What would you do?

[amphibology29]

Hopefully I can explain this clearly...

Our van is a 2001 Toyota Sienna and only has tether anchors and lower anchors in some of the seating positions.

The middle row is two captain's chairs, and only the left side (behind the driver) has lower anchors and a tether anchor behind. (There are no tether anchors behind the two front seats for rear-facing in the middle row.)

The rear row is two separate seats that make a bench when they're together. Both sides have tether anchors behind, but only the right side has lower anchors. The left side has a tether in front of it (for the middle row, or rear-facing for the rear row).

So, my dilemma is what to do when the new baby arrives. We're going to put both kids in the rear row and take out both middle seats to provide easy access to them. But I'm not sure which side to put them on. I think it's very important to have the tether, regardless of lower anchors vs. seat belt, so I think we're going to put DS on the right side so he has a tether behind (he'll be forward-facing) and lower anchors, and the new LO on the left side so s/he has a tether for rear-facing. New LO won't have lower anchors and the car seat will be secured with the seat belt, but the tether will be used.

Am I right in thinking the tether is the most important part and this is the best configuration? (If new LO was on the right side, s/he could have the lower anchors but no tether.)

[slamont]

I think I need a diagram to understand that. :)
Do they have carseat inspections anywhere near you? everytime I have taken mine in, they not only make sure the seat itself is still good, installed properly, but also recomend where to install. It is free here, but I think some stores that do it will charge.

[brooklynn]

I'm going to assume you are putting the baby in a Britax or Radian from day one? They are the only seats that allow for RF tethering.

As long as you get a good installation in those positions, it sounds fine! LATCH and seatbelt installs are equally safe.

And for reference, there's only a few cars that have tether anchors on the driver's and passenger's seat (for RF tethering on the second row). So, if you wanted to put them on the second row, you could still tether one FF (which is ALWAYS recommended when possible, regardless of install), and one RF (with tether if it's Britax/Radian).

If you can get to a seat check or find a tech, they'll get hands on with you and show you all these things. Or, read your car's owner's manual along with your carseat manuals, and you'll find all the ins and outs of what's recommended and not recommended for the models you have.
www.seatcheck.org
Find a Tech (https://ssl13.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/Webmembers/tool?pToolCode=TAB9&pCategory1=TAB9_CERTSEARCH&Webid=safekidscertSQL)

[mcpforever]

Hopefully I can explain this clearly...

Our van is a 2001 Toyota Sienna and only has tether anchors and lower anchors in some of the seating positions.


I have read often that many people that want to tether RF end up using part of the seat frame in front of them for the RF tether since very few cars are designed with RF tethering in mind. This makes sense since very few car seats are made with this ability as well.

And I totally agree with the following

I'm going to assume you are putting the baby in a Britax or Radian from day one? They are the only seats that allow for RF tethering.

And for reference, there's only a few cars that have tether anchors on the driver's and passenger's seat (for RF tethering on the second row). So, if you wanted to put them on the second row, you could still tether one FF (which is ALWAYS recommended when possible, regardless of install), and one RF (with tether if it's Britax/Radian).

[/URL]