Ok I know some of yall have way more experienced then I do in this field since this is our first child due in 1 1/2 weeks. I was wondering where are some of y'all placing the car seats at in the driver side rear or passenger side rear of the truck. I know it will probably be preference on which side you place the car seat. My wife was asking me tonight at dinner and was like why don't you ask your forum friends that have trucks like yours. I did look in the owners manual and it has extra latching points on the 17 super duty vs our 16. I know I also got a seat saver to place under the carseat as well. Thanks for any input.

 

My wife and I just welcomed our first child a little over a week ago. We opted for the driver's side rear seat for the car seat. It allows the wife to use the space on the floor in front of the seat, and doesn't require her to walk around the vehicle to get to our son. Of course, this is in our 4Runners, not a Super Duty, but the principle still applies. Really, I think it just comes down to preference. If possible, I'd most prefer to mount the car seat in the center of the rear seat. This allows one of you to get into the vehicle and take care of your child on those days that it is really cold outside.

Hope that helps, and congratulations!

 

Is the middle an option?

 

Our little girl is due in 7 weeks, truck is due in 2. Our seat recommended you install in the center. Since I don't have the truck yet can't say for sure, but I'll assume it has the latch system in the center. Studies show the center is safer due to the fact the kid can't take a direct hit.

 

My first son we located on the passenger's side. I could see him when we were traveling alone. Ultimately, in my experience, it's usually the guy getting the carrier/seat in and out of the SD due to height, so the side doesn't matter too much as far as that goes. Now that our second son is here, he's on the driver's side while his brother stays in his booster on the passenger's side. I'm just glad they've finally included the latch system rings on this version of the truck as using the seatbelt to secure a car seat was a pain, and you could never get it tight enough.

As a non-truck recommendation, we picked up a Doona car seat/stroller, and it's amazing. It's a car seat with stroller legs that fold up into it when putting into the vehicle (can use a base for ease or can be secured with the seatbelt only). You get the car seat out, hit the release, and the legs fold down into a full stroller. No more lugging around a big clunky stroller that slides to the front of the bed while you're driving around, and no more carrying a 200# (well, it feels like that much anyway) car seat with baby in it into the restaurant or store. It's spendy, but well worth it if you can afford it. Google for a video of how it works.

--Nathan

 

Thanks, yeah we have a uppababy car seat and stroller. I told my wife it was going to be our preference on side. I think we are leaning towards the passenger side to be able to see him if he gets fussy.

 

But they are much older (almost 5 and 3).

The middle option would be the safest in terms of side collision and it's easier to reach by the first row( however the 2nd row has so much space now that the reaching part might be a mute point). It also allows and adult to sit next to the in comfort.

The driver side is also convenient, but if you park on the side on the street you will have to take the baby ou n the road. But you can solve that by just entering from the other side.

Whatever you do...make sure to but something on the back window for the sun

 

If you have a crew cab, I can confirm the high mounts and the latches in between the two cushions of the back seat are in place for all three positions. For new first baby, I recommend the midele spot too. Especially new, they are not to heavy and you can have the car seat that comes out of its base and just lifts in and latches. This way, when baby still sleeps but you get home, you can just unlatch, and take baby in. If the driver is alone, then a baby mirror attached to the centre headrest allows baby to see you and driver to see baby.

With the latch system, one thing I do recommend is a little practice strapping in and tightening down the car seat base. This does take a little practice. Also, local insurance companies and some vendors offer a quick little course to get you to install properly. It's especially important when they are new born and are rear facing. You will need some extra bits and pieces to make sure you get the baby in there properly. Either rolled up baby blankets, or perhaps little noodles for the holding of the head and neck.

You fpdefinately have the right truck for a safe ride for your new little one. Congratulations.

 

remember also something to put under the carseat to save the seat (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...SOQ/edit#gid=0)

If you get a carseat with a removable base i would highly encourage to get one for each vehicle (they are not expensive) and take away all the hassle....

 

Yes our local fire department will help make sure you have your car seat secured properly in your vehicle. I am starting to think we might do middle till he gets a little bigger. I messed with my work truck and the super duty on where to put the seat. I know on my work truck I will need to put it on the drivers side just because of all the stuff I carry in my truck.

 

Had twins and didn't have a choice. It's easier to attend to the kid at stoplights or whatever when he/she is on the passenger side. Easier to load/unload when on the driver. Definitely do a protector under the car seat.

 

I'm a certified car seat tech with the Fire Department. I'm impressed with much of the advise given here so far, well done folks. You'd be surprised at some of the seats I've seen!

Center rear IS the safest due to side impact. Next safest is behind the driver (think left turns) BUT I like passenger side as it's against the sidewalk and out of traffic. The biggest error I see is seats not installed tight enough. You should be able to grasp the seat at the base back near the seat and have little to no movement sideways. The old way of tightening the seat by kneeling in it is wrong. The new way is to stand in the truck (bent over) in front of the seat and push your knees towards the back of the seat pushing the seat and tighten the belts. It's quite easy and very effective.

As someone else said, ensure the seat is within the recommended angle markers. Pool noodles cut to width are a great way to adjust seats if needed but the SD seats are pretty flat so you should be okay.

Whenever the seat faces forward a tether strap must be attached but thats at least a year down the road!

Good luck!

PS for all you folks with tools etc in the cab, think about what happens to all those sharp and heavy things in a crash

 

Most parents don't know this but a car seat strap is supposed to be race car tight on kids until they are using the oem belts (like 7 years old) . Put the middle buckle on their sternum and get it TIGHT. Kids can die in a very small crash via separation of the spinal cord at the base of the neck. They need to be 5 point harness can't move their back away from the seat tight. Car seats are designed like a race car seat for a reason. 35mph crash to a kid with no musculature is like 90mph for us. Watch some YouTube videos on crash testing with car seats. If you only have one kid, put them in the middle. Read face until they are at least two, longer if possible. Check your car seat manual thoroughly.

 

The harness should be tight enough on the collar bone that you can slide 2 finders in but can't turn them. It is tight! In addition, make sure the chest clip is in the correct position at armpit level. That little clip prevents the child from coming out the top! It's also important to have the belts through the correct slots in the seat. Check the manufacturers instructions to see if they need to be above or below shoulder height for the particular seat. Incorrect setup will compress the spine.

 

Absolutely, make sure the straps are tight. Also, here in Texas, they recommend you swing by the local police or fire department to make sure it is installed correctly. It sounded silly, until I found out how many people accidentally install them incorrectly or too loose. Don't be embarrassed, they are happy to help. Our area even has car seat experts. You can call in advance and just ask to have someone take a look.

Also, and I'm sure you'll think it will never pertain to you...I like the center or passenger side most. The reason is that you'll be able to see them. Sometimes, folks are in a hurry, the baby is sleeping, maybe even you are tired, and it's just that much more likely you won't accidentally forget the precious baby in the car if it's not hidden behind you. It can happen, it does happen. At least when getting out, you'll be more likely to not forget your valuable cargo because you'll have the chance to see the little one.