Mom who owns LR3
Hello. Ok., so my husband and I own an LR3 HSE. We also welcomed our first child this past October. We've used our LR3 extensivly with her. When she was 2 months old, we traveled up the West coast, from California to Vancouver, Canada. We carried everything with us, and still felt comfortable. Then, when she was 4 1/2 months, we made a coastal road trip up to San Francisco. Again, very comfortable. Most recently we drove to Vail, and it was great in the weather. This car is a dream for long travels. We've owned a BMW, Mercedes and Honda. The LR3 wins hands down. It handles wonderfully in snow and rain, and I feel VERY safe. We're very active with sports and travel. Now with a child, this car suits our needs. I will say, it's a challenge getting her in and out, due to it being a truck/SUV. However, we added the side steps, which have really helped out. Actually, they were great to have during pregnancy too! There's really no reason to use the 3rd row seat for a child, for quite some time. I'm not sure what age your child is, but it is recommended that you use the middle seat, if you can. You're to always put the youngest child there. CHP, gave us that advice. The thing with the LR3, is the LATCH belts are only on the two side seats and not in the middle. You can ask the dealer though, to drill for them. That's what we did. Most highend cars these days do all three. So, that suprised me with LandRover. As for recommendations on carseats. We used our PegPrego infant seat for several months, but are now using the Britax Boulevard. You can use the Britax from 5lbs on up to I think 33lbs or something. So, that makes it a great longlasting investment. I'm happy having used the PegPrego and then swithing to the Britax. With the PegPrego, we didn't have to wake her wile removing her from the car. Now, that's not possible. However, for those on a budget, who want a seat they can use from infant to toddler, the Britax is the way to go. It's reputation is top notch. It works very well in the LR3, and our daughter has transitioned without issue. Now, for the LATCH vrs seatbelt. We used the seatbelt arrangement with the PegPrego. Which, by the way can be used with the belt or LATCH. We had the base, so we'd just pop it in and out of that. But, now, we have the LATCH installed in the middle, so we use the LATCH with the BRITAX. This is to be a better installment (safer), and less hassle with installation etc..... If I wasn't using the Britax, I'd use the MaxiCosi. However, because it's not imported to the US, they don't meet US saftey standards etc.....(well, they haven't been tested here). So, that's that. Hope this helps.