Question 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

[Chitterbug]

I am buying an 08 Dodge Grand Caravan, and the center row has bucket seats. Can someone please let me know if it is safe to put my 26 month old, 25 pound grandson in it? I am using a Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Infant Car Seat, (if you think that is not a safe one, please let me know that, too). I am very use to putting him in the center (we have a bench seat right now), and this is a huge issue with buying a new minivan.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Keeyamah]

Since your little one is rearfacing, they are 5 times safer than that way, even outboard ( behind passenger or driver). And your choose of seat is a good one as well. It's one that is well known for last children quite a while.

 

[canadiangie]

Hi and welcome,

Putting your grandbaby in the captains chair is perfectly safe. You need to make sure that the angle is correct, and because the seat of your captains chair is so sloped you will likely need to use rolled towels or a chunks of pool noodle under the foot of his seat. If that makes no sense please post with questions.

Other than that, I would have no concerns. Yes, middle is safest, but outboard is still safe. If you want baby safest for as long as possible you will continue to rear face him for a good long time; until he reaches the maximum rear facing height or weight limit of his seat.

 

[Chitterbug]

Thank you both so very much. We (my daughter and I) will be keeping him rear facing until he is four, and if he is still small for his age at that time, he will remain rear facing. Thank you for your replies on the captain's chair, and car seat, we are going to go ahead and buy the van with much more comfort knowing he will be as safe as we can make him. As far as the pool noodles, thank you, we are using a small triangle bundle of them now in the van we have. Take care, and thanks again!!