Brigala
CPST Instructor
Rear facing in the 3rd row of a Suburban is extremely difficult because there's just so little room. You face the same challenges you do in an ultra-sub-compact car. Only a few seats will fit, and then you have to find one that both fits AND will work with the forward-of-the-bight seat belts in the 3rd row.
I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's very very challenging.
The third row is also crazy narrow, making it really tough to put two seats side by side. Again, it can be (and has been) done, however it has to be a very specific combination of seats.
I know I can put a reasonably narrow seat (I've tried it with a CA65) in the center of the 3rd row and fit an Incognito booster next to it comfortably. I haven't found a lot of other options that work.
One possibility in that model year could be a Ride Safer Travel Vest with the lap belt and top tether in the center of the 3rd row. That might be a good option for the 7 year old unless she's inclined to unbuckle. It doesn't totally solve your problem, but she might be able to be taught how to climb over the seat and get into the vest with only visual supervision, which could make it so you could put three car seats in your 2nd row.
I'm not saying it can't be done, but it's very very challenging.
The third row is also crazy narrow, making it really tough to put two seats side by side. Again, it can be (and has been) done, however it has to be a very specific combination of seats.
I know I can put a reasonably narrow seat (I've tried it with a CA65) in the center of the 3rd row and fit an Incognito booster next to it comfortably. I haven't found a lot of other options that work.
One possibility in that model year could be a Ride Safer Travel Vest with the lap belt and top tether in the center of the 3rd row. That might be a good option for the 7 year old unless she's inclined to unbuckle. It doesn't totally solve your problem, but she might be able to be taught how to climb over the seat and get into the vest with only visual supervision, which could make it so you could put three car seats in your 2nd row.
