Why is this not okay??

Or maybe it is okay?

Anyway, I'm trying to understand why a vehicle manufacturer would discourage a passenger seated next to a car seat. We're renting a Chevy Aveo, '08, for a quick trip we have to make out of state. We're leaving before dawn tomorrow, so I'm trying to get the baby's car seat figured out today while it is still light.

We'd like the baby to be seated in the middle (she's the only child coming with us). The side impact crash ratings are marginal on this vehicle (only vehicle left on the lot...), so we really prefer center for her.

But the manual indicates that when there is a car seat in the center, the outboard seating positions won't be able to be used. Why??? There is plenty of room. What is the risk?? Is there a risk?

The manual mentions that the car seat will "block access" to the safety belts, and thus no one will be able to sit in the outboard position. However, with this particular seat (our Diplomat), the base of the seat is actually several inches away from the outboard buckle.

I'd like to be able to sit back there with the baby for part of the trip, so I can help her snack a bit (we have to drive 500 miles to make an appt., not much time for stopping). But if I don't want to endanger her in any way. But really, how could it possibly hurt her???

Does it say no outboard if there's a seat in the center of it there's a seat using LATCH in the center?

Some GM models have offset LATCH for the center position. It overlaps the driver's side outboard and blocks the bukcle. I know that applies to the Malibu, G6, and Equinox for sure. It sounds like the Aveo may fit into that category.

Edit: looking at the LATCH manual the note just says "Use of 2 CRs limits use of center seating position." so I'm guessing it's a case of one of the outboard positions overlapping the center position and the other outboad is probably just fine.

This is what it says:

"If you use a child restraint in the center rear seating position, the safety belts and the child restraint LATCH anchors for the rear outside seating positions will not be accessible. Therefore, you will not be able to secure child restraints or have passengers ride in the rear outside seating positions."

The Diplomat is installed in the center using a seat belt. (no latch for the center position) And, contrary to what the manual states, the safety belts for the outboard positions are very accessible. I can see it being an issue with a really wide seat. But the Diplomat is decently trim, and it fits easily.

Now that I think about it, though, if the baby's Diplomat was installed forward facing (which it isn't), I can see that it would be a very uncomfortable place to sit, cause my shoulders and the back of her seat would collide. However, since she is rear facing, we "puzzle" very nicely.

I'm just trying to understand if there is a safety issue here that I am no seeing. Tomorrow, I'm sure there will be a time when there is a fussy baby in the backseat, and we'll have to decide if it is okay for me to go back there and help her out.

diaperjoys said:

I'm just trying to understand if there is a safety issue here that I am no seeing. Tomorrow, I'm sure there will be a time when there is a fussy baby in the backseat, and we'll have to decide if it is okay for me to go back there and help her out.

Click to expand...

IMO, as long as you can buckle properly, there's no safety concern. I'd have no issues sitting beside her.

I agree, I see no issues with it IMO. I would do it.