Need carseat help

RyeRye444

I know there has been a lot of posts on carseats, so hoping one more doesn't irritate too much, but needing some help getting started with research.  We are expecting our first in Aug. and are looking at the Chicco Keyfit 30.  We are also foster parents and are likely going to be fostering a 2.5 and 4.5 year old here soon.  So we are looking at a convertible and high booster?  We drive a 2013 ford explorer so I know that we will be able to fit all three somehow, but need some help on where to start.  I've done some searches, but all seem to link back to forums.  Any links to sites with comparisons for different vehicles?  We're planning on going into the store and trying a few in our car, but it's been so cold that I can't get motivated to try out installing seats and I'd like to narrow down the options.  Anyone with a similar vehicle and 3?   What do you love/hate about your seats?

Thanks

kmc84

2.5 and 4.5 year old will both need a harnessed combination seat.

I HIGHLY encourage you to join the FB page car seats for the littles. They are amazing at figuring out what seats puzzle well with others. After you join, ask what you did above and included ages, heights, and weights (if you know them).

Ideally, the 2.5 year old should rearface still, but forward facing after 2 is acceptable.

When you go to the store, please keep in mind that salespeople, 99.9% of the time, have NO idea what they are talking about and often suggest very inappropriate seats.

Here is a link to help you get started:

https://csftl.org/recommended-seats/

This link has lots of different information but all very important

https://csftl.org/category/best-practice/

Best of luck to you with all your kiddos!

LittleApple

I fit three across in my Ford Escape.  My combo was as follows: 

Graco snugride 35 behind driver seat using seat belt, Britax Frontier 85 harness to booster in middle using LATCH (This is allowed with Ford and Britax, but check your manual) and a Britax Bouelvard 70 RF behind passenger.

FmrAFBrat

I would look at either a combo of the Diono Radian or Harmony Defender for the 2.5 year old and 4.5 year old & I would look at a Safety 1st onBoard Air 35 (Eddie Bauer Surefit) for the baby since it is thinner.

https://carseatblog.com/6369/safety-1st-onboard-35-air-review-more-wows/

I'll try to find the Harmony Defender review as well...but those seats would give you room to spare.

JENandJEH

I agree with the poster who mentioned asking over at Car Seats for the Littles on Facebook.  I know a friend who has a 2012 Ford Explorer had issues with car seats due to the inflatable seat belts that Ford has in some of the Explorers.  Some car seats are not compatible and cannot be installed with the seat belt which isn't a problem until your child hits the LATCH limits.  

If you have inflatable seat belts, I would definitely consult the ladies over at CSFTL because they are incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful!

Good luck!

LittleFish1

I third joining Car Seats for The Littles - they have files that you can access which have reviews /reccomendations of various seats & you can ask them for advice. There are many people there with experience fitting 3 seats in vechicles as small as a Civic & bigger. It is especially helpful to know approx percentiles of the older kids.

Congratulations on your expanding family!

RyeRye444

Thank you for all the advice.  The link with pros and cons was exactly what I was looking for.  I did join the facebook page, however, am waiting to post for a bit.  We have only told family we are expecting and I never like to say much to anyone about possible foster placements... things can change and do.  And because everything I seem to post ends up in the newsfeed, I'll wait just a bit.  Thanks again for all your help.

kmc84

@RyeRye444
I'm so happy you joined CSFTL! Just so you know, it's a private group. The only way any of your FB friends would see anything you post on there would be if they were a member of CSFTL also

RyeRye444

Thank you.... that does make a difference

ebp913

Also, you can learn a ton from just looking at the common responses to people's questions.  Many of them are the same.