seanl

Last weekend I bought the wife a very clean 27K mile 2010 RX350 as we're expecting our first born in a few weeks and her well used 2 door MB CLK320 needed to go. I chose the colors I wanted (dark grey w/ black int.) and AWD for that occasional wintertime trip to Tahoe.

She had already bought the Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat, and installation with the LATCH system was pretty straightforward (I'll still have a pro check it).

Here's my question (and yes I did a few searches):

I had to move the front seat up quite a bit in order to clear the baby seat (pic attached). Is that pretty standard with all modern baby seats?

My question to all you dads out there is there a 'known brand' of baby seat that affords maximum front seat travel?

Thanks.

utee05

Congrats on the upcoming baby!
Hopefully you get some good feedback as I just ordered the same car seat for our upcoming addition to the family as well and I am in the market for a RX350 as well..

DerekK912

I am using a Graco SafeSeat and a Britax Marathon right now. The Graco gives a little more room to the passenger if the handle is slightly raised. I have also straightened the seatback angle.

Have you already moved the sliding rear seats as far back as possible? I don't know how big the Chicco is, but your car looks more crammed than mine.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

I think the only way to get more room is the go with the combo seats that remain in the car. They are more vertical since they are designed for use up to toddler size. I have been using the Eddie Bauer version from Costco for my son and haven't really had a lot of issues. And that was in the GS. There is a ton of room now in the new RX using it as a booster seat.

seanl

I double checked, and yes the rear seat is all the way back. Front seat is few inches forward to clear the Chicco. It's borderline impinging on front pass. legroom.

euroja153

I current have 2 Diono / Sunshine Kids upright cars seats at the back of our car. We are due for a baby in Sept, so we will have an infant car added to the back row, Im hoping it will fit. Will post pics when after the baby arrives which may help others who also have 3 young kids on the way. We have a Graco infant seat, Im not sure how far forward the seat are compared to your Chicco, its hard to say but I do remember the front seats had to be pushed forward a tad more than ideal

afpj

Are there latch anchors in the middle rear? Spouse has car at the moment so cannot check myself. That may work Better for front seat room

DerekK912

There are no latch anchors in the middle. You just have to use the seatbelt.

You should NOT "borrow" the latch anchors from the outer rear seats when using the center rear seat.

http://www.thecarseatlady.com/vehicl...system_10.html

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_01-07.pdf

Dadikins

I would also highly recommend that you place a towel (or similar) under the base of the car seat, to help protect the leather from indentations, etc.

seanl

Absolutely...in fact I ordered two Prince Lionheart 2 Stage Seatsavers from Amazon!

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

I recently installed recaro proride center rear facing and either the recaro is too big/too tall or the Rx is way too small for this seat. Every time when I put my 5 month old I have to be extra careful or else I'll hit my child's head.....

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

For infant or regular car seat - you should install the seat in the center to avoid side impact.