One of the biggest challenges facing parents with growing families is figuring out how to add a third car seat across the back of the car. Although welcoming a new family addition is exciting, keeping them safe on the move can be tricky when your vehicle already has two child car restraints. Don’t panic! There are a few tips (and particular compact car seats) that can make the “three across” setup much easier.
Tip 1: Understand the Law
Understanding which child car seat your children require is the first step.
• Children up to 6 months old must be secured in an approved, properly fastened and adjusted rearward-facing baby capsule or infant car seat.
• If your child is 6 months–4 years old, they require a rearward-facing car seat or a forward-facing car seat with an inbuilt harness.
• From 4–8 years, children must be secured in an approved forward-facing car seat with harness or an approved booster seat that is properly positioned and fastened.
• From 7 years onward, children can travel using either a booster seat or the car’s adult seat belt, provided they meet the minimum height requirement of 145cm and can safely sit in an adult seat.
Always perform the 5 Step Test to make sure your child is ready.
Tip 2: Consider your car
Before purchasing new restraints, measure the width and depth of your vehicle’s back seat. Understanding your available space is essential when trying to fit three car seats across smaller cars or SUVs.
Tip 3: Choose the right restraint for your family
Some car seats are slimmer than others, and choosing narrow car seats specifically designed for compact spaces will make achieving a three-across setup far easier. Our advanced compact car seat, the Graphene EA™, has our narrowest footprint at only 285mm—making it ideal for cars with limited internal width.
Tip 4: Think about positioning and installation
Consider how you will position your car seats to make them fit comfortably. Alternating between rearward-facing and forward-facing restraints can help ensure that the widest points of each seat aren’t pressed against each other. Additionally, installation can be simplified with ISOFIX car seats. Choosing Britax ISOFIX-compatible seats allows for easier installation, a more accurate fit, and a safer journey every time.
Tip 5: Take advantage of professional installers
Consider how you will position your car seats to make them fit comfortably. Alternating between rearward-facing and forward-facing restraints can help ensure that the widest points of each seat aren’t pressed against each other. Additionally, installation can be simplified with ISOFIX car seats. Choosing Britax ISOFIX-compatible seats allows for easier installation, a more accurate fit, and a safer journey every time.
Ensuring your three bundles of joy arrive safely is the most important thing. That’s why Britax designs car seats that are “three across the back” friendly. Our Elite Fleet includes compact models like the Graphene EA™, which maintains a narrow installed depth ideal for small cars requiring multiple restraints. In May 2018, the Graphene EA™ was recognised in the Product Design Category at the Australian Good Design Awards for its unique ability to fit into narrow and compact cars without compromising on safety, solving many of the challenges parents with growing families face.
