Brainstorming positions w/ 2 RFing seats in Odyssey + 2 more kids in back

[heyruthie]

We are expecting our 4th in July, and I JUST realized that since my DD#1 (2 yrs) will still be ERFing, that I will have 2 RFing seats....which messes up our "traffic flow" in and out of the van, since it's difficult to crawl over/under them.

I was initially thinking of the two older kids in back and the two younger kids in the captain's chairs....but since they will both be RFing, it will make it hard for the boys to get in the back, and nearly IMPOSSIBLE for me to ever get back there if I need to. (Things are further hampered by the fact that I have a bad back, and I am REALLY short (less than 5 ft tall) and cannot reach over or back into the rear bench seat from any point, unless I crawl back there.) Because of my back, I KNOW that I cannot be getting a baby back to the back seat regularly, and prob. not the 2 yo either.


here's the deal: My DS#1 (6 yrs) and DS#2 (4 yrs) will still be harnessed seats (most likely--DS #1 MAY be ready for a good booster--he's tall and will almost be 7 yrs old.) They are both BASICALLY self-sufficient at harnessing themselves. They've gotten REALLY good at it. but DS #2 still needs occasional help.

How do you all handle 2 RFing seats in a similar set-up?

[stjemmes]

I'm not sure of the year of your van but in my old one (2001) I had the two captain seats pushed together turning them into a 2nd row bench. If you did that then both of the RFing seats could be there and then the old kids could still get in back without causing a traffic jam.

[Sceason1972]

I was going to suggest the same thing - move one of the Captain's chairs to the middle, thus making a side aisle for rear access. The rf kiddos will be side-by-side and the older ones can get in and out easily. I would put the biggest/most independent child farthest in and the child needing more help one the other outboard side, thus making it easier for you to help that child from the aisle.

[heyruthie]

aha! i think you're right. my odyssey is a 2002, and i think the two chairs CAN be pushed together.....we've just never done it. OK. i'm going to see if we can! thanks!

[lorismurph]

I'm in almost the same situation. I have a Dodge Caravan (no option of sliding seats together). Right now, I have in the driver's side captain's chair, RF Titan 2yo. Behind her is my 4yo in a GN (I can easily reach over to help buckle one last one and to unbuckle). I'm due in June so the SS1 will go in the passenger side captain's chair and my 7yo is in a bpb behind that. I think I'll be okay until school starts (my older 2 can climb in while only the base is in the car but once I snap the seat in, they will be stuck). Once I have to be driving to school every day (in late August), I think the best option for me is to turn my 2yo FF. She'll be just shy of 2 1/2 by then. I've tried other combinations and I just don't see how else to do it easily. I feel totally fine with turning a 2yo (heck, I turned my first 2 at 1year, I didn't know any better). I agree with ERF but there are other factors and remember, you've RF'd an entire year longer than most Americans.
It was suggested to me that my 7yo could buckle the 2yo RF in the back but do you honestly trust a 7yo to properly buckle them every time? He'd do fine but what if he's not with me, then I still have to climb over everyone or kill my back to get her in & out.
Good luck, I'm curious to see what other responses you get on this (maybe someone will have something that will help me also).

[Pixels]

Any chance of loading RFing kiddos through the hatch? Probably not with your back problems, but I thought I'd throw it out there as an option.

Will new baby be in an infant seat at first? If so, use that to your advantage. Let your boys go past to the back first, then click the baby into the base.

Can DS1 help DS2 when he needs it, so you don't have to go back there? If not, you could get DS2 an easier seat, and hold on to the EFTA to pass down. The Nautilus is supposed to be really easy for kids to do themselves. I have a hard time with the EFTA, so if he/they can almost do that one, they'll probably be able to do the Nautilus.

[heyruthie]

Will new baby be in an infant seat at first? If so, use that to your advantage. Let your boys go past to the back first, then click the baby into the base.


Good point! I hadn't even thought of that. Yes, the infant WILL be in a Graco Snugride (bought new for DD#1 in 2006 before I knew as much about carseats.) I don't know how long I'll use it, but that would make it easier for as long as the new baby (she! --just found out!) is in that seat. Most of my kids are fine in a Snugride for a year (small kids--DD#1 was still within all limits until after she was 14 months.)

So.....Good point....I feel better now. The boys can easily get to the back row and it will be summer, so it's not like the baby will be out in a freezing parking lot while they load up (like my last baby!) Summer babies are so much easier!!! (No snow, ice, etc.!)

And if the baby is in the SR for a year, by then, my DD#1 will probably be ready to be FF....since she'll be a full 3.5 yrs. Awesome. I feel better already.

[Pixels]

That's what I was thinking, using the infant seat to buy you some time. So glad to help!