Where do the sets go in this situation

[TiaBow]

DH and I are expecting twins, we already have a daughter who will be just turned 2 when they are born, she's currently RF and we had intended to keep it that way.

We are getting a Peugeot 5008 next week, so 3 full rear seats all with isofix, plus the 2 in the boot.

Question is where do we put the sets in this situation, DD on one end and the twins in the middle and other end? What about once the twins are in fixed seats rather than baby carriers? DD will be nearing 3 at that point but I'd still want her rear facing and I'm not sure how I get 3 kids into the middle row, how do I get the kid in the middle seat in?

Will I just have to have DD forward face sooner?
This is really stressing me out, anyone in a similar situation where did you put your car seats?

Hi, congratulations on your twin pregnancy.
I don’t have any personal experience but I’m fairly certain that you can three ERF seats across the back of a 5008.
I’d join Extended Rear Facing (ERF) Car Seat Safety group and ask for advice there. They will be able to guide you on what seat combination would work. I think they generally recommend avoiding Isofix as this will give you more space to fit the seats across - Isofix means that the seat position is fixed as there’s no give in the position (I hope that makes sense).
What seat is your 2 year old in now?

She is in the Cybex Sirona - we love it!
All 3 seats are full sized seats with isofix so that option will be there.

I'm not as worried about the seats fitting as I am about getting the middle child into the seat, I just can't visualise how that will be possible!

I think if it were me, I’d have the Cybex on the outside, then the two infant seats together (middle and the other side). Then maybe when the twins outgrow their infant seats, I’d put your oldest in the middle.
There’s so many options for you. Plus you may decide to go for a fixed seat for the twins, although this may not give a good fit if they are smaller, which is obviously more likely with twins.
I’d seek out your nearest independent retailer where you could try some seat combinations out and see what works for you.

Once the seats are all fixed, I'd put the oldest in the middle and have them climb over to it. By three they will probably be able to put their arms in and arrange the straps , so you just need to reach over for final click in and check.

I'd get bases for the baby seats. Leave your eldest on the outside edge. Put her in first, then click the baby in the middle seat into their seat, then click the baby in the outside seat into theirs. Reverse order for getting everyone out.

We have a 5008 and the boot seats do not allow child seats in them - they are slightly smaller than ordinary seats. But the three seats across the back are roomy and you can definitely fit 3 full sized seats in there.

Look at Avionaut seats for the babies as they are light so you'll be able to do this for as long as possible. Or Britax Babysafe Core seems long-lasting. Once you switch to ERF seats for the babies, you'll lose the ability to spin (because it won't physically fit, the spin makes the back of the seat protrude into the next seat) so you'll likely need to ditch the Cybex, unfortunately. IME it's difficult to get them into spin seats without spinning them. When you do this, I'd probably put your eldest in the middle and let her climb in first, unless you decide to move her forward facing. If she is forward facing, she can go on an edge. You'll need to reach into the boot over the back of the middle seat to tighten the middle child's straps.

Look out for sales e.g. on Axkid Move and look at fitting with extra leg room to allow more space to clamber over!

When my twins were in carrier style seats we did a twin in the middle and one edge and toddler in the other edge seat as when they're in carrier seats with isofix bases it's easy to click them in and out.

I then kept my smallest twin in the middle seat as I personally find it easier to lift the twin into the middle seat than trying to help my eldest into it. But you could swap at this point if you find it easier.