Use 3rd row or attempt 3-across in 2nd row?

[AliciaM]

I've been browsing the forums and came across the successful 3-across thread. I have felt a little apprehensive about putting my two older kids in the 3rd row (baby due in a few weeks will go in the 2nd row) and now I'm wondering if I should attempt a 3-across in the 2nd row. I originally wanted an extra seat or two for guests in the 2nd row but if it's a lot safer to have all the carseats there instead, I can sacrifice that.

As for specs, I have an '06 Honda Pilot and the seats I'll be using are Britax Marathon, Britax Frontier (both FF), and a BabyTrend Flex Loc. The Flex Loc will be a RF Marathon eventually. Opinions?

[wendytthomas]

I'd be surprised if you can fit those across, though it's possible.

I'd use the third row without hesitation. It's not like you added a jump seat back there, it's a dedicated third row, came from the dealership that way, and is tested just fine. In fact a lot of us recommend putting down a side seat and putting the olders in the back and then the baby in the middle if you have three or more kids and three rows.

Wendy

[AliciaM]

I'd be surprised if you can fit those across, though it's possible.

I'd use the third row without hesitation. It's not like you added a jump seat back there, it's a dedicated third row, came from the dealership that way, and is tested just fine. In fact a lot of us recommend putting down a side seat and putting the olders in the back and then the baby in the middle if you have three or more kids and three rows.

Wendy

Cool, that's what I had planned on. Thanks!

[autumnlily]

My DD loves being in the third row. We moved here seat there a few months before the twins arrived - so she felt her "place" in the car had not been taken.... just one of those hints to ease transition with a new baby! Congrats!

[2 blueberry eye girls]

I have put rf wizard passenger side, GN and GN in the middle row of my 06 Pilot. I believe you can do it. It would have to be all seat belt installs for it to work. I have also put the 2 GNs in 3rd row on the outside, and have rf wizard passenger side 2ed row. I would out the infant seat on the single seat so you could fold the 60part of the 2ed row. It will give you more room to buckel the kids in. I would also slide the 2ed row seats up to give the 3rd row riders leg room. Thats what I had to do for my 4year old daughter and our 4yr old car pooler.