I realize it's been a while...

[Corynn]

So it's been about a year and a half since I've been here bugging you ladies about my three across scenario. It seems I need to consult the Gurus once again.

We're nearing the next stage as my baby girl is 15 months and nearing the height limit on the Safeseat. My current configuration is as follows:

Radian Premier FF behind Driver Latch 40 lb 3 yr old
Radian Premier FF centre seatbelt install 45 lb 5 yr old
Graco Safe seat RF behind passenger Latch 25lb 15 month old (this is the one that's got to go)

My car is a 2006 Legacy wagon. Should I bother with another radian? Maybe a really narrow booster?

Any suggestions?

[QuassEE]

The big question here is this--is your five year old mature enough to sit properly 100% of the time? If you can answer YES, then you may be able to consider moving up to a booster (there aren't any narrow ones on the Canadian market at the moment).. otherwise I would recommend moving your youngest into a new harnessed seat--but it sounds like you probably have more options and could but a larger harnessed seat RF in your centre, meshing the Radians outboard... Might be harder to get in that way though :(

What do you think will work for you?

-Nicole.

[Corynn]

The big question here is this--is your five year old mature enough to sit properly 100% of the time?

Nope. He has dyspraxia, I certainly don't mind keeping him harnessed.

As for the youngest, I'm not sure I can keep her rear facing... I mean I guess I could but the dimensions would have to be similar to the safe seat and at that point I'm not sure she would fit KWIM? I might be able to rear face a taller seat depending on the angle. Could I rear face a radian for example and not recline it?

The in/out thing isn't really a big deal, we've been working around that already. ETA: the youngest would stay behind the passenger if this was the case, there is simply not enough room for a centre rearfacing scenario.

[Corynn]

I just realized while researching dimensions of new seats to rear face, that unless something drastically newer and smaller has come out in the last year I can't do it. The current configuration was the only way I was able to puzzle any rear facing seat in there at all.

I was hoping we'd get more time out of the Safeseat, we've got room left in weight but who knew she'd be so tall? We've got about an inch left before we HAVE to make the switch. :confused:

[featherhead]

Why would there not be room to rear-face in the center? For my car the top of the carseat (Radian) just sticks over and between the two seats.

You may have more room if you install the outboard seats with the seatbelt instead of LATCH. You can usually move the seat a bit closer to the door (in some vehicles a LOT closer to the door) with the seatbelt.

[QuassEE]

If you can get a SafeSeat in there, you can get another Radian in, right? And the SafeSeat takes up way more room front-to-back because it still has a near 45 degree angle...whereas you can install a convertible seat quite a bit more upright--35 or 30 degrees--with an older child. Try taking your other outboard Radian out, without moving your centre one, and install it rear-facing in place of your SS. Then you'll know. If it doesn't look upright enough, put a LOT of pressure down around the beltpath and keep the seat bolt upright getting the slack out that way--that will force a more upright install.

-Nicole.

[Corynn]

Why would there not be room to rear-face in the center? For my car the top of the carseat (Radian) just sticks over and between the two seats.

You may have more room if you install the outboard seats with the seatbelt instead of LATCH. You can usually move the seat a bit closer to the door (in some vehicles a LOT closer to the door) with the seatbelt.

There just isn't enough room for any rear facing in the middle or behind the driver. It's tolerable for the passenger seat simply because it's usually empty. I would not be able to drive. As it is the seat has to be back all the way just to accommodate my height.

An outboard seatbelt install does not work with our seat contours unfortunately.

(I had to re-read all my previous posts to see what I've already tried LOL)



Nicole, I'm almost positive the issue with the radian was the recline, we should be able to swing it if that is not required. I vaguely remember something about taking of the base when rear facing, not recommended in the manual but doable anyway?

[canadiangie]

Hi,

The Radian requires the base when used rear facing. You must use it, it's not an option.

Where is your baby's head in relation to the top of the SafeSeat? How many inches of seat shell does she have above her head?

I'd suggest a Cosco Scenera rear facing for your baby. You should be able to get it rear facing in the middle, at 30 degrees as she's 15 mos old {basically as upright as she can tolerate while also accomodating the space you need in the front seats}, and have your Radians forward facing in the outboard positions. The Radians sit low when forward facing, and the Scenera, when used rear facing, sort of angles up a bit and should clear the Radians. If you go this route, be sure to post for some helpful hints on getting a Scenera installed rear facing with a seatbelt.

[QuassEE]

You should be able to get it really quite upright with the base on. I'm not sure what SK says about a RF install without the base, personally (anyone else?) Just give it a try, base on, and squishing down at the footprop area. Have it bolt upright when you install, minimizing the length of the beltpath.

I realize you do have one of the more difficult vehicles to do an install in...did you want me to try to find a tech in your area, if this doesn't work?

-Nicole.

[canadiangie]

You should be able to get it really quite upright with the base on. I'm not sure what SK says about a RF install without the base, personally (anyone else?) Just give it a try, base on, and squishing down at the footprop area. Have it bolt upright when you install, minimizing the length of the beltpath.

I realize you do have one of the more difficult vehicles to do an install in...did you want me to try to find a tech in your area, if this doesn't work?

-Nicole.

SK has said that the base IS req'd rear facing.

There have been many discussions about this, but the cole's notes version is that you need to use the base.

[QuassEE]

SK has said that the base IS req'd rear facing.


That was my assumption, but when it comes to carseats/carseat companies and waffling, I always hate to say something is for sure. I even had to double-check that Ford/Mazda didn't change their center LATCH recommendations for a check today.

-Nicole.

[canadiangie]

That was my assumption, but when it comes to carseats/carseat companies and waffling, I always hate to say something is for sure. I even had to double-check that Ford/Mazda didn't change their center LATCH recommendations for a check today.

-Nicole.

Waffling. That's a good way of putting it. Thank you Nicole.