Please help me figure out my seat configurations!

JCsMomma

New member
So, I am getting ready to go back to work after being home with my kids for 9 years... And while my van will still be the main vehicle for transporting them, I need to have something in place for my DH in case he ever has to pick up all four in his car. Generally only the "big kids" get picked up by him though.

Cars:
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
2013 Ford Fusion (this is a company vehicle and our only choices were 5 seaters)

Kids:
DS1 - 8 y/o, 52", 70lbs, HBB
DD1 - 5 y/o, 43", 45lbs, FF
DD2 - 3 y/o, 39", 37lbs, FF
DS2 - 15 months, 33", 28lbs, RF

Seats:
In my van DS1 is in a Recaro Performance booster, the girls are in Performance Sports, and the baby is in a Foonf. In DH's car I have a FR85 that either girl can ride in (they have about the same torso height), and DS1 has a turbo booster (no back). I do own various other seats but I will need a second convertible for DS2 as my only other one is expiring or possibly already expired.

Here is what I'm thinking for DH's car. Keep in mind that he occasionally has other adults that need to ride with him, and we need to keep the front seat open for that. For the back, I am thinking FR85 outboard, HBB middle, and Foonf outboard. I have a Kiddy booster (not the Cruiserfix, the name is escaping me ATM) that I am hoping will fit in between as the other two will be seatbelt installs. Then if he has the big kids, DS1 can ride in the HBB and DD1 in the FR85. If he has all four, or even everyone but the baby, DD1 can ride in the HBB (she is booster trained), DD2 in the FR85, and DS1 would have to be up front in a LBB with the seat all the way back.

Then I would keep all my Recaros and just buy a new convertible for my car.

I have thought of a different seat besides the Foonf for DH's car because that will need to stay installed - he is not comfortable having to install it. But, it is narrow and I think will work well with a three across. Not sure another narrow seat, e.g. a Radian, would be any easier for him to take in and out. If he has to pick up the baby, it will probably be with short notice and I'd just feel more comfortable knowing he's not rushing to try and install seats.

So, what do you guys think? What am I missing here? If I do put the Foonf in DH's car, I am also at a loss as to what convertible to buy for my van. I love the safety features of the Foonf but it is far from my favorite seat so I will probably get something different. Looking at the new Britax convertibles with Click Tight, but I do not know if Britax is coming out with an ARB for these seats like is available for the G4? I am also considering one of the new Dionos, the Pria... Maybe a Fllo since it's lighter? I much prefer an ARB to RF tethering because of kids climbing in and out. Maybe I should just get a G4 Blvd and ARB.

Okay, sorry for the long post and thank you if you got this far! Any thoughts are appreciated!
 
ADS

sunnymw

New member
I was thinking you could install a diono to stay in there long term, and a Frontier w/ CT that can be taken in and out, and if it's a tight backseat, there's always a RSTV you can use for the 5yo in the middle (it's what I have to do in my Honda).

Generally either a backless booster ride or the oldest child in a FF 5pt harness up front.
 

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