you (although I do manage single handed).

chocdonuty

Can you borrow a car from friends/family?
I have an 11 year old and I've not had a car since I split with the ex when dd was 3,
We walk most places, bus, taxi and train get us further afield,
Yes at times I could do with a car but I simply cannot afford the extra cost and so borrowing a car occasionally to get to places such as ikea and the odd holiday seems a good compromise I always seem to spend more too when I borrow the car:eek:
If you can afford a car then go for it, otherwise provided other transport is suitable that is a perfectly viable option.

Brighton_belle

My neighbours have never had a car (kids now about 5 and 7) and it's a lifestyle choice for them, and they are always going out and about, including holidays abroad by train now the children are a little older.
Don't get one in anticipation of needing one, wait to see if it really becomes a desperate necessity, especially as money is tight.


Perhaps use this interim time to start saving a set amount each month to minimise the need for a loan if you do one day need one.


Is there a city car club in your area?
http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/

squashy

I don't drive, and have 3 children. I am very au fait with buses etc and the kids love going on the train for a day out. Any time I am really stuck e.g. the other week one had a party across town half an hour after school, we just got a cab.

My children are excellent walkers and have been from a young age, I honestly think that making our own way about has helped them!

I used a combination of (decent) slings and pushchairs when they were very little.

Make-it-3

You live near central London, with congestion charge, hideous parking costs/fines, near gridlock at times - a car is almost a liability even with kids in tow.

Kids love a trip out on a bus, tube or train. Yes sometimes you need to negotiate a slightly different route to avoid stairs with pushchairs but when you are on your own, but otherwise everything is manageable.

Pushchairs with buggyboards or a scooter keeps everyone on the move at a decent pace when walking anywhere.

I keep some money at home in case I ever need a taxi in an emergency.

And as others have suggested if you really didn't want to do the train for days out there is Zipcar or hire cars.

orangeslimes

If you live somewhere with public transport you don't really need a car. My mum never drove and we travelled around on bus - 4 children under 7 at one point, and this was before buses were as pushchair friendly as they are now (I'm not really sure how my mum managed, but sure 2 will be easy in comparison, especially one a baby as they can't run off or anything).
I think it might involve slightly more planning sometimes but easily doable if you live somewhere with decent transport links and as others point out you could hire a car, get taxi etc if you need to go somewhere public transport doesn't reach.