Britax Kid Fix and Volvo Compatibility

[jtaylor379]

Hiya,

We have three boys and are an American family living in Prague. We drive a European 2007 Volvo XC90. My oldest son (7) is sitting in one of the third row seats using a Britax Kid Fix HBB. The HBB doesn't sit completely flush with the seat because the head rests on the Volvo come forward a bit, so there's a bit of a gap between the back of the booster and the seat itself. Might he be better off riding with a traditional booster? He does fit in the center position between his brothers in the middle row, but this is annoying for obvious reasons - three boys sitting together. He uses the integrated booster, but I find it makes him slouch because the integrated booster is slippery, being leather, and also not very deep, so the weight of his legs pulls him forward. Ok, time for the question:

-Is he safer in the third row, using a HBB or a regular booster?
-Is he safer sitting in the center position in the middle row (duh, yes) and would he be better off with perhaps a Bubble Bum booster that can fit between his brothers' seats? Or do safety tests show these integrated boosters are fine?

We like to keep both options available in case the kids simply CANNOT seem to get along one day. Oldest boy goes in the back and things instantly improve.

Thanks for any input. This should put an end to my biannual car seat safety optimization task

Cheers,
Jessica

 

[bubbaray]

The Britax boosters in North America permit use without a vehicle headrest, so check your manual and see if that is permitted in Europe. If so, that will help get the restraint back flat against the seat

If not permitted, I would use a LBB in the 3rd row just because I find kids get along better with space. It sounds like that is the case for you -- so I would keep him in the 3rd row

 

[jtaylor379]

Yes, I should have stated that the head rest can't be removed in the third row... so that would mean a LBB booster in the third row? Or better to put him in the center in the middle row?

Thanks so much.

Jessica

 

[Adventuredad]

Using a HBB in third row of a XC90 is not practical. It's also not any safer for a 7-year old. A LBB is as safe as a HBB according to research of real life accidents by Arbogast. The one interested in facts and not fiction can read Arbogast: Effectiveness of belt positioning booster seats: an updated assessment. (2009)

We recommend to still use a HBB for kids 4-6 years since it tends to keep them more still and is helpful while sleeping. After that LBB are likely safer than HBB due to the unfortunate larger sizes of seats and head supports of todays HBB. This according to research by Volvos Jacobsson combined with common sense. Your 7-year old is likely safer in third row in a LBB than in your KidFix.

Middle rear of second row isn't really any safer. It actually is, if your child is unrestrained. The integrated seat is like a LBB and just as safe as a HBB. If you are looking for another great position for your 7-year old, or any of your other kids, then use front passenger seat with airbag off.

This position is the safest place for a rear facing child and also an excellent place for any forward facing child. Keep in mind that airbag must be always be off. Enjoy your XC90, it's very difficult to find a better family car.

 

[jtaylor379]

Thanks so much Adventureland. I assume front seat option is ideally done with a LBB... I've done that with the seat pushed all the way back. I had forgotten about that option, though, so thank you.

Thanks for the tips. I've got some options now!

Jessica