Just want opinion

So we have a 2004 Tahoe, with a second row bench seat. We have a 3 yr old DD and, obviously, twins on the way. :0) DD is still in a Britax Boulevard and we have Peg Peregos for the girls. This weekend we "tried out" the seats in my Tahoe. They all fit across - with DD's seat in the middle and the girls on the outside. But we realized that there are only 2 LATCH positions in the car. So apparently someone has to go without the LATCH system. we have a 3rd row seat, but again no LATCH. We also want to keep DD in a 5 point harness seat for a little longer.

My question is 1) who should be the "unlucky" one the not get the LATCH? 2) who should sit where? 3) would you be comfortable with only two in the LATCH or would just get a new car?

Thanks for the help.

Niki

 

My car has no latches! Latches just came into use in past few years as extra protection but I think you'll be fine with 3 year old not having one or instead of buying new car, get latch system installed for DD.

 

My understanding has always been that LATCH is easier to install, but that a properly installed non-LATCH seat is as safe as a properly installed LATCH seat. So, I'd take the whole shebang to your fire station and make sure everything is properly installed (LATCH and non-LATCH) and go with that setup. I'd put your DD in the non-LATCH installation just because that is probably easiest - but that's also a question to ask at the fire station.

 

I agree with Rachael! :good:

 

I agree with PP on the Latch vs. non-Latch installations - both are safe, one just easier to install. I also agree with moving DD to the non-Latch position - Latch is only rated up to a certain rate, maybe 35-40 lbs., I can't remember - after your DD surpasses that weight, you should move to a belt installation anyway.

As an aside, it completely baffles me that GM does not put three Latch positions in the second row bench of Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon models ... sooo annoying! I'll have the twins plus a 3rd %ile 2-year-old who will be below the Latch weight for a while ... frustrating!