Mazda 3 and 2 carseats?

[kochanyk]

Anyone attempted this? I have an 05 and our son will be 2 when #2 arrives so he still has a long time yet to go in a carseat (17 months now). We prefer the Britax Marathon and I'm not sure if we will start with that or an infant carrier for our 2nd child. Our son is forward facing (over 30lbs and 33in he's a big baby and too near the limit for my comfort on rear-facing). I also have side-curtain airbags. So what's the best way to do this? Side by side? Both by door? Or buy a new car? I'm thinking buying a new car would be the safest option :(

[wendytthomas]

You should be able to fit them in next to each other, one forward, one rear facing. I know I can get two Wizards in my truck next to each other either forward or rearfacing. If you do do them next to each other, put your forward facing son in the middle and the new baby by the door. That's the safest way (since your son is inherently less safe being forward facing than being rear, give him the benefit of the middle). Of course, if you can't get him in that way, or it just doesn't work, then move them around to see what's best, but see if you can get middle forward and outbound rear first. When your second child goes forward facing you may need to move them each to outboard positions.

Wendy

[kochanyk]

Thank you so much Wendy! I'll give it a go that way and see if I can get everyone situated. Thanks a lot!

[Dsunny1]

I just traded my mazda 3 for a mazda 5. I preferred to have both my kids outboard because of the short and slightly humped middle seat. I did get three across on occasion, a snugride, turbo booster in middle, and evenflo infant seat. I also had a rear facing triumph, turbo booster, and infant seat. It was hard to get two seats side by side, as the middle seat didn't quite fit on the hump, and would end up being pushed out somewhat. It was nearly impossible for the three accross but we managed to get them to fit when we needed it (only when I had my baby niece or nephew with us). Anyway, good luck. I do love the Mazda cars, and really love my mazda 5 now, I feel like I have So much room..

[Dsunny1]

double post, sorry

[kochanyk]

Thanks all for the advice. I ended up doing the same thing- trading up for a Mazda 5 :). 2 new cars in 2 years, but oh well, the kiddos are very worth it and I feel much safer having them in it!

[Dsunny1]

I like my mazda 5. I just have one issue with the third row seat. It states that if you have a forward facing tethered seat in the third row you must route your tether straps over the headrest. The headrests push my child restraint out too far, so that it is not lying against the back of the car's seat as it should due to the way they "bubble" over the seat. So, I am trying to get an answer from mazda or other manufacturer's about this situation. I don't need to use my third row, and when I do my daughter who is in a turbo booster goes there, so it really isn't an issue. I am a tech though and want to know what to advize other people. Anyway, I do love the 5 and am overall very happy with it.