3 Across Car Seats

[@ashleynxo]

This is super helpful for those of us don’t have it in the budget to get a 3 row suv right now.

[@safeintheseat]

It's possible to get 3 across in most vehicles with the right seats!

[@Rahulkumar-Hariom]

I appreciate your efforts to put this detail video for all of us. It really helps

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertsoliz6821]

You're so calm!! I wanted to throw our carseats down the driveway after trying to get 3 across in my CRV 🤣🤣

[@safeintheseat]

That makes sense! The CRV is one of the most challenging/almost impossible vehicles to fit 3 across in.

[@robertsoliz6821]

@@safeintheseat I realize this... I read a blog that said the 2023 model improved this, but I'm in the market for a car that cost way less than that. Would you recommend a 2019+ RAV4 or 2019+ Subaru Forester?

[@nookeen]

Very dedicated with a lot of attention to detail. Thank you, invaluable information. Seriously, I don't know where else I would have gotten this. Simply amazing! Great cameras too!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adogmcdizzle]

Here in the UK we have something called a multimac which is an all in one seat that installs over the bench and can fit three or four children.

[@safeintheseat]

Yeah, for now. It hasn't passed the R129 standards, so it probably will disappear at some point. It's not great, though. The rear-facing limit is extremely low.

[@adogmcdizzle]

@@safeintheseat It provides a solution to fitting three or four children comfortably and securely across a second row - which otherwise might not be possible. But I agree, where it falls short is providing a rear facing option beyond 18-months/13kg.

[@sandspike190]

Loved the way you signed off closing the doors! Nice touch! Great video. I was considering buying a whole new car which would have been a burden financially but now I can just keep our current car for a little while. Thanks for the help!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching! 3 across is possible in most vehicles with the right seats. It may just take some trial and error to find the right ones.

[@stuarthutchison9521]

Multimac?

[@MissKathyG]

I feel for you parents with 3 kids. This would frustrate me to all ends. I would give up and try to get a 3 row suv. I only have one kiddo and already want an suv.

[@safeintheseat]

3 across can be challenging in many vehicles. Some SUVs with 3rd rows aren't as useful as you might expect. Quite often they don't have top tether anchors (so not forward-facing harnessed car seats can go there) and often the depth is very limited as well so fitting seats of any sort can be very tough.

[@JeanKader-k7s]

@@safeintheseatI have a MB GLS 2022 and I can confirm that 3rd row isn’t that usefull. I’m changing for an Audi Q7 which have 3 real seats in 2nd row

[@mirroravis]

I have a 3 row suv and one of the seats in the 3rd row could have a carseat on it, but it just seems so unsafe.

[@kimberlialison]

I have a third row suv but can’t fit a car seat in the back. With car seats in the middle row I can’t even lift the third row up and down 😒

[@JayPee0521]

We have a 2014 Acadia and you can only have a forward facing car seat in the middle of the 3rd row. Any other car seat has to use the seatbelts since there are ZERO lower anchor points back there. The captain’s seats in the middle row definitely help since my oldest sits in the 3rd row and can freely climb back there and buckle herself in. But with her car seat in the very middle of the 3rd row it basically makes it unusable for anymore passengers back there unless they are like less than 100 lbs

[@eml818-l3b]

You always give great advice ! Thanks !

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@kelseywebb7578]

thanks for this video! We have a cousin coming to stay with us so we'll have to do 3 across for a week and my husband was just going to chuck them in there and call it good. Your video helped me explain why it was stressing it me out so much! 3 across is no joke!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching! 3 across is a very tough thing to do in some vehicles. Making this video was exhausting!

[@apeters38]

For us our oldest is 5 1/2 and is in the booster that fits on the seat and has a strap for the seatbelt we have a 2018 Honda Pilot I think we will be ok fitting his booster and two car seats

[@safeintheseat]

The middle seat is extremely narrow. I'm surprised the booster fits there! Usually, we would use a narrow convertible seat or a Ride Safer Travel Vest in that position.

[@lizpatman3630]

I learn something new every time! We will be in this stage soon, and also have two seats next to each for the first time on a truck bench to leave for another passenger! This video is helpful, thank you!!

[@safeintheseat]

Most truck benches are quite wide so you shouldn't have too much trouble!

[@ashleylair3836]

I’ve been researching this problem for months lol I swear this is the only helpful video I have come across 😵‍💫 THANK YOU. I still think I need a new car because my belt overlaps a lot. Do you have any experience with a Hyundai Santa Fe sport installation?

[@safeintheseat]

This blog may be helpful as well: safeintheseat.com/best-car-seats-that-fit-3-across/ We do have experience with it, but all 3 kids need to be harnessed or else it doesn't work well. We have consults you can book here: shop.safeintheseat.com/products/virtual-consult-help-me-choose-a-car-seat

[@melissaferguson7630]

I love this video!!! Thank you for making this! I need to move our 3 across to a new vehicle and I’m so scared 😂 it too me forever to get it to work in my little car but now I have a Jeep

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad it was helpful!

[@mrhoratiu]

I subscribed and liked just for the amount of effort you put in because I know how hard it must be since I struggle when putting my 2 car seats in and out 🙂

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks!

[@jenniferrebling4832]

This video is so helpful! Thank you!

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@micaelawedge]

Interesting, I didn't realize the seat didn't have to be in the center of the seat. I've always made sure the car seat was center.

[@safeintheseat]

It doesn't have to be centered. You just have to make sure that you are getting a tight installation. When you are pulling the car seat off center, it is much easier to get a tight installation if you have a seat with some kind of ease of installation feature, like Nuna's tension panel or Britax's ClickTight panel.

[@Anthony-zw1qb]

I want 3-4 kiddos but I know the car situation will be an issue I’m 1/2 tempted to buy a mega suv and just try to keep it forever.

[@safeintheseat]

Some of our favorite vehicles for large families are Honda Odyssey, VW Atlas and Ford Expedition!

[@sydneycarter9843]

Thank you!! Very helpful

[@safeintheseat]

So glad!

[@LuisRivera-qq2oq]

For one car seat configuration, the middle pos is the safest?

[@safeintheseat]

It depends on whether you can get a tight installation there or not. If not, then no.

[@ericanickell]

So how do you test for tightness while installing all 3 because obviously with the first one with the infant behind the driver you wouldn’t be able to test it without uninstalling a seat and then you have to try to reinstall and kinda hope for the best

[@safeintheseat]

Install the middle seat first. Once you have it tight, do the other 2. You can still check for tightness because you are pulling towards the door.

[@HedgehogCenter]

VERY informative!!! Thank you!!!!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@lauraschaeper7634]

I have a Tesla model Y with the third row. I don’t really want to use the third row. I watch my grandkids 3 days a week and they are having baby #3 soon. I bought the graco snug fit 35 infant car seat. And I have two graco slim fit car seat. The kids a 4 1/2, 2, and newborn. What car seats do you recommend for three across?

[@safeintheseat]

For 3 across configurations, Lainie on my team is who you want to help you. She's the master of those. She does consults and you can book one here: shop.safeintheseat.com/products/virtual-consult-help-me-choose-a-car-seat?_gl=1*1ctqqy2*_gcl_au*Nzg1NzM5OTI5LjE2ODc4ODQwODQ.&_ga=2.154208895.618525033.1692284477-1475617773.1656513980

[@JK-yk9rs]

Great video and angles! It was nice to see you using a britax seat but then kinda a little let down when you replaced it with cheaper seats. I get you were worried about fitting them, as I went through this afew years ago when we were working on our 2nd kid. I planned ahead, in case of a 3rd and made sure our suv and future car could fit 3 seats wide. Britax and only a couple others are actively making their seats using non toxic materials, the other brands are not. I looked through car seats and crash tests and materials for months before I set on britax. The other companies like Uppababy were just too expensive at the time, not that these were cheap! but I felt its better to spend the money now in case of an accident then paying the price of a seriously injured kid, lifetime care or worst! We ended up buying 4 seats, 2 advocate and 2 boulevard. 2 for each vehicle, the 3 layer advocate for use on either side and the 2 layer boulevard in the middle. If the time came we had a 3rd kid we could put the other advocate on the other side and then buy one more for the other car. By doing the 2 layer seat in the middle we got the extra space to fit all 3 across. I know it sounds like a lot of car seats but they were bought over time. After a year of moving car seats from one vehicle to the other it was worth it to not have to move them and still have non-toxic safe car seats. My first kid is 8 now and his car seat is almost 9 years old, he is maxing it out at 64 pounds and 51" so its diffidently time to move on. Tonight I'm looking at more test crash videos and what new seats are out there, I may still go with a Britax Grow With You ClickTight Plus Harness-2-Booster Car Seat or the Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Seat not sure yet. I feel he is still better with a 3 point harness and side protection than a plain booster and shoulder/lap belt. He is excited about the cup holders... lol

[@safeintheseat]

Most vehicles cannot accommodate a 3 across configuration with Britax Advocate seats as they are very wide. One of the seats I ended up using in the 3 across was Clek Foonf, which costs more than the Britax seats and has some flame-retardant-free fabric options as well. I'm glad you found something that worked in your vehicle though.

[@calicomm1481]

The video I have yet to see is options for the back seat of a minivan, 3 car seats across.

[@safeintheseat]

It varies based on vehicle. We do have consults to help with 3 across if needed. If you mean the 3rd row of a minivan, it some cases it is not possible to fit 3 across, depending on the vehicle and the ages of the kids. But it's typically quite easy in the 2nd row.

[@stephaniejulien7847]

Instead of the clek in the middle, can I do two of the other seat you have installed behind the driver? The graco?

[@safeintheseat]

It varies by vehicle, but you can certainly try it!

[@daniellewhite3282]

This was so helpful! Thank you 😊

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@racheljanekirkman8709]

Unless your car (toyota rav4 2018) doesnt allow three car seats in the backseat. Not even a third person if there's two car seats in the back 😭😢

[@safeintheseat]

Yes, but thankfully, that's very rare. Unfortunately, you do have one of the very few vehicles with that written in the owner's manual.

[@karenjaled5391]

​@@safeintheseatwe have a Toyota RAV4 2021, we're about to have our second baby, our oldest would be just a few weeks away from turning two by the time we bring new baby home. What would be the best position for both car seats? Would I do newborn in the middle and my toddler behind the driver? Both rear facing? I would really appreciate any feedback 😊

[@Karalin-AJO]

We have a 2007 toyota Highlander and are looking to have three rear facing car seats. Do you recommend a specific brand for slimness and safety?

[@safeintheseat]

That's a very difficult vehicle to fit 3 across in. I would recommend meeting with a CPST in person for help or booking a consult with us. portalskcms.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/secure/manage?webid=SKCMS&pToolCode=CERT-SEARCH&pAdd=Yes

[@Ash.ash.36]

Thank you for this . Really really thank you

[@safeintheseat]

You're very welcome!

[@JulieGeisler]

Any reason why no bottom anchors were used and you did seat belts instead?

[@safeintheseat]

The seat belt is easier for this seat in our opinion!

[@daniallen645]

When i move the car seat off center and towards the doors on the outer seats it is very tilted and hard to tighten enough, becasue the seat cushion is higher by the door. What can be done about it?

[@safeintheseat]

Nothing. Some vehicles have designs that make 3 across very difficult. Many vehicle manufacturers don't appear think about car seats at all and even fewer think about families with 3+ kids!

[@alyssas2269]

But like… how in the world do you load a kid in that middle seat 😬🫠

[@safeintheseat]

It's not very fun. But many people have to do it. If the kid is old enough to climb over and sit in the seat, that makes it a little better

[@susanlayden8702]

They're first in.! Whether they like it or not 😂😂😂

[@Jonpat]

I just installed 2 slimfit3 and an keyfit 35 in my 2019 Subaru Forester. They fit, but the keyfit rubs against the arm of both seats. It’s not overlapping or bracing, but tight. Is this an acceptable fit?

[@safeintheseat]

You can send pictures to Chicco and Graco and ask them.

[@FrancescaMaimone-y8c]

Why not use 2 slimfits instead of clek if clek is larger base? We have 2 slimfits and looked at this lexus today the 2024 and based on our measurements 2 slimfits and an infant woule not fit?

[@safeintheseat]

2 Slimfits would've been fine as well, but I only have one in my collection and wasn't buying another just for one video! There are some vehicles where 3 across is just not possible.

[@FrancescaMaimone-y8c]

@@safeintheseat ahh okay gotcha! Do you have any suggestions for car shopping and measuring the bench seat in the showroom? We have 3 kids and captains don't have big enough of a walk thru in the smaller suvs for my 3rd to walk out of the 3rd row for school drop. Would an infant and 2 slins fit in the 2024 lexus bench?

[@AnnikaYourFavGuineaPig]

really? I think of infant seats a little bulkier than normal ones. that's surprising.

[@safeintheseat]

Not width-wise, most of them are only 17-17.5" wide

[@kmath4165]

I don’t understand where the “no overlap/sharing of “airspace”” comes from? The manuals say nothing about it with any of my chicco seats and when I was verifying that, the chicco cost said it is fine to have overlap and that “most car seat manufacturers aren’t concerned about “airspace”.”

[@melissaferguson7630]

Because the overlap causes them to not be install probably they move more than an inch. Also when I was purchasing Chico seats I was told they absolutely couldn’t touch 🤔 we had a nextfit zip, myfit high back booster & the infant one we ended up having to get a different one for my son because the nextfit is like 19-20 wide and was causing spacing issues.

[@kmath4165]

@@melissaferguson7630 I have a myfit, onefit, and keyfit 30 and contacted the Chicco CPST and she said “It is allowed. “Air space” is not something that most car seat manufactures are concerned with. “🤷🏼‍♀️

[@safeintheseat]

These are the official statements for most of the manufacturers, scroll down to the section that talks about adjacent car seats. Some of the Graco manuals do mention overlap. www.saferidenews.com/macps/harmonized/

[@kmath4165]

@@safeintheseat so who’s advice is better? The Chicco CPST or the Manufacturers Alliance Child Passenger Safety?

[@JK-yk9rs]

From what I understand it keeps the seats from experiencing unusual side loads in an accident that may twist the car seat and impart more force to the child or break the seat causing it not to be as protective as it was designed to be. Also after watching crash testing my other concern was if 2 or more car seats were facing different ways and the kids arms were across them, say playing with each other. Then the violent movement of the car seats could also act like scissors as each seat reacts based on the way its facing or that their arms might be pinched or crushed badly if the seats were "mashed" together. I planned for 3 car seats when we were in the beginning of having our 2nd, cause it happens... I went with the britax seats not only because they offer a removable bar for when used with a backwards facing baby so the seat can't flip "forward" into the back of the seat its on, but also cause they offer up to 3 layers of side impact protection and one of the very few companies that made their seats without harsh chemicals in the materials they are made from. Couldn't see the point of keeping them safe only to put them in a toxic car seat. Also planned to have both a car and suv that could support the 3 car seats wide in the back or middle row depending on which vehicle they were in. Hope this helps.

[@healingkatlyn99]

What to do if are car doesn't have a tether in it. It's older.

[@safeintheseat]

If the vehicle is older than 2002 and does not have top tether anchors, our recommendation is to rear face the child in a seat that has 50#/49" limits. If the child is at least 5 by the time they max out the rear-facing limits, you can move them directly into a high back booster. If they are younger than 5 when they reach the rear-facing limits, you can use a Ride Safer Travel Vest with the Energy Absorbing Tether Anchor accessory until they are mature enough for a high back booster.

[@hassanbukhari9180]

protip - measure before you buy your third carseat

[@safeintheseat]

Not a bad idea!

[@stephanieroque3824]

best cars for 3 under 3 rear facing babies 😭?

[@jasminkadric2139]

Audi q7 2015+

[@safeintheseat]

check out the car mom!