Where to install seats in Honda Odyssey 08 for 3 kids?

[Unregistered]

Can anyone help me figure out the best configuration and method (latch vs. seatbelt) for seating our three kids in a Honda Odyssey 08.

4 1/2 year old (49 lbs) is using a Maxi Cosi Rodi XP Booster Seat
2 1/2 year old (34 lbs) is using a Radian Carseat (model is 2 years old and goes to 65 lbs)
10 month old (22 lbs) RF in Britax Roundabout

We also have a Safeguard Child Seat available for use. It didn't work in our last car, once the baby was born, so we haven't been using it. It is just over 2 years old. Also, FYI - the Roundabout was purchased when my oldest was born, so it is almost five years old. Any concerns there?

Ideally, I would like to have the kids in a situation where they aren't right next to each other. They just really struggle with keeping their hands to themselves. We just moved from overseas and this is my first experience being the primary driver (and only adult) hauling around three kids. I'm finding it very disconcerting not being able to see the baby rear-facing. What do other parents do? Is the mirror thing recommended? helpful?

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to your responses.

[MissAllyLou]

I would put the 4.5 year old in the back seat, middle position, and the other two in the middle row in the outboard positions. The littlest one could go on the passenger side, outboard, and then you would be able to see them better. The mirrors aren't recommended because in an accident, they could become projectiles and potentially harm your kiddos.

As for the roundabout, they expire after 6 years, so check the date. If it's expired, it can no longer be used. The date should be on a sticker near the top of the seat, sometimes covered by the cover.

[hockeywoman]

I would put the 4.5 year old in the back seat, middle position, and the other two in the middle row in the outboard positions. The littlest one could go on the passenger side, outboard, and then you would be able to see them better. The mirrors aren't recommended because in an accident, they could become projectiles and potentially harm your kiddos.

As for the roundabout, they expire after 6 years, so check the date. If it's expired, it can no longer be used. The date should be on a sticker near the top of the seat, sometimes covered by the cover.

I would 2nd this!

[lovinwaves]

Which Safeguard seat is it?

See this article for tethering that Roundabout rf'ing http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=9902

What about removing the passenger side Captain's chair? Place the baby behind the driver rear-facing, and then put the other two outboard in the third row?

The problem I could see with the above suggestion is how are you going to make sure the 4 years old seatbelt is properly positioned and tight enough. I have not had a child in a booster yet, but I am assuming at 4 years old there is a good chance they still need help buckling in :shrug-shoulders:

[hipmaman]

I would put the 4.5 year old in the back seat, middle position, and the other two in the middle row in the outboard positions. The littlest one could go on the passenger side, outboard, and then you would be able to see them better.

That OR... the 2 older ones in the 3rd bench outboard and ff. The littlest goes in the passenger side captain chair and remove the driver side passenger side. I do this with my 3 (although the older ones are older than yours) but it gives me the space and the ability to help with the harness when they need it.

[Sceason1972]

Does the 4 1/2 yo still fit in the safeguard seat? If so, then you could have all 3 harnessed.

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all your responses. We just picked up the car today. I think I'm going to put the older kids outboard in the 3rd row and the baby in the 2nd row behind the passenger seat. I really appreciate the link regarding the tethering information. I would have never figured that one out.

Our Safeguard is currently in our overseas shipment, but when it arrives - I'm considering putting my son either in the Radian or the Safeguard for another year or so. Is there a discussion someone can point me to about the safety of harnessed car-seats vs. booster seats?

Thanks again!

[kanga]

That is how I have my 3 in our odyssey. My 4 & 6 year old are outboard in the third row in their regents. My 18 month old is rf behind the driver seat in the captain's chairs. With those huge regents there isn't a whole lot of spots they can go.