Multiple Car Seats in SUV

• 06-27-2009 8:42 PM

  Erika~AJandJordan Joined on 09-22-2004 AJ~Jordan~ Kayleigh~Makenzie Posts 15

  Multiple Car Seats in SUV Reply Contact So I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers to having multiple car seats in an SUV. We have a small Ford Escape. We have a son thats 4 that is in a high back booster, and a daughter that just turned 1 that we just moved into a foward facing carseat. We are due with another baby in Sept. I've put 3 car seats in the escape before, but its not an easy thing to do. You have get them all in then shut the door on one side go over to the other door, shift all the carseats over and then slam that door.. I don't think any of the carseats sit right like that, but my dh seemed to think we will be fine when the baby comes. We really arn't in any place right now to get a bigger suv or a van, so I'm needing some tips on ways to make this work. Or do we just need to take the blow and get another vehicle.. I'm thinking the safer the better and we will deal with the money issues later.

• 06-29-2009 12:30 PM

  In reply to

  Shannon1983 Joined on 05-22-2004 NY Posts 1,077

  Re: Multiple Car Seats in SUV Reply Contact I have had 2 carseats and a booster in an '03 Cavalier on a few occasions so it is doable, but it is definitely not something I would want to do on a daily basis. If you have to slam the door just to get the seats to fit, then I agree with you. I wouldn't think it'd be as safe as seats that fit. Maybe you could get a used van or bigger SUV? I would go for the van since they will usually have better gas mileage. You're in a good bargaining position right now because people are moving away from SUV's and other gas guzzlers. However, if getting a new or "new" vehicle would really put you in a bind I wouldn't do it. You could start saving now and wait to get the vehicle until you have some money to put down to reduce the payments.

• 07-02-2009 1:27 PM

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  cateydid Joined on 04-11-2006 7 kids and counting Posts 1,953

  Re: Multiple Car Seats in SUV Reply Contact Have you looked at getting new car seats instead of a new car? It will be a monetary investment of course, but much less so than a new vehicle! I've got 7 kids in car seats, so we've played the "which seat fits where" game for years, and I've found that some seats are MUCH more narrow than others. It might help to go to BRU where you can try different seats in your car and see if you can find some that will fit 3 across in your car.

• 07-06-2009 10:10 PM

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  AmiJanell Joined on 01-16-2007 Dawson Edward Born 7/15/08 Minnesota Posts 1,590

  Re: Multiple Car Seats in SUV Reply Contact I think you are going to need to buy 1 or more new seats to get everyone to fit well What are the seats that you own now?? Also try latch and seat belts... (not at the same time) I mean if it doesn't fit well with latch try the seat belt instead... it makes a difference with some seats I would put your son in the center and then rear face the other 2 on the sides Radian 65 or 80 are very narrow seats or infant seat center and something like 2 evenflo chase's outboard Infant seat center, 2 marathon's on the sides Graco Nautalis for your oldest, Radian 65 for your 1 year old and a snug ride for the baby     And as a side note... have you done any research on extended rear facing? The AAP states children should rear face to a minimim of 2 years now. It would be safest to flip your little girl back around.

• 07-12-2009 7:36 PM

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  Erika~AJandJordan Joined on 09-22-2004 AJ~Jordan~ Kayleigh~Makenzie Posts 15

  Re: Multiple Car Seats in SUV Reply Contact We are trying to find carseats that fit our escape now for the mean time until we can get something bigger.. I'm not sure of the brands because we arn't into buying anything expensive, all 3 we have are walmart brands so I'm not even sure. I just make sure they are right for there size.. We are sticking with our daughter being front facing also... Thank you for all your input..

• 07-14-2009 6:30 AM

  In reply to

  Shannon1983 Joined on 05-22-2004 NY Posts 1,077	Re: Multiple Car Seats in SUV Reply Contact  I don't think I've ever seen narrow seats at Walmart, theirs all seem pretty bulky. I did find this one. Not cheap but not too pricey either. http://www.justkidsstore.com/prod/combi/coccoro-compact-car-seat-free-shipping/ The Radian is also narrow but I've read installation is a problem.