Move 8yo to LBB?

[Momma2PnS]

I feel like I'm constantly tweaking our car seat situation. But here we go again. I need help thinking out two issues. 1) Should I move my DS8 to a LBB? And if I do, what can I get to fit 3 across in my 2nd row?

My 8 year old (average height 55lbs) wants to move to a LBB. He is currently in a Britax Frontier (90?) in booster mode. I think he feels like a "baby" in it, but I like having the side impact protection. My younger son (6 yo, 45lbs, almost 4') is in a Britax Parkway SGL. I can't put my older son in the Parkway because the seat is too small for his booty.

I drive a 2013 Pilot. Right now the boys ride 2nd row window sides. Their seats are both so wide that I can't even fit a Turbobooster in the middle spot and be able to buckle it. So when we have a 3rd child (about once every couple of weeks), I have to pull up the 3rd row and have them sit back there. I'd really like to be able to do 3 across in the 2nd row on a regular basis since it's one of the reasons we chose the Pilot. If I keep DS6 in the Parkway, use the Turbobooster as our 3rd seat in the middle, what LBB could I get for DS8? Would another Turbobooster work or do I need something narrower?

FWIW, we have 2 HB Turboboosters right now that rotate as extra seats for carpooling, dad's car, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Baylor]

I would put the 8 yr old in a Lbb. It is appropriate for his age. As long as he follows the rules. I would not harness an 8 yr old.

 

[Momma2PnS]

I would put the 8 yr old in a Lbb. It is appropriate for his age. As long as he follows the rules. I would not harness an 8 yr old.

He isn't harnessed now. I have the Frontier in booster mode.

 

[Baylor]

Gotcha! Then definitely I would put him in Lbb. I have a 9 yr old. He uses a lbb 90% of the time. The only time he uses a hbb is for long trips or night trips.

 

[Momma2PnS]

Thank you.

Does anyone have recommendations for fitting 3 across (2 LBB, 1 Parkway) in the Pilot?

 

[aeormsby]

I've had good luck with our Harmony Literider for skinny seatbelt spots and tighter spaces. The bottom at the back is narrow and it kind of flares out as it goes up. It also provides a great fit on most kids (DD started using it very occasionally when she was 5.5 and still fits great at almost 8 - it's still not a primary seat).

 

[Momma2PnS]

I just tried the Parkway SGL outboard, Turbobooster outboard & Turbobooster center. There is no way for the center person to get buckled. Even if I shift both outboard seats, the center TB practically sits on the seatbelt. That center seat in the Pilot is narrow!

I will look up measurements for the literider and see if that might fit...

 

[happiness-and-balance]

The Cosco Topside is worth looking at also, it is very narrow and light. It has a funny shoulder belt routing (over the armrest instead of under) so be sure to familiarize yourself with the manual if you get it.

 

[BabyKaykes]

I haven't done a 3-across in forever, but my similar sized 8yo is in a Graco Connext and we love it.

 

[mping]

What about 2 TB and a LBB?

 

[Momma2PnS]

What about 2 TB and a LBB?

I'd like to keep the Parkway and 8 year old's backless booster outboard. I think I might try the Bubblebum for center seat since it's usually just for play dates and occasional carpools.

Looking at measurements I think I can do Parkway SGL outboard, add a Connext outboard and squeeze a Bubble Bum in center when needed. If not, I guess we just have to suck it up and use the 3rd row for our occasional extra kids

 

[Momma2PnS]

Just an update: the Bubble Bum came and we are not fans. It fit in the center seat great, but the belt clips were a pain. We had to use the belt guide, but it was uncomfortable. Also, the seat is too small for my 8 year old. He had very little thigh support and kept slumping. I guess it's going back.

 

[jacqui276]

Can you fit a parkway and two literiders for a 3 across? I've had good success getting a 3-across in smaller vehicles (definitely smaller back seats than a Pilot) with literiders. DD is 9.5 and 68lbs and still has a good fit in hers. I find that they are quite a bit narrower than turboboosters as well.

 

[henrietta]

If you have a child in the 60-120 lb range, you could use the Safety First/Cosco Incognito, which is $20 on Amazon (preorder..due out very soon). It might be easier than the Bubblebum, b/c it's lap belt guides are a little different looking. Also, it might fit a wider bum better. When your oldest weighs a few more pounds, he could be the kid who gets switched to it when you pick up a friend to ride with you.

And a Harmony Literider or the Cosco Top Side may work fine, puzzled w/the others. Why not try keeping your ds2 (6 yrs) in his Parkway outboard, ds1 (8) in whatever no back booster is comfortable for him, and then something like the Literider or Incognito for the middle? Maybe a Diono Sante Fe or the new Graco Connext would be more comfortable for him and still puzzle...or a Harmony Traveler. These are a little wider.

And adding..I have an 8 yr old, too, and a 5 year old. We have a new baby on the way any day...and a new 3 across...I'd prefer to keep ds1 in a high back booster (and he doesn't care at all), but none work for us for 3 across, so he's in a backless now and has been off/on for a while. I do feel like he's quite safe, as long as he's buckled up correctly in the booster. hths

 

[hopetc]

I bought/returned the bubblebum too! The fit was terrible when I tried it. I ended up buying a harmony youth/literider and have been very happy for it. It was for carpool so similarly gets minimal use. The graco connext looks even better to me though!

 

[lpperry]

I have a Harmony Literider. It has worked great in a tight tight tight three across in two of our vehicles. I tried the Topsider in the same spot and it didn't fit.