Question Best car seat placement

Unregistered · May 25, 2016

I have a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country with center bucket seats and a third row bench seat. Currently, we have an infant seat that we have a base for in the center third row, but we usually just strap it into the driver side center bucket for convenience. I know, not ideal to decide based on convenience, but it is what it is and I'm here for help so don't crucify me. Now, I am purchasing a Chicco NextFit convertible seat and want to know the best place to install in my vehicle. Also, we will be purchasing a cheaper convertible seat for my husband's 1995 F250 crew cab truck because he won't need to use it often, but we need to know which place in the back of his truck is the best placement. Thanks for advice!

rachelandtyke · May 25, 2016

Do you have others sitting in the back besides the baby?

We have a 2001 T&C. We put baby in infant seat or youngest child in rear facing convertible in the passenger side 2nd row bucket seat. When we had two rear facers, they each went in one of the bucket seats. Just our preference, driver side would have worked, too.

We only put infant seat or rear facing convertible in the 3rd row when we had grandparents riding with us that couldn't climb into the back.

Keeanh · May 26, 2016

I'm assuming you have the base in the back for when you need both captain's chairs, but do baseless in a captain's chair when it's available. Sounds like a good plan to me. I always do baseless install in 2nd row with my infant seat (I have a Mazda 5).

As for the truck, I would probably use the middle myself. Both because it's statistically safer, and because it's almost certainly a locking latchplate lap belt. Those are super easy for car seat installs. Buckle, pull tight, you're done.