Question Which child should ride in the middle front seat?

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We are purchasing a new truck, 2018 F150. We are a Ford family but after test driving all brands of trucks it was confirmed it would be our only option. The F150 appears to be the only truck with a shoulder/HR in the front middle vs Chevy/Dodge lap only belt.

That said which child should ride in the front middle, aged: 4, 6, 8, and 9. Should one of the three smallest sit there in a 5-point harness or the oldest in a booster?

Thanks!
 
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wendytthomas

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
Hi there.

I'd put your oldest in a backless booster there, since there's no top tether in that location for a harnessed seat. A backless booster will keep the oldest back an inch or two further.

Would this be your daily driver, or an occasional camping/hauling thing? Ideally it would not be a daily thing, as even with your nine year old in the front middle, that configuration is the best of the worst, rather than the best of the best.

(funny this should also come up, as I was just commenting to my husband that a 2007 Toyota Tundra surprised me by having a lap and shoulder belt and headrest in the front middle when I looked at a used one today. I don't even think Ford had them in 2007).

Wendy
 
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It is a “just in case” arrangement. I’m a sahm and drive the family car (Ford Expedition) that we use when we are all together. Thanks for your feedback!
 
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Also, for future reference. My FIL drives a regular (single) cab truck. According to the user manual there is a top tether behind both the middle and passenger seat. In that instance would a 5-point harness be preferred over the booster in the front middle?
 

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