advice on 10 year old in front seat possibly

[jrabbit]

We have a VW Jetta, with 3 kids in the back seat. We have a Radian FF and a backless booster for the oldest two on the outside, then a RF seat in the middle. We *just* upgraded from the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio infant seat (which was the only seat that fit in the middle) - now we have a Radian XT or whatever it's called - new seat that will RF til 45#. I am fortunately short enough that the front seats are not pressing on the Radian, but now my husband absolutely can not ride or drive the car. So, we're trying to figure out what to do about a family vehicle ... BUT

The more urgent problem is that now the buckle for my oldest is very very difficult to reach, and the booster seat is pressing on the Radian. In order for her to buckle it at all, I move the booster aside, then shift it back when it's buckled. It's hard for both of us to manage, and we're in and out of the car alot today with errands to run.

So, I'm wondering if she/we would all be better off if she rode in the front seat. DH read that 12 & under should not read in the front seat, but if they must, then the seat should be as far back as possible. With the combined problem with the Radian being close to the front seats, we cannot put the seat back very far. OH - and if she's in the front seat, should she still use the booster? OR - would she be better in the back seat without the booster?

HELP!~ What is the safest thing to do? DD just turned 10, and she's 51" tall and about 55-60# (guessing)

--janis

 

[wendytthomas]

What would be safer would be to put the forward facing Radian in the front seat as far back as you can.

Can you put the baby behind you, the forward facing Radian in the middle, then the booster? Does that fit?

Does the 10 year old pass the five step test? If so she doesn't need a booster and that would be easier. Though I might then see if she can fit in the middle between the two seats.

Wendy

 

[jrabbit]

no - the RF Radian won't fit behind either of the front seats, due to the headrests - it barely works in the middle.

I'm leaning toward putting DD in the back seat without her booster - at least trying that after this stop.

DH will be checking in on this thread after now - letting me know by phone what y'all say

--janis

 

[wendytthomas]

The 5-Step Test.

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If yes to all of those she fits without a booster in your car.

Wendy