car seat issue!

So, we're still expecting our little ones but trying to plan ahead. These are our first so we probably waited a little long to think about this but... We have one vehicle, a Toyota Tundra with Access cab. We just naively thought that car seats would fit in the backseat. But I just measured and we only have about 24 inches of space for the kids seats (not enough for most standard infatn seats). If we were just having one child we could put the seat in the middle, but with two...

So, my question is, would it be terrible to have one infant seat in the front (WITH AIR BAG OFF) and the seat scooted foward to make room for the other infant seat behind it? Anyone with experience in this area? The manual for the truck says if you must have an infant in the front, turn off the airbag and that's easy enough. ALSO, we live on an island with literally fourteen miles of road and never drive more than about ten miles a day at less than 35-40 mph, absolutely no highway speeds! So, would we be the worst parents in the world if we chose this option? OR does anyone know of a brand of infant seat that would fit in the Access Cab of a 2003 Tundra? Thanks so much!

 

So, we're still expecting our little ones but trying to plan ahead. These are our first so we probably waited a little long to think about this but... We have one vehicle, a Toyota Tundra with Access cab. We just naively thought that car seats would fit in the backseat. But I just measured and we only have about 24 inches of space for the kids seats (not enough for most standard infatn seats). If we were just having one child we could put the seat in the middle, but with two...

So, my question is, would it be terrible to have one infant seat in the front (WITH AIR BAG OFF) and the seat scooted foward to make room for the other infant seat behind it? Anyone with experience in this area? The manual for the truck says if you must have an infant in the front, turn off the airbag and that's easy enough. ALSO, we live on an island with literally fourteen miles of road and never drive more than about ten miles a day at less than 35-40 mph, absolutely no highway speeds! So, would we be the worst parents in the world if we chose this option? OR does anyone know of a brand of infant seat that would fit in the Access Cab of a 2003 Tundra? Thanks so much!

 

Yeah, you can put a car seat in the front with the air bag off, of course... it isn't against the law as long as it is buckled in properly. Of course, it isn't AS safe as the backseat, but it is legal.

 

I had a similar problem when we were expecting the twins since I have a toddler. We only had a 2door explorer sport with room for 2 car seats, not 3. I actually called the CHP to see if I could put my toddler in the front seat. They said it was legal, but not advisable (duh). They even said they could pull me over...but then after assesing my situation - then I would be okay and they would let me go. I dont know what the laws in AK, but maybe they are the same with this regard. My bigger problem was that I had an older model & I couldnt turn my airbags off! you are certain you have a switch? we ended up with a mini van instead.

i dont think you would be a bad parent if you put one in front, you do what you gotta do right? good luck!

 

When my oldest was our only, DH had to take her to her babysitter's 2x a week in his truck...just a front seat. He turned off the airbag with the infant seat and did just fine.

 

Please consider getting another car. Putting a baby in the passenger seat even with the air bag off is still dangerous. This seat is the most dangerous in the car. Even at low speeds, a crash can be very serious depending on how the cars collide - especially one that hits the passenger side directly.

I know it's a pain and a big expense but do it for your kids. I work at a Children's Hospital that does the research for State Farm by going to every crash where a child is injured. They were the group that got all the current car seat laws enacted based on their research.

Your babies are worth any amount of money or car and can't be replaced.

 

I agree with the pp - you really should consider getting another car. Both of my brothers are police officers and one of them is an accident investigation specialist who testifies as an expert witness around the country. I hear horror stories all the time about accidents where children were not strapped in properly or in the front seat or car seats improperly installed. This is one area where you do not want to cut corners to save money. Get the best car seat you can afford and a vehicle that can fit them both in the back. You'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are being as safe as possible!