3 across - Axkid alternatives

[amb8619]

We currently have 3-across in a Peugeot Rifter. Two Axkid Minikid4 for 4-yr old DTs and one Cybex cloud for DC3 (currently 9th weight, 1st centile height). We need to think about the next stage for DC3. The DTs can probably stay in the Axkids for the next couple of years so long as they're happy in them, and they're both on the smaller side so nowhere near ready for HBBs. I'd be happy to get another Axkid, but we're finding we're only now getting a consistently good fit on the straps on the older two (ie strapping the child in to the seat, not fitting the seat in the car), and my husband especially struggles with getting a good fit. We also don't need height/weight limits anywhere near as high as those on the Axkid as DC3 is small and can move into one of the Axkids when DTs outgrow those. What alternatives are there to keep 3-across, but slightly more user friendly? We travel to the US quite a bit and use the Graco Slimfit3lx there, and my husband especially far prefers using those. I know the closest UK equivalent of those have a lower safety rating, but never sure whether that's based on them in FF or RF mode. Happy to spend up to equivalent of the Axkid, and safety rating is highest priority alongside usability. Bonus if it's shallow enough to allow to reach over and buckle child in the middle as easily as possible.

The Graco Slimfit R129 actually has a pretty good safety rating, I think it was the forward facing harness mode that was dragging the older model down. With the R129 version it can only be used rear facing or as a high back booster, not forward facing with harness.

However it is a bit different to the US model, because it can only be fitted using seatbelt and with the EU model the seatbelt has to wrap around the back, like an infant carrier. That can make it difficult to get DC in and it is also potentially bulky to lean over.

It might be that Graco Extend LX is slimmer although it has the same belt path issue. TBH as long as you stick with rear facing, safety rating is essentially irrelevant as being rear facing is the one thing which makes the most difference. As it's on the side, you might want to get something with a better side impact rating but anything with the R129 standard should be OK on that front. Halfords have a few of these cheaper, belt fitted models which rear face up to 105cm.

It might also work better to put an Axkid on the side and fit the cheaper belt fitted seat in the middle, loading the child in from the side where the two buckles meet, so the seatbelt is not in the way. You'd have to fit the Axkid with more leg room.

I don't think any isofix seats would be much good except perhaps the Axkid One if you can find it on a good offer. Most isofix seats are high and will be in the way because of the spin. Possibly if you could still find one, the Concord Reverso Plus (I think it was rebranded as Jané Reverso iPlus) since this doesn't spin so it's a bit lower down and it's much cheaper than the Axkid.

We are looking at the Axkid Up for our 6 and 4 year old, they appear to be very slimline and are listed on the website in fitting in my quite small car on the middle seat.

The Axkid Up is a slim seat, but it's a high back booster and OP is looking for a rear facing seat for their youngest child (no age given but guessing approx 1-2 years old, and small for age)