Any advice on how to get 3 across in my Sienna with just 1 car seat purchase?

[agent220]

The truth is I'm not even 100% comfortable with my 6.5 yo not being harnessed and my 5 yo is a pipsqueak, so it really bothers me not to do so...

The Dreamtime looks like a great booster, but from the blog it doesn't seem like an ideal seat for a small child (like mine). Is that correct? I do have a backless Harmony for emergency use in my in-laws' car for my 1st grader since it's well rated and is good for smaller children.

Maybe I should get 2 Sceneras (at $60 each, it would be $120 so still less than getting a Radian or whatever) -- is the padding really bad that my kids won't be comfortable on long trips?

 

[NannyMom]

The truth is I'm not even 100% comfortable with my 6.5 yo not being harnessed and my 5 yo is a pipsqueak, so it really bothers me not to do so...

The Dreamtime looks like a great booster, but from the blog it doesn't seem like an ideal seat for a small child (like mine). Is that correct? I do have a backless Harmony for emergency use in my in-laws' car for my 1st grader since it's well rated and is good for smaller children.

Maybe I should get 2 Sceneras (at $60 each, it would be $120 so still less than getting a Radian or whatever) -- is the padding really bad that my kids won't be comfortable on long trips?

The scenera is really a small seat and I wouldn't be surprised if your kids are over the top slots. I don't think it's the best option for your situation.

 

[An Aurora]

The Harmony fits small children really well. It's now my 37 pound 6 year old's main seat and it works great for her. I tried her sister, who is 4y11m and 31 pounds 44 inches, and she had great belt fit.

 

[agent220]

This is where I got the impression that smaller children get lost in the depth of it:

http://carseatblog.com/5883/first-peek-new-harmony-dreamtime-deluxe-comfort-booster-review/

If I were to get the Harmony, who would be better suited for it: my 6.5 yo or 5 yo?

 

[An Aurora]

This is where I got the impression that smaller children get lost in the depth of it:

http://carseatblog.com/5883/first-peek-new-harmony-dreamtime-deluxe-comfort-booster-review/

If I were to get the Harmony, who would be better suited for it: my 6.5 yo or 5 yo?

That has not been my experience at all. Either would fit fine in it, although I'd probably harness the 5yo if possible.

 

[agent220]

Thanks everyone for your input!
I'm not sure what I'll do yet, but this has given me great suggestions for me to try out.

 

[lg's gma]

I know this thread is a few days old, but what about keeping the Chase and replacing the Nautilus with a Maestro? That would fit well within your budget and the Maestro and Chase would be quite a bit narrower than the Nautilus and Chase together. The Nautilus is an awesome seat but not very three-across friendly.

Good luck!