Infant carseat for 2002 Jetta (merged thread)

2002 Jetta & Baby · Jan 11, 2016

My husband and I have only one car, a 2002 Jetta TDI. We're both tall (5'11" and 6'2") and need our seats to be back pretty far. We're expecting in April, and I have NO idea what to do for a carseat. We probably want an infant seat at first, to use in a coordinating stroller, and to avoid getting the baby in and out of the seat every time we get out of the car.

Is there any advice on what is safest in this car, and what will fit most comfortably for all three of us? I really want the baby to be safe, obviously, but if we can still be at least somewhat comfortable, then that's ideal.

Also, is the LATCH system in this car good, or is it old enough that it's better to just use the seatbelt? Any and all advice on these issues is so, so appreciated--thanks in advance!

Nedra · Jan 11, 2016

Car seat for 2002 Jetta

The most compact infant seat is the Cybex Aton (and Aton 2 and Aton Q). Quite pricey, but my husband and I found it to be worth it to be able to comfortably drive our compact car (a Subaru Impreza). The Chicco KeyFit is also pretty compact. Both have very easy seatbelt installs as well as easy latch installs, so if you prefer to use the seatbelt you should be fine. As far as I know, though, there isn't any reason to be concerned about the LATCH system on your vehicle.

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aporthole · Jan 11, 2016

My hubby had an 03 Jetta TDI until just over a year ago so I am painfully aware of the difficulty in fitting rear facing seats in there.

The easy answer is to put the car seat on the passenger side and have the 2nd adult sit in the back with baby.

Hubby is 6'1" and NOTHING could rear face behind him. I'm 5'2" and there are only a few compact convertibles (at older baby/toddler recline) that could fit behind me on the passenger side.

The Cybex Atons mentioned would be your most compact option. I'd highy recommended trying (with actual install not just setting it on the seat) before buying to test the fit. Buy Buy Baby typically carries at least 1 version of the Aton in store and they will all fit the same.

lstolley · Jan 12, 2016

Infant carseat for 2002 Jetta

Hello! I'm due in April with our first child. We share a 2002 Jetta TDI sedan, and the leg room is less than average--33.5 inches in the back. We're both tall and need our seats back pretty far. I'd also prefer to put the infant seat in the middle, since that's safest, but will compromise on passenger legroom if it won't fit in the middle. Does anyone have brand recommendations that will work well and safely in this car?

We wanted to get an infant seat that is removable from the base, to avoid having to get the baby in and out of the seat itself every time we get in and out of the car. However, if you think convertible seats would be much better, we can forego the convenience of a removable infant seat.

Also, is the LATCH system okay in our car, or does the age of the car mean that the LATCH system might also be old and no good anymore?

Thank you!

Infant carseat for 2002 Jetta (merged thread)

2002 Jetta & Baby

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