Double Carseats in a Malibu?

[ShootingStarMom2]

I currently have one child in a Graco convertible (riding in the center) and one infant base we are going to install for our second child due any time now. Does anyone have a Malibu or similar car that could suggest the best way to install them? Our SUV has enough room, but I'm worried about placement for their safety first and then my sanity! Side by side with baby in the middle? One on each side with baby behind me? Or the big brother behind me? What do you find worked best for you and the best for this kind of vehicle?

 

[laurie31]

We did ours side by side with the baby in the middle, and the older child on the passenger side. This way I could glance back and see the older one. For the rear-facing baby, we had a mirror on the rear windshield that I could glance in my rearview mirror and see the baby's face.

Also, in case an adult needed to ride in the back for some reason (yes, it was a tight fit, but sometimes when we traveled, it was easier for me to ride int he back with them) the seats didn't have to be moved. As you know, it's a huge PITA to get them in right and moving them was just something we tried to avoid at all costs!

You also might consider asking someone who is certified to install car seats.

If you have questions or need help installing your car safety seat, find a certified CPS Technician. Lists of certified CPS Technicians and Child Seat Fitting Stations are available on the NHTSA Web site at www.nhtsa.gov or at www.seatcheck.org. You can also get this information by calling 866/SEATCHECK (866/732-8243) or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236.

http://www.aap.org/family/Carseatguide.htm

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

Thanks for the info!

 

[boltfans]

We used to have a Ford Focus, which I assume is tinier than the Malibu, and our kids were like laurie31 described. Baby was in the middle and our 2yo was in the passenger seat. If my mom was visiting, she could sit in the back with the kids, which would not have happened if she had to sit in the middle, plus I think my son liked being able to see his sister, she'd hold his hand, stick the pacifier back in if he cried, etc. It was also easier for me to reach backward to him if I had to, and I could still see my 2yo. I also liked her on the passenger side so that if she opened the door she wasn't running into the road. In fact, they are 5 and 2 now and are still seated like that in our cars.