[Schnitzelvonkrum...]

I have a 2003 corolla sedan, and three kids, aged 4 (19.5kg) nearly 7 (27kg) and 9 (27kg).

Currently I have nearly 7 yo DD in an Ezy Up behind the driver, 9yo DS in the middle in seatbelt, and 4yo DD behind passenger in infa vario.

Problem is, DS no longer has enough shoulder room between the girls, he is REALLY wedged in.
BUT, he can't yet sit safely in the side position because his legs aren't long enough. We cant fit three boosters across the back either.

The only three "solutions" I can see are a) keep things as they are and ignore the complaints, it's usually only short drives so he won't be dreadfully uncomfortable. Or, b) shift 7yo DD into a half booster when she turns 7, so that she can sit behind the driver still, and DS will get more leg room. Or, c) move 7yo dd into the middle seat (she fits nicely) when she turns 7, and then put DS behind the drivers seat in a booster cushion.

Can anyone else make any other suggestions? I am really torn between doing the best for my kids and making it happen financially. Ideally, we would buy a new car, but that is not possible for probably the next two years.

[ednaboo]

Option C means the younger kids say in a high backed booster so that wins for me.

[kriattica]

Why can't you move the 4yo into the middle and the 9yo sit on the passenger side? Or have him sit in the front?

[SoxyMama]

My 8yo sits without a booster and has since she was 7. I'd just have him on the passenger side without a booster.

This post has been edited by Katakacpk: 26/01/2013, 08:39 AM

[Schnitzelvonkrum...]

Why can't you move the 4yo into the middle and the 9yo sit on the passenger side? Or have him sit in the front?

Because the 9yo can't safely sit in the side positions without a booster - his legs aren't long enough to sit with his back at the seat and his knees bent over the edge. He has to slouch to make his knees reach. Aside from the whole airbag and safety thing, I would assume that he would have a similar problem in the front seat with leg length.

Option C means the younger kids say in a high backed booster so that wins for me.

Not really, because DS9 would be in a half booster, DD7 in nothing, and DD4 in a full booster.



argh, this is bending my brain!

[ednaboo]

Because the 9yo can't safely sit in the side positions without a booster - his legs aren't long enough to sit with his back at the seat and his knees bent over the edge. He has to slouch to make his knees reach. Aside from the whole airbag and safety thing, I would assume that he would have a similar problem in the front seat with leg length.



Not really, because DS9 would be in a half booster, DD7 in nothing, and DD4 in a full booster.



argh, this is bending my brain!

Oh I misunderstood - then 9yo goes in the front (on a cushion booster if need be) and the 2 youngest stay in high backed boosters.

[Fossy]

Can you get an untethered booster and put the 9 year old on that in the front? I'd go that option before using a half booster.

[2bundles]

I would also look at buying the narrowest boosters.

[Schnitzelvonkrum...]

If I remember correctly, the Ezy up is quite wide at the top? can you move to two Varios or another slim booster? to give a wider space at your son's shoulders?

I tried DD in a vario the other day, and unfortunately she only just fits in it when it is expanded to the max, which then gives us nothing over the ezy up.

I have to say, I'm really uncomfortable about putting him in the front seat - I thought that was really not a viable alternative for safety reasons?

[Just Another Cat]

I would buy a narrower booster.