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@Becky: would it make a difference if you got rid of the hbb and just used a booster?

@Becky: it’s covering the buckle in the middle so the hbb can’t be buckled?

@Becky: are you considering new seats? The Frontier can be a harnessed booster till 90lbs and 58”. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for trying to do 3 across because it is quite large, but perhaps there’s something similar you could get that would negate the buckle problem?

In DHs car we keep DD’s HBB buckled at all times because it’s impossible to fit your hand between the seats to get to the buckle. She or we just pull the seatbelt out without unbuckling and she puts her feet through then ducks her head under, and then we pull to make sure it’s tight enough. It’s annoying but the only way it fits in his car with 2 other seats.

@Becky: oh yea that part is a total pain, but in our situation it’s DHs car and he’s the stubborn one who doesn’t want new seats or a new car so he deals with it haha. I’m hoping when we get to two boosters it will be better, but every time I drive his car with them I’m annoyed.

@Becky: to try and get your husband to stop being difficult I'd start using language like the kids could die in an accident if the seats aren't installed properly. Because that is the truth, installing in a manner that isn't crash tested is dangerous. It's not just suggested that you follow the manual.

We have a keyfit and I have used it without the base. It's annoying at best and is super hard to get a good install so most likely won't be every time, and you have to uninstall it pretty much every time to get the baby in and out. I would not feel comfortable using it that way all the time

I hope you find a solution. We can fit 2 car seats and an adult in my mom's 2007 crv. We do ff safety 1st 3in1 on one outside, keyfit with base in the center and then an adult on the outside. I think a slim car seat would also fit in that outboard side

Probably a silly question that you've already explored, but did you try putting the booster on the opposite side? In my small SUV, with our Chicco Nextfit installed in the middle, on the right side we can still reach the buckle (my daughter can't buckle it herself but can usually unbuckle) but on the left side the positioning of the belt makes it nearly impossible to buckle. Just in case you haven't already tried this!

@Becky: for newborns you want the seat to have a recline angle that is 45 degrees. Since the Diono has a fixed angle it depends largely on the slope of your vehicle seat if it will be appropriate. Once a child has better head control the angle becomes less of an issue.

As far as fit to a newborn, an average size newborn may fit - as long as the straps are at or below the shoulders. The problem is with diono’s large chest clip and large harness pads. They can cause the harness to slip of the shoulders. You would need to look up info on your specific Diono to know if the pads can be removed. They can on some models but not all.

@Becky: if the keyfit fits with a baseless install, you could do that for a bit in the beginning and then switch to the diono? (That assumes you are successful with the configurations you said you might try)

An inexpensive convertible that tends to fit newborns well and that is skinny is the cosco scenera next. I know your DH doesn't want to spend a lot but that seat is around $40.

@Becky: whoa. So what he thinks the videos of what happens to kids improperly restrained are made up. I'd be mad