The Three Across Puzzle
The Three Across Puzzle Fitting three car seats (or combination of car seats, boosters, and people riding in a seat belt) can be a tricky proposition! Not every vehicle will allow this configuration and not every set of car seats works next to each other, so it can feel overwhelming.
Some car seat manufacturers have branded themselves (or certain of their car seats) as specifically able to fit three across. That is well and good, but you don't NEED to have only those car seats to make three across work. If you find yourself needing to fit three across, the first thing you should try is using the car seats you already have!
The next thing you should do is look at the needs of all of the car seats and the needs of your family and decide which configuration to try first. Depending on the car seats and vehicle you have, you will likely not get your first choice of configuration, but it's a good idea to start with the "best case scenario" configuration just to see if it works!
When figuring out your first choice configuration, you'll be asking yourself (and your car seat manual!) a lot of questions. Some of the factors will be Requirements and some of the factors will be "nice to haves"
REQUIRED:
Do any of the car seats require the use of a top tether? If so, that car seat can only go in a location with a top tether anchor (hint: all forward facing car seats require them!)
Do any of the car seats require a lap AND shoulder belt? If so, that car seat can only go in a location with a lap and shoulder belt. (hint: all booster seats require a lap and shoulder belt!)
Do any of the car seats require a rear facing tether? If so, they must be in a position that can accommodate a rear facing tether.
If you have a booster user, they will need easy access to their seat belt buckle. It cannot be obstructed by another car seat or base. (hint: if you have an older kiddo buckling and unbuckling their booster next to a seat belt installed car seat, make sure they are not unbuckling that car seat’s seat belt!)
Does everyone have enough head room to grow in their location? The third row in some SUVs/minivans can have a low ceiling which may not accommodate a growing high back booster user!
Can the driver see out the rear window? Putting some taller car seats (and taller kids) in the middle of row can pose a visibility problem for the driver. If the car seats fit but the driver can’t safely see out the rear window, then that configuration is not a safe one.
Do any of the car seats require that they not touch or overlap with other car seats? Some require that their car seat have its own “airspace” around it and they don’t allow you to “puzzle” it into the curves of other car seats, even if they are not bracing/touching each other. You must follow the manufacturer instructions for a correct and safe install for every car seat, otherwise your configuration won’t be safe!
NICE TO HAVE
Would it be easier for any of the kids to be on an outboard seat/on a specific side of the vehicle for school pickup/drop off?
Are you hoping to use LATCH to install any of the seats? If so, they must be in a seating location with appropriate lower anchors (hint: many car seat manufacturers and vehicles DO NOT allow lower anchor borrowing)
Do you have an infant who you would prefer to have in the middle seat?
Do you have a young toddler new to their rear-facing convertible seat who you prefer to have on an outboard seat for easier access when getting everyone in the car?
These are not exhaustive lists, but they are a good place to start when trying to understand what is important to you in a car seat configuration.
Perhaps the most important piece of advice is to keep trying! Try every configuration with the car seats you already own in the vehicle you already have before deciding to buy different car seats or a different vehicle.
Every family has different car seats, different needs, different vehicles, and different accessibility needs/requirements, so there is no one surefire way to get three across. It’s really about trial and error and seeing what works for you! So, do your research, list out your “Best Case Scenario” and contingency plans, be ready to compromise, and get to work!
