Is it even safe to have 3 car seats in a smaller vehicle?

M

mcuth

New member

• Jan 5, 2010

• #1

We're expecting our 3rd child soon. I'm wondering, though, is it really safe to put three car seats in a non-minivan-sized vehicle? We have a Toyota Rav4 and a Chevy Impala.

We'd love to not have to buy a minivan, but we don't want to compromise our children's safety. Is there some "official" evidence or authority which establishes the safety of cramming three car seats together rather than putting them in a vehicle where there's some room between them?

mark

 

M

mkmama

Active member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #2

Not a tech, but I have 3 across in the back of my Impala, and have no qualms about it. The seats are touching, but by no means 'squished' against each other -- they are all independently tight installs, and all three seats look the same as they do if they're not three across...to me its no different than if an adult is sitting next to them and touching them.

 

M

mcuth

New member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #3

I'd definitely love to go that route.

Is anyone aware of any testing that has been done on 3 child seats across?

 

BookMama

Senior Community Member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #4

As far as I know, there's no data indicating any danger in putting three car seats in a sedan (or truck), providing that there are three seating positions and you can get a good install. I have three seats in a Focus and an Escort and have no concerns about it whatsoever.

If you're concerned about being able to fit three across, let us know your vehicle, children's ages/weights, what car seats you have, etc. and we can help you find a good combination. :thumbsup: (Sometimes that can be a bit tricky, depending on how narrow the back seat is.)

 

M

mcuth

New member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #5

Sure. The backseat of the Chevy Impala is bigger, so we'd go with that one. But we have 2 of the big Britax seats. No biggie... it's cheaper to buy all new seats than a new minivan... IF it's just as safe... and that's where my wife and I are butting heads.

Our 3yr old is in the 30lb range. The 1yr old is in the 20lb range. And our third is in the fetal range (due in April).

 

jess71903

Ambassador

• Jan 7, 2010

• #6

The deal with 3 across is that you have to have them independently tight (if you take the others out, the 1 is still installed correctly). If they rely on each other for a "tight" install, then no, it's not safe.

I tested this out in my own vehicle, but with 2 side-by-side. I installed both and neither moved at all. I thought they were both rock solid tight...until I took the first seat out and the 2nd seat then moved around everywhere.

 

M

Marvin711

New member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #7

I think in and of itself, like others have responded, the fact that 3 carseats are installed in a row probably doesn't matter as long as they are installed correctly and independantly. I don't see how that would be any different than a combination of adults and carseats... but there might be other things to consider -

Depending on age of your vehicles you might consider what type of airbag system they have? Maybe you need to get carseats with extra side impact protection? Crash ratings?? Are you concerned about 2 children being outboard?

And a smaller vehicle on average when matched in a collision with a much larger vehicle is probably not going to fare as well as a vehicle of similar size... but there is always going to be something larger than you on the road!

Ease of use might become an issue with 3 across if you are having to haul kids in and out over each other or plan who you take to the car first when loading - just added logistics sometimes, not a safety issue. Consider when you add boosters in the mix, you'll have to make sure the child in the booster doesn't accidently unbuckle the carseat.

Just food for thought...

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #8

It's not inherently any more unsafe, to my mind, than having one seat in a car. The issue is making sure they are ALL installed correctly.

You have a RAV 4-- is it an older model? The newer models are not okay for 3 across, since the driver's side and center positions cannot be used at the same time.

 

L

LuciaBella

Guest

• Jan 7, 2010

• #9

I have 3 across in my volvo station wagon and I feel like they are soooo safe! I have the two almost 4 yr olds RF on the outboard and the almost 2 yr old RF in the center. I asked a while ago if there is any evidence that a car seat can hurt a harnessed child in the car, and I don't think it's an issue because there is no testing done.

ketchupqueen said:

You have a RAV 4-- is it an older model? The newer models are not okay for 3 across, since the driver's side and center positions cannot be used at the same time.

Click to expand...

Do you mean if they are using LATCH they can't use both driver and center position? Or does RAV4 not allow seats next to each other in those positions?

 

Cryssy Jane

New member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #10

I have a 3 across in my impreza and haven't given it a second thought. All seats are rear facing and independently tight.

 

canadiangie

New member

• Jan 7, 2010

• #11

Why is my brain telling me that there was a study done showing a 3 across is actually safer providing the seats are installed properly? :scratcheshead:

It would have been about 4 years ago that I read it, I think.


Anyone know?

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Jan 8, 2010

• #12

canadiangie said:

Why is my brain telling me that there was a study done showing a 3 across is actually safer providing the seats are installed properly? :scratcheshead:

It would have been about 4 years ago that I read it, I think.


Anyone know?

Click to expand...

I don't know of a 3 across study-- there was a study showing benefits in side impact crashes to occupants seated between 2 child restraints without a child restraint, though. (I am pretty sure that was the setup.)

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Jan 8, 2010

• #13

LuciaBella said:

Do you mean if they are using LATCH they can't use both driver and center position? Or does RAV4 not allow seats next to each other in those positions?

Click to expand...

No. I mean since the redesign of the backseat and belts (which was in I think 06?), you cannot have 2 occupants of any kind in those 2 positions, child restraints or not. The middle belt buckles in the middle of the seat for the driver's side. You can't have two adults there, you can't have two kids there, you can't have two people there of any kind. The second row really holds 2 people, not 3, because you cannot use all 3 seatbelts at once, nor can you put a seat in with LATCH outboard and use the center belt.

There's a picture here.