My bubble got bursted (child seats)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bkrell @ Feb 10 2007, 09:35 PM) [snapback]388258[/snapback]</div>

Well lets see, I have a 6 year old that has to sit in a booster until she is 8 (we use a full size kid seat). I also have two boys 9 and 14. The younger one is a stick, the older one is average size.

Stuff them all in the back and hear the complaining start. He touched me, her foot is on my side, etc. {rolling eyes}.

It is tough. I have not put three car seats in the back so I cannot comment on how that would work or not work. But it IS tight for my three kids in the back. I would avoid putting your little one in the front seat also.

Perhaps the Camry hybrid would be a better choice as there is a bit more room in it?

 

I am having the same type of car seat issues.

Which 5 point booster are you using?

Thanks,
-Darin

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Feb 10 2007, 07:07 PM) [snapback]388273[/snapback]</div>

 

When we decided to buy, we trucked all three kids and their seats over to the dealer. I told the salesman that if the kids didn't fit, a test drive would be moot. So we schlepped them in and asked them their opinion. The girls said the leg room was much better (than the Rover).... and my son couldn't kick the driver's seat :lol:

After the "test-fit" we brought the kids over to my mom's and went down to the dealer that gave us the best price (did a bunch of phone deals before sitting down).

BTW, we have Britax Roundabout on the driver outboard, a Britax booster on the passenger outboard and with this car, my oldest daughter fits well in the middle seat/seatbelt without the aid of a booster (and she finally broke 60 lbs).

I have seen a five-point booster that is narrow and is collapsible. I'll dig around and find the brand if anyone is interested.

 

I think the car seat you're referring to is the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 or Radian 80. The base is narrower than the average car seat to allow more room for getting three seats across the back. They also allow the kids to stay in the 5-point harness up to 65lbs. or 80lbs. hence the model numbers.

I do not have one, but am thinking about getting a couple to fit in the Prius.

Here's a review:
Radian 65 Review

$200 is pretty steep for a booster. The 85 is $280.

-Darin

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dylandog @ Feb 12 2007, 07:55 PM) [snapback]389318[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bkrell @ Feb 12 2007, 08:13 PM) [snapback]389230[/snapback]</div>

The thing that irks the heck out of me about the Accord is that the MPG has dropped to 23 for the non-hybrid, and the hybrid ONLY comes in the V6 model, so that it gets the same MPG that we have been getting for 9 years in the 4 cylinder Honda. Those facts, together with the hideous problems we had with the CAT Converter, drove me to get the PRIUS. I just could not stomach rolling back the clock and getting a lower MPG car, or getting a hybrid that only give me the same MPG that I already have!

Its not that we are dumping the Honda Accord, since we need two cars. Its just the principle of the thing.

We should be at 80 MPG right now, in my opinion. So my vote is for Prius, but I completely understand those who have comfort and carseat issues. There are no perfect solutions.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darinf @ Feb 12 2007, 08:24 PM) [snapback]389326[/snapback]</div>

Also, you can try Elitecarseats.com and at look at the Safeguard Go booster - it's a bit cheaper at $179 and fold up.

 

If it really is impossible to get all three seats in the back, you can go through a process and have the front airbag put on a switch so that one can sit at least relatively safely in the front. I don't have that problem with only two, so I don't know all the proceedures and ramifications. I think you also have to read the literature the DMV provides on the safety of such a decision.