Car seats!

[photomama2013]

Hi all, I am a CPST (child passenger safety technician). I can help answer car seat questions and give some advice on recommended seats!

I may be a little MIA this weekend, my sister is getting married, but I promise I will get back to you by this week!

[jacks]

I’m all set on car seats, but I’m always here for car seat talk!

[Tlex]

Sept 21, 2018 9:37:22 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

Hi all, I am a CPST (child passenger safety technician). I can help answer car seat questions and give some advice on recommended seats!

I may be a little MIA this weekend, my sister is getting married, but I promise I will get back to you by this week!

Ooh I will totally take you up on some advice!
- I have a 2016 Honda Fit, 2 FF kids in Diono Radians (R100 and R120) and a 2014 Britax B-Safe bucket seat. I’m in Canada if that matters.

I have managed a 3 across install (bucket behind driver installed with LATCH, Diono in middle and passenger side installed with seatbelts) and it felt really secure to me BUT my middle Diono leans a bit no matter how snug I get it. It’s installed via the seatbelt that comes down from the ceiling. I do the thing where I lean the seats back while I snug the belts and then pull them forward at the end for extra tight install.
What can I do? Is this a job for a belt clip thingie? Is there a best order to install the seats in? How do I KNOW I’ve done a great job installing all 3 seats and one isn’t keeping another snug?

[Eames]

I am also looking for advice, I have a 41lb, 42.5 inch tall 4 year old and will have 2 infant twins in a 2014 Lincoln hybrid MKZ. Was thinking of trying 3 new narrow seats with DD forwards in the middle. I have no idea of it would work, I'm guessing she would need to climb in from the front seats to even get back there? Am I crazy for considering this scenario or do we just need a minivan, lol!

I'm guessing we'd ideally have bucket seats for the infants to get them in amd out easily, but perhaps we should look at narrow convertible seats?

[Tlex]

Eames IME (from trial and error lol) the sanest way to manage seats is to have the big kid on the drivers side and teach them to self buckle/unbuckle if possible. Then you can quickly pop them in on their side, shut the door, and they buckle up while you load baby on the other side. I like baby (babies in your case lol) on the passenger side because when we are parked on a street I can put the bucket down on a sidewalk if need be to assist the big kid for a second etc. Often when we load in the big kid gets in on the baby’s side and crosses over to her seat, then I put the baby in and go around to check big kid’s buckle. I imagine this will be a circus for you no matter what vehicle it’s in. 🤪 I would say buckets will make your life easier in the sedan if you can fit them in, because the big kid will be able to cross over like I described where 2 RF convertible seats will block her, or at least force her to crouch her way across.
Whew that’s a lot of car seat thoughts.

[Eames]

Thanks Tlex that's really helpful thoughts, you're right if we had the buckets my daughter could climb over the bases before putting them in.

Eventually we'd need convertibles for the little ones as they grow, but that could maybe buy us some time before buying a new car. I really love my car, but I'm sure will eventually need to come to terms with this, lol.

[Tlex]

I would 💕 love ❤️ a mini van but it’s not in the cards for us until D1 is in 1st grade (so about 2 years away) so we will be the clown car family until then haha. My husband is 6’4” to add to the overall effect.

[Eames]

Also we are cityish people and don't drive often, like daily we'd walk to daycare and then hop on the train for work (just in terms of lifestyle). We can walk to library, ice cream,small grocery, etc. We don't drive often, maybe on the weekends for groceries and stuff?

So if it's a little bit of a pain in the butt, but rare, that we are all going somewhere, maybe it won't drive us as crazy as someone who is always in the car (obviously it all needs to be safe.)

[Tlex]

Sept 21, 2018 16:27:20 GMT -6 Eames said:

Also we are cityish people and don't drive often, like daily we'd walk to daycare and then hop on the train for work (just in terms of lifestyle). We can walk to library, ice cream,small grocery, etc. We don't drive often, maybe on the weekends for groceries and stuff?

So if it's a little bit of a pain in the butt, but rare, that we are all going somewhere, maybe it won't drive us as crazy as someone who is always in the car (obviously it all needs to be safe.)

The only thing I can think of that would make life easier with a bigger car is my kids not being able to physically touch each other when they get in *those* moods, but for the most part they are sweet to one another back there. Our trunk space is great.
My D1 is already excited to sit next to the new baby and pass him the paci’s he drops and hold his bottles etc. Swoon!
As for loading and unloading kids I think a small car makes it easier in many ways... there’s nowhere for them to run. I see parents struggling to catch kids in their mini vans every day at preschool pick up 😂. I laugh now but that will be me in 2 years for sure.

[grover]

I have carseats but need a new to me car No way we can fit three across and have us still fit in the front seat of our current cars.

[jacks]

Eames I am so anti-minivan (for me! I love it for anyone who loves it), but if I was having twins, I’d probably sob as I traded in my SUV for one. However, given that you’re able to walk a lot, I’d say give it a couple months and then make a decision. Maybe it’s terrible, or maybe it’s tolerable for short, infrequent trips. We pretty much have to drive everywhere, so our car is our lifeline.

[jacks]

Also, no one is asking, but I’m just here to profess my love for the Britax ClickTight seats. We had a Chicco convertible and I never felt like it was in securely with the seatbelt. We ended up replacing it with the CT after we bought one for H’s car. It is amazing. I can seriously install it in any car in under 3 minutes.

[orangehibiscus]

This might be a dumb question, but how do you choose a car seat? Obviously you want to get one that got good ratings, but what are good features to have, features (or brands?) to stay away from, etc?

Also, I know car seats have expiration dates, but why? What is it in/about the car seat that expires?

[Eames]

Sept 21, 2018 20:59:02 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

This might be a dumb question, but how do you choose a car seat? Obviously you want to get one that got good ratings, but what are good features to have, features (or brands?) to stay away from, etc?

Also, I know car seats have expiration dates, but why? What is it in/about the car seat that expires?

I think the plastic/foam degrades over time. Some pieces can get fatigued from just everyday use, too. I'm sure there are also new advances in product materials, safety, etc. over time.

[orangehibiscus]

Sept 22, 2018 8:11:44 GMT -6 Eames said:

Sept 21, 2018 20:59:02 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

This might be a dumb question, but how do you choose a car seat? Obviously you want to get one that got good ratings, but what are good features to have, features (or brands?) to stay away from, etc?

Also, I know car seats have expiration dates, but why? What is it in/about the car seat that expires?

I think the plastic/foam degrades over time. Some pieces can get fatigued from just everyday use, too. I'm sure there are also new advances in product materials, safety, etc. over time.

Ah ok that makes sense. H asked me what expired in them, and I had no idea. Thank you!

[jacks]

Sept 21, 2018 20:59:02 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

This might be a dumb question, but how do you choose a car seat? Obviously you want to get one that got good ratings, but what are good features to have, features (or brands?) to stay away from, etc?

Also, I know car seats have expiration dates, but why? What is it in/about the car seat that expires?

First decide if you are going to do a bucket seat or straight to convertible. I loved the infant seat, personally. I did babywear places like the grocery store, but other times it’s easier to just pop the whole thing out and run in somewhere quickly. It also allows you to bring it inside and get baby buckled in and situated while you get all the other stuff you need together.

As for features- compatibility with your chosen stroller (or stroller frame) and weight of the seat itself. I feel like most of the big brands are pretty close to the same. I’d also look at height limits. L grew out of hers around 7 or 8 months because she has a tall torso. But I’d do the infant seat all over again.

[photomama2013]

Sept 21, 2018 10:25:36 GMT -6 Tlex said:

Sept 21, 2018 9:37:22 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

Hi all, I am a CPST (child passenger safety technician). I can help answer car seat questions and give some advice on recommended seats!

I may be a little MIA this weekend, my sister is getting married, but I promise I will get back to you by this week!

Ooh I will totally take you up on some advice!
- I have a 2016 Honda Fit, 2 FF kids in Diono Radians (R100 and R120) and a 2014 Britax B-Safe bucket seat. I’m in Canada if that matters.

I have managed a 3 across install (bucket behind driver installed with LATCH, Diono in middle and passenger side installed with seatbelts) and it felt really secure to me BUT my middle Diono leans a bit no matter how snug I get it. It’s installed via the seatbelt that comes down from the ceiling. I do the thing where I lean the seats back while I snug the belts and then pull them forward at the end for extra tight install.
What can I do? Is this a job for a belt clip thingie? Is there a best order to install the seats in? How do I KNOW I’ve done a great job installing all 3 seats and one isn’t keeping another snug?

So I know Canada has different car seats than the US and I'm not versed in Canadian seats, but I can tell you about install. I also will need three across in my husband's car and I actually will have the same configurations of car seats. Two FF Dionos and a britax bucket. What I do is start on the outside and put in one diono, make sure its snug. Then I go to the middle, which is the second diono, install and make sure its tight. Then the bucket, same thing. A little lean in the middle diono is ok. Usually is has to do with if there is a bump in the middle seat. As long as the seat belt locks you do NOT use a locking clip.

[photomama2013]

Sept 21, 2018 16:06:52 GMT -6 Eames said:

I am also looking for advice, I have a 41lb, 42.5 inch tall 4 year old and will have 2 infant twins in a 2014 Lincoln hybrid MKZ. Was thinking of trying 3 new narrow seats with DD forwards in the middle. I have no idea of it would work, I'm guessing she would need to climb in from the front seats to even get back there? Am I crazy for considering this scenario or do we just need a minivan, lol!

I'm guessing we'd ideally have bucket seats for the infants to get them in amd out easily, but perhaps we should look at narrow convertible seats?

I just read up on your car, because I wasnt super familiar with it. If you can find a place where you can try seats in your car, buy buy baby is one, I would do that. From what I read it gets tricky to get a good center install in that car. Personally I would go with the minivan, but you might be able to buy some time with slimmer seats. The chances of getting one FF harnessed seat and 2 bucket seats are better than 3 convertible/harnessed seats.

[photomama2013]

Sept 21, 2018 20:59:02 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

This might be a dumb question, but how do you choose a car seat? Obviously you want to get one that got good ratings, but what are good features to have, features (or brands?) to stay away from, etc?

Also, I know car seats have expiration dates, but why? What is it in/about the car seat that expires?

So I really like chicco, britax, the higher end gracos and diono. I steer away from evenflo and baby trend. They are just not as user friendly and usually dont last as long.

Price wise, for example, the difference between the britax b safe and the britax be safe elite is the bells and whistles. Mostly when you get to the higher priced stuff it has more features like harness strap pads, no rethread harness, etc. So safety wise they are the same, but you pay for more features.

Seats expire because the materials deteriorate over time. They are exposed to hot and cold, they can get stress Mark's from being installed, etc. If you have an older rubber maid tote take a look at it. It will have some discoloration just from wear and tear. It is the same idea for a car seat.

[orangehibiscus]

Sept 23, 2018 7:19:46 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

Sept 21, 2018 20:59:02 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

This might be a dumb question, but how do you choose a car seat? Obviously you want to get one that got good ratings, but what are good features to have, features (or brands?) to stay away from, etc?

Also, I know car seats have expiration dates, but why? What is it in/about the car seat that expires?

So I really like chicco, britax, the higher end gracos and diono. I steer away from evenflo and baby trend. They are just not as user friendly and usually dont last as long.

Price wise, for example, the difference between the britax b safe and the britax be safe elite is the bells and whistles. Mostly when you get to the higher priced stuff it has more features like harness strap pads, no rethread harness, etc. So safety wise they are the same, but you pay for more features.

Seats expire because the materials deteriorate over time. They are exposed to hot and cold, they can get stress Mark's from being installed, etc. If you have an older rubber maid tote take a look at it. It will have some discoloration just from wear and tear. It is the same idea for a car seat.

Thank you!! I’ve found a couple of Peg Perego (sp?) seats that I like. How are those as far as car seats go?

[Tlex]

Sept 23, 2018 6:52:32 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

Sept 21, 2018 10:25:36 GMT -6 Tlex said:

Ooh I will totally take you up on some advice!
- I have a 2016 Honda Fit, 2 FF kids in Diono Radians (R100 and R120) and a 2014 Britax B-Safe bucket seat. I’m in Canada if that matters.

I have managed a 3 across install (bucket behind driver installed with LATCH, Diono in middle and passenger side installed with seatbelts) and it felt really secure to me BUT my middle Diono leans a bit no matter how snug I get it. It’s installed via the seatbelt that comes down from the ceiling. I do the thing where I lean the seats back while I snug the belts and then pull them forward at the end for extra tight install.
What can I do? Is this a job for a belt clip thingie? Is there a best order to install the seats in? How do I KNOW I’ve done a great job installing all 3 seats and one isn’t keeping another snug?

So I know Canada has different car seats than the US and I'm not versed in Canadian seats, but I can tell you about install. I also will need three across in my husband's car and I actually will have the same configurations of car seats. Two FF Dionos and a britax bucket. What I do is start on the outside and put in one diono, make sure its snug. Then I go to the middle, which is the second diono, install and make sure its tight. Then the bucket, same thing. A little lean in the middle diono is ok. Usually is has to do with if there is a bump in the middle seat. As long as the seat belt locks you do NOT use a locking clip.

There is indeed a small bump in the middle seat! Thanks, that makes sense and I will try that install order!

[photomama2013]

Sept 23, 2018 7:22:22 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

Sept 23, 2018 7:19:46 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

So I really like chicco, britax, the higher end gracos and diono. I steer away from evenflo and baby trend. They are just not as user friendly and usually dont last as long.

Price wise, for example, the difference between the britax b safe and the britax be safe elite is the bells and whistles. Mostly when you get to the higher priced stuff it has more features like harness strap pads, no rethread harness, etc. So safety wise they are the same, but you pay for more features.

Seats expire because the materials deteriorate over time. They are exposed to hot and cold, they can get stress Mark's from being installed, etc. If you have an older rubber maid tote take a look at it. It will have some discoloration just from wear and tear. It is the same idea for a car seat.

Thank you!! I’ve found a couple of Peg Perego (sp?) seats that I like. How are those as far as car seats go?

I had an infant peg seat for my older boys that I LOVED! I forgot about it. They aren't ones I see often. But I did love it.

[Eames]

photomama2013, thank you for this thread! Super helpful!

[orangehibiscus]

Sept 23, 2018 11:31:05 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

Sept 23, 2018 7:22:22 GMT -6 orangehibiscus said:

Thank you!! I’ve found a couple of Peg Perego (sp?) seats that I like. How are those as far as car seats go?

I had an infant peg seat for my older boys that I LOVED! I forgot about it. They aren't ones I see often. But I did love it.

Awesome! Thank you!

[pambee]

Semi related question that anyone with 2+ could answer, what's your ideal car seat placement? We will likely be turning E ffing when baby comes, still in a convertible. Baby will be in the bucket seat in the main car, probably in a rf convertible in our second car.

I'm thinking E behind driver seat so I can let her climb in, shut door, take baby to other side and put in, then come back to buckle E before getting in to the car. Is this a silly idea? What works best for you?

[Eames]

I know this article is babycenter, but it has 47 car seats that are the slimmest/best chance for 3 across:

www.babycenter.com/609_47-car-seats-that-fit-3-across-in-most-vehicles-updated-for_20001028.bc

[Eames]

pambee, I don't think that's silly, that's the general process Tlex recommended I think!

[photomama2013]

That is what I do. Then when we got to our destination, I would unbuckle my big, walk around the car and take baby out and have big climb through to get out on the passenger side.

Sept 23, 2018 20:16:30 GMT -6 pambee said:

Semi related question that anyone with 2+ could answer, what's your ideal car seat placement? We will likely be turning E ffing when baby comes, still in a convertible. Baby will be in the bucket seat in the main car, probably in a rf convertible in our second car.

I'm thinking E behind driver seat so I can let her climb in, shut door, take baby to other side and put in, then come back to buckle E before getting in to the car. Is this a silly idea? What works best for you?

[pambee]

Sept 24, 2018 8:10:03 GMT -6 photomama2013 said:

That is what I do. Then when we got to our destination, I would unbuckle my big, walk around the car and take baby out and have big climb through to get out on the passenger side.

Sept 23, 2018 20:16:30 GMT -6 pambee said:

Semi related question that anyone with 2+ could answer, what's your ideal car seat placement? We will likely be turning E ffing when baby comes, still in a convertible. Baby will be in the bucket seat in the main car, probably in a rf convertible in our second car.

I'm thinking E behind driver seat so I can let her climb in, shut door, take baby to other side and put in, then come back to buckle E before getting in to the car. Is this a silly idea? What works best for you?

I wasn't even thinking about getting out of the car, but that makes sense too! Cool thanks.

[Tlex]

Sept 24, 2018 7:30:53 GMT -6 Eames said:

pambee, I don't think that's silly, that's the general process Tlex recommended I think!

Yup, much more concise lol but that’s exactly what works for us!