2nd baby coming, 2 door car... need help and recs

[DomerJen]

So we've got #2 coming in October.  We have a 2 door ford focus hatchback that we are keeping for a bit longer after this one comes for logistical reasons.  My options (as I see them) are:

1) Keep DS (will be 31mo) rear facing in his true fit behind the passenger, and get a bucket that can fit into the car behind the driver.  Concern: can I get a bucket through the opening and behind the driver seat w/o turning it a weird way and injuring my child?  And is there a bucket that is not very long so there is still room to drive?

2) Get 2nd convertible seat (probably another true fit) for #2, and turn DS forward facing behind the driver, so I can put #2 in first and then DS second.   Concern: will I be able to squeeze in even w/ the car seat FF to get baby into a rear facing convertible?  Am I ready to turn DS?  (he's only 23lbs now)

Has anyone had this situation?  What did you do and what seats did you use?

Edited by DomerJen - 4/29/11 at 4:53am

[DahliaRW]

If you can fit an infant seat you can fit a convertible.  Most take up less room rfing than the infant seats.  I'd look at how the TF would fit without the headrest, the scenera, or the concorro and see if it's doable (all at 45 degrees of course).  The other option would be to look for narrower seats and see if you can get one in the center between the seats.

[DomerJen]

Originally Posted by DahliaRW 

If you can fit an infant seat you can fit a convertible.  Most take up less room rfing than the infant seats.  I'd look at how the TF would fit without the headrest, the scenera, or the concorro and see if it's doable (all at 45 degrees of course).  The other option would be to look for narrower seats and see if you can get one in the center between the seats.

The true fit won't allow a seat to be in the center (the middle seat is very small since the car is compact).  If I get a convertible I'll have to turn DS and put him behind the drivers side (I can't get them in if we have two rear-facing convertible seats).

If we turn him, what would be a good low-profile convertible?  I think that might help aid me logistically in getting the baby past DS's convertible seat and into it's own (we'd probably just use the true fit for baby since it's appropriate for newborns).  I think maybe the radians are low profile?

[DahliaRW]

A radian is low profile.  Also the maestro, which is a whole lot cheaper.