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Original poster

How do you fit 3 children in a normal car?

20 replies

MoosMa · 02/03/2008 16:47

We're planning our 3rd DC and we're wondering how they're all going to fit in the car. DD1 will be 3.6 (and small) and DD2 will be 2.1 (if all goes to plan) so they'll still both be in big seats.

If you have 3, how do you manage?

OP posts:

yomellamoHelly · 02/03/2008 16:51

We bought a Mondeo at Christmas which'll fit three car seats in the back (we tried). It was the only normal car anyone could suggest for 3.

SheikYerbouti · 02/03/2008 16:52

Im was able to fit 2 big seats and a baby seat in the back of my Volvo V40. Might work because by the time your youngest is out of thier seat your eldest will be in a booster

Original poster

MoosMa · 02/03/2008 16:54

That's hopeful then, we have a Skoda Octavia which feels big, I might have to get measuring.

OP posts:

Monkeybird · 02/03/2008 16:57

with difficulty... My eldest is 8 and just over the 'needing a seat' height threshold.

Rang DVLA myself about this and there is some kind of legal loophole I believe which exempts parents who already have a car, from having to follow the seating rules to the letter - but don't take my word for it (I'm known for dreaming things up ). After all would be unreasonable to force you to buy a new car for a relatively recent law...

But whether you'd want to exercise such a loophole is another matter since it will mean less safety for one of your children.

I think there's a good business opportunity here, if seating manufacturers haven't already sorted this solution since it affects millions and millions of us who need 3 car seats in back... You could always ring your car manufacturer for advice?

LardyMardyDaisyBoo · 02/03/2008 17:07

We're having this dilemma at the minute too, as I have a 5 year old DS, a 9mo old DD and am due at the end of October. DS has a renault laguna and it isn't possible in his car. I have a honda civic and there is no chance in mine.

We are currently looking to upgrade to an MPV as they seem to have more room.

We were told a mondeo would do it, but I struggle with the driving position in fords; my clutch foot is always up in the air as I have tiny feet and if my heel is on the floor, my toes slip off the pedal all the time.

eleanorsmum · 02/03/2008 17:09

hate to say - i've just sold my octavia as i couldn't get three seats across back. I have britax first class and britax evolva and just couldn't get a baby seat in without serious buckle crunching! now have older citroen synergie people carrier, bags of room for 6 car seats if i really wanted!

Monkeybird · 02/03/2008 17:29

we had a Ford Galaxy as a courtesy car when ours was in the body shop. Has 3 fullsize seats in back and was great.

Actually have a brilliant Mazda 5 which is great for kids (2 spare seats in boot for friends! sliding doors - you have not lived until you have experienced these...) but when we had our 3rd child (er weren't planning him when we bought Mazda 5 ) we realised the middle 'temporary' seat in back was virtually useless. Only cos 8 yr old has a TINY arse does it work out, god know what we'd do if he was younger (trade in for a Galaxy probably!)

beautifuldays · 02/03/2008 17:36

we used to have a mondeo and there was no way you could get 3 kids car seats in. in the end we bought a picasso.

Original poster

MoosMa · 02/03/2008 17:37

Oh dear, one of ours is a Britax...

OP posts:

needmorecoffee · 02/03/2008 17:38

we had a tiddly Ford Escort 1.3 and had a baby seat in the middle, child seat on one side and booster seat on the other. It can be done.
People aren't fatter thna they were 10 years ago but maybe car seats are stonkingly bigger?

Poledra · 02/03/2008 17:45

I think the car seats are stonkingly bigger than before. We have a Britax Evolva booster, a Britax First Class, and a Britax infant carrier. Currently trading in my estate car for a Galaxy, as could not get all 3 car seats into any 'normal' saloon. The Grand Scenic will do it, but I don't like Renaults. We tried loads of different cars but could only fit the seats into MPVs (unless I was prepared to remove all skin off my knuckles every time I tried to fit the infant carrier in).
DC3 due in July BTW.

needmorecoffee · 02/03/2008 17:47

ah, see I didn't take them out. Once they were wedged in there they stayed. When number 3 was tiddly I had him in the front in one of those portable ones. At 4 months he went in the back.
Car only had front doors.

Original poster

MoosMa · 02/03/2008 18:25

NMC, what's the difference between a portable one and a baby seat? You've confused me! [dim]

OP posts:

Original poster

MoosMa · 02/03/2008 18:28

Do you think it might help if the baby seat was fitting into an Isofix base?

OP posts:

mumofdjandp · 02/03/2008 19:03

can children of 4 with a booster with a back go in the front seat with an air bag?

am I right its only rear facing seats that cant go in the front with air bags

needmorecoffee · 02/03/2008 19:27

one you can take out of the car, first stage?

Original poster

MoosMa · 02/03/2008 22:23

I see (I think), so by baby seat do you mean a forward or backwards facing one?

mumofdjandp - I think you're right, but I seem to remember you're supposed to put them as far back as possible so they're a long way away from the airbag.

OP posts:

Joolyjoolyjoo · 02/03/2008 22:27

We have a zafira, and manage all 3 on the back seat-4yo has booster, baby on isoeasy base/ maxicosy cabrio, toddler in maxicosi priori. Double buggy and 2 dogs in the boot And the option of 2 extra seats when they get old enough to want to bring friends..

morocco · 02/03/2008 22:29

we've got a mondeo and had a rover before and that was fine too
tbh it's more to do with the size of the car seat (duh! state the obvious). ours are not the all singing all dancing ones with pull out cup carriers etc etc
i've got 1 booster seat one, one forward facing one and one that does rear and forward facing
get halfords to do the try before you buy thing and see what will fit
or try your local road safety unit, they have ones you can try out as well to see if they fit

bosch · 02/03/2008 22:34

The only solution is to try the seats in your car. We had a golf which wouldn't fit our 3(Which recommended) car seats for ds1 (age 5) and ds2 (age 3) when ds3 was born - we bought a volvo. I never thought I would be a Volvo owner, but I love it, it's an old (1990) estate and so easy to park (more modern ones aren't - techy front/rear wheel drive explanation according to dh).

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