Which child in front seat??

[Kdahlmom4]

Hi!

I have a car seat question regarding a truck. I have 4 kids and a GMC 2022 Sierra XLT.

I have:
1 year old, 22 lbs, rear facing Graco DLX
3 year old, 32 lbs, rear facing Graco DLX
4.5 year old, 38 lbs, forward facing Diono Radian 5 point harness
6.5 year old, 45 lbs, forward facing Diono Radian 5 point harness

Who sits where?? One will have to go in the front seat, who and in the front middle or front passenger??

Thank you for helping keep my kids safe! I appreciate all advice!

 

[ketchupqueen]

Hi!
Since your truck won't have a keyed off switch, one of the forward facing kids will need to go there.
Some people would say that the oldest should go there; some would say the smallest/lightest because of head excursion.

Knowing what we do about head excursion in a harness vs a booster, my choice if these were my kids would actually be to move the 6 year old to a dedicated booster seat in the front. Or, if the means are available, I would use a Ride Safer Travel Vest with a Delighter booster for a little bit less forward movement.

As for the center vs outboard- what does your vehicle manual say about putting a child center in that spot?

 

[Kdahlmom4]

Hi!
Since your truck won't have a keyed off switch, one of the forward facing kids will need to go there.
Some people would say that the oldest should go there; some would say the smallest/lightest because of head excursion.

Knowing what we do about head excursion in a harness vs a booster, my choice if these were my kids would actually be to move the 6 year old to a dedicated booster seat in the front. Or, if the means are available, I would use a Ride Safer Travel Vest with a Delighter booster for a little bit less forward movement.

As for the center vs outboard- what does your vehicle manual say about putting a child center in that spot?

Thank you so much for that information! It’s very helpful.

I’m having a very hard time finding the information for which center or outboard seating arrangement. Likely due to it all saying in the rear of the car not the front but since I have 4 kids I’m unable to do all rear.

 

[SafeDad]

I agree with @ketchupqueen to try the 6-year old in a booster or ridesafer vest up front first.

It's hard to know how to suggest the 3 in the rear seat without knowing any requirements that may be in your vehicle owner's manual.

If allowed, the easiest might be to try a forward-facing Diono Radian in the center, due to it being narrow and giving you more options on each side. Plus, the 4.5 year old may need the least help with buckling and should be able to climb into the middle seat on their own.

Then, you can try your remaining seats rear-facing on the outboard vehicle seats.

 

[Kdahlmom4]

I agree with @ketchupqueen to try the 6-year old in a booster or ridesafer vest up front first.

It's hard to know how to suggest the 3 in the rear seat without knowing any requirements that may be in your vehicle owner's manual.

If allowed, the easiest might be to try a forward-facing Diono Radian in the center, due to it being narrow and giving you more options on each side. Plus, the 4.5 year old may need the least help with buckling and should be able to climb into the middle seat on their own.

Then, you can try your remaining seats rear-facing on the outboard vehicle seats.

Ok! The diono and 2 rear facing fit perfect and not touching in the rear seat. I’m just concerned on which/where/who the kid up front should go!

I appreciate your help!

 

[SafeDad]

Ok! The diono and 2 rear facing fit perfect and not touching in the rear seat. I’m just concerned on which/where/who the kid up front should go!

I appreciate your help!

I would start with the oldest child in a booster and/or vest in the outboard front seat, as @ketchupqueen suggested, provided this is not prohibited by the vehicle owner's manual. Without access to the manual for the exact year, model, cab and trim that came with your truck, it is impossible for us to say for certain. For example, the front center seat may not allow booster use if it has only a lap belt. Some center front seats do not allow any type of child restraint to be used there.