Where to put toddler and infant's seats?

[allisonrose]

I'm expecting and, although we're been looking at the Mazda5, it looks like that's not going to happen before this baby arrives. So I was thinking about where to put which seat in my Civic. My toddler is RFing in a TF. The newborn will be in the infant seat we used when our toddler was itty-bitty. I'm planning to go outboard with both seats.

For those who have BTDT, is it better to have the infant on the driver's side or to have the toddler there? I don't plan to use the infant seat as a carrier too often since I found babywearing to be more convenient the first time around.

[chickabiddy]

It really doesn't matter. :)  Do what works best for you.

[allisonrose]

I should clarify that I'm asking in regards to convenience, not safety. I know there's not much difference there.

[MamieCole]

I prefer infant on passenger side for the following reasons:

parallel parking- takes longer to get floppy baby buckled in and out of seat, into sling, etc. Didn't like standing on traffic side of car while doing this. Easier to have toddler hop in, shut door, then come back and strap them in after baby is buckled in. 

easier to see newborn- With a mirror, it's easier for me to see the baby when they are on passenger side. 

easier to reach toddler- With the toddler behind me, it's easier to hand them stuff like sippy cup/snacks.

ymmv :)

[elmh23]

I like the toddler behind the driver and he baby behind passenger, for the same reasons as MamieCole, except I just had my toddler climb through to their seat from the sidewalk.  I do not trust little ones in the street (I've had runners, lol.)

[Marissamom]

I'm not there yet, but I plan on putting my toddler behind the driver's seat because DF is the primary driver, and there isn't room for the infant seat behind him if we use the base, but DD will be almost two, so I can put her at a toddler recline and she will fit behind daddy. 

[Aliy]

i like have the infant kiddie corner to me so if you are the regular drive i would have the baby behind the passengar.. but i also like the point the pp made about not being on the road trying to get everything together

[allisonrose]

Thanks for all the responses. I will plan to have the infant seat on the passenger side.