Car recs--3 carseats in 2nd row?
Hi guys,
My husband is finally ready to get a car that will fit our 3 children inside (my son is 7, and my twin girls are 3).He would prefer to not get an SUV or anything that's big and bulky and more environmentally friendly. Any recommendations on a car that will allow for 2 carseats and one booster that meets the bill? Thanks in advance for your advice!
Kely
Oct 23, 2017
Parent Replies
It might be less about the car and more about the carseat. We have 3 kids - ages 3, 6, and 10 in a Toyota Prius. We have the diono radian carseats for all 3 and they fit across well. They're not cheap, and they're really heavy so I wouldn't recommend moving them between cars unless you have to, but they do free up your options quite a bit.
I think you're best bet is to bite the bullet and get a van. They are usually more environmentally friendly than SUVs and have loads of storage space. Perfect for when those kiddos start participating in sports or other activities.
One lead is that some friends have recommended the Diono Radian RXT for three-across fit. I also found this, which may be helpful to you - http://www.thecarcrashdetective.com/2015/06/the-6-narrowest-car-seats-that-will-fit-3-across-in-any-vehicle.html/ (Some of the recommended seats can convert to boosters).
Good luck!
We've done three car seats in a Prius! They're the Diono Radian RXT convertible car seats (convert to booster too), which are a bit pricey but highly recommended.
My 2009 Toyota Camry seats three children in the back seat: two car seats for smaller kids and a Bubble Bum in the center.
Diono car seats are narrow enough to fit three across in a regular car. It uses a steel frame which allows for a narrower seat while meeting safety standards. Two Dione seats and a booster would be easy to do. We have a Subaru Outback with Dionos on one side and in the middle, leaving the other side available for an adult.
What do you have now? You may not need a new car but just new car seats. Have you looked at really narrow car seats and boosters? We have Diono Radian 120, Immi Go Booster, Harmony Defenders. If you are using a backless booster you could try a mifold or bubbleBum. Any combination of those seats will likely fit three across in a smaller sedan (e.g. a Toyota Corolla).