Question Two carseats in 2005 Freestyle

BarrettsMamaPlusOne · Jul 21, 2008

Background: We have a 2005 Ford Freestyle. It has three rows of seats - the front row are buckets, the middle row are buckets, and the back row is a bench. Currently we have my son (22 months, 34 inches tall) forward facing in a Britax Marathon in one of the middle bucket seats. We will be putting our newborn in October in the Graco Snugride that my son used.

My Question: is it okay to have the kids in the middle row bucket seats? Both use the latch system with the top tether attached to the hook (underneath the backside of the seat). We generally have the rear bench seat folded down for cargo space (stroller, etc.). My understanding was that the backseat is best because it is out of the airbag deployment path.

Any insight would be appreciated. I am booked into a carseat safety clinic in August, but I wanted to ask this now before I forgot.

ErinGoBragh · Jul 21, 2008

It is perfectly safe for you children to ride in the center row of your car.

How much does your 22 month old weigh? If he is under 33 pounds, then he would be much safer rear facing.

BarrettsMamaPlusOne · Jul 21, 2008

Thank you, I was hoping to hear that, I wasn't sure how to stow the stroller otherwise, plus I find it far more convenient to put the boy in the middle row where the door opens.

My son was 30 lbs at his last appointment. I had every intention of keeping him rear facing, but his legs are so long that he was all scrunched up, so we turned him forward facing.