Question Convertible and infant in 2012 Sonata

Any advice on where to place a Graco Snugride (22) and Graco Size4Me FF in a 2012 Hyundai Sonata?

I would love to put one in the middle if possible to leave a side seat free for adults. Do you think this is possible? The Size4Me is currently RF in the center seat and was very difficult for a very experienced tech to install. She ended up twisting the belt stalk to get a tight fit. (I need to change this seat to FF because firstborn is approaching weight limit.)

I know the obvious answer is to try it and see what fits, but we have to install them ourselves before the techs will inspect them, and I am easily intimidated by figuring out what constitutes a good fit.

Also, I realize all children are different, but any guesses on how likely a fairly mild-mannered 2.5 year old and a newborn are to have any issues being right next to each other--bothering each other, etc. ?

Thank you!

I'd try in the middle. Rear facing and forward facing installs are usually quite different. Don't forget to top tether it now!

However, the shape of the Snugride's base may cause it to not fit very well next to the convertible. It flares at the hips. But try. Because they're both Gracos I think you have a better chance than two of a different brand, on average (since Graco can pull both off of the shelf and see how they go). You'll probably get more room with both with seatbelt installs, though that may cause the base to tip, so you may actually want to do a locking clip install on the base. That will also give you the ability to shove it a bit to the door, giving the convertible in the middle more room (a seatbelt install will do that, but the locking clip install will really hold it in place, since when you do a locking clip install you tend to cuss a lot and if you've done it right, it'll be tough to buckle, but then rock solid).

To test these, install one first and make sure you have a proper install (less than 1" of movement at the belt path when you give it a firm handshake with your non dominant hand). Then install the one next to it. Get that so you think it's good. Remove the first, and test the second again. If the second is still good, you're good. Because you tested the first and knew it's ok, and the second is good without the first, so it's ok.

Wendy

Thank you, Wendy!