3 Children/only 2 shoulder + 1 lap belt

DaDa

We're expecting baby number 3 in June.
1 & 2 will be eight & six, respectively.
So they will have to remain in booster seats, while number 3 is in the correct infant seat(s).

The problem is that our cars are both equipped in the rear with only 2 shoulder belts and one centre lap belt.

We're trying not to buy a 7 seater, and thought that maybe if a professional fitted a good Child Safety Harness to the centre seat area (in conjunction with the lap belt perhaps?) then it would be a safe option?

The cars in question are an Audi A4 (2002) or a Pajero Sport (2000)

Any thoughts or experiences welcome. If you have had a good experience doing this and can recommend a professional service then please do.

This is the closest thing I found on-line: http://www.oztion.com.au/buy/auction.aspx?itemid=7212306

Obviously safety is a priority, so if I have to go 7 seater I will... but want to exhaust this option first.

Thanks.

Zube

DaDa wrote: »

So they will have to remain in booster seats, while number 3 is in the correct infant seat(s).

Some baby seats are fine with just a lap belt holding them. For example, the Britax website says their BABY-SAFE plus SHR can be fitted with a lap belt.

greglo23

The centre lap-belt is actually much easier to use for most baby seats than a lap and diagonal belt. Theres none of the tortuous routing to go through and when tightened correctly its actually more secure. Its also much easier and quicker to swap the seat from one car to another. If you still have a baby seat from the older children stick it in and give it a try.

DaDa

that never crossed my mind... if that's the case then we could be in business... thanks!

dazzerb

The difficult part will be fitting the three devices (2 boosters and the infant seat) side by side. They may fit but your booster kids may have trouble fastening their seat belts as the middle infant seat may be in the way.

As suggested play with all the scenarios to see what works.

We have a 6 yr, 4 yr and 8 month old and we eventually found a set of seats and a order of installation that worked for one car. Our other car we cannot fit the three in.

podgee

DaDa
This might work for you : http://www.multimac.co.uk

I read about it on an earlier Boards post here : http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=59759686

Podgee

Wishbone Ash

DaDa wrote: »

1 & 2 will be eight & six

Get two narrower booster seats for the older children. Symths toyshop sell a selection for about €12 each.

(I keep a couple in the boot - handy if I end up transporting other children).

briana7214

you dont have to go down the 7 seater route to have three shoulder belts in the rear, there are a number of cars out there witht hese in the rear, notably renault megane's and scenics also chevrolet Tacumas and I am sure there are many more just spend some time calling to a couple of main dealers to see what they have to suit

flazio

What's the rear seat set up like in a Fiat Multipla or a Honda FR-V? If those cars have enough room for 3 adults in the front I'd expect that 3 kids with seat supports would be handy enough.

Voodoomelon

Just out of curiosity, what secures a baby seat at the top, when its only held by the lapbelt at the bottom?

Biro

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Just out of curiosity, what secures a baby seat at the top, when its only held by the lapbelt at the bottom?

Nothing with the rear facing ones, cause they are low anyway. With the other type ones there may be some top strap that needs to be attached somewhere with the aid of a drill and a bolt!

Zube

flazio wrote: »

What's the rear seat set up like in a Fiat Multipla or a Honda FR-V?

The Multipla has 6 identical adult-sized seats, and it has no problems with kids seats as it's as wide as an elephants rear. The middle front seat in the FR-V is small, and I think the three rear are slightly smaller than adult sized.

tomcollins97

Many Renaults have 3 proper seatbelts in the back. My 05 Renault Laguna does