Introduction As your family grows, you might find yourself wondering how to fit three car seats in the backseat of your vehicle. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, juggling twins and a toddler, or planning ahead for carpooling, the thought of lining up three car seats can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that with the right combination of car seats, a careful look at your vehicle’s layout, and a bit of planning, achieving a 3-across setup is often possible. Factors to Consider Before You Buy 3 Car Seats for Your Vehicle While fitting three car seats in your vehicle’s backseat is likely doable, it takes some strategy. Before buying any car seats, consider the following: Vehicle Type, Size, and Seating Configuration Size Matters: Larger vehicles, like SUVs and minivans, generally have more space in the backseat, making it easier to fit three car seats across. Smaller cars or those with narrower backseats can pose more of a challenge. Measure Up: Before shopping for car seats, grab a tape measure and check the width of your vehicle's backseat. You should also measure the width of each individual vehicle seat, as the middle seat is often narrower than the others. This will give you a better idea of how much space you have to work with. Seat Design: The shape and contour of the backseat—including any bumps, dips, or fixed features—can affect how car seats fit and install next to one another. Car Seat Types Infant Car Seats: These are rear-facing car seats designed for newborns and young babies and are often used with a base that stays installed in the vehicle. Convertible Car Seats: These car seats can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions, offering extended use as your child grows. Rotating Convertible Car Seats: Like regular convertible car seats, this type of car seat can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. However, rotating convertible car seats are designed to swivel, making it easier to place or remove your child while the seat remains installed. Just keep in mind that placing a rotating car seat next to another car seat may hinder its ability to turn. Harness + Booster Seats: These forward-facing only car seats with a 5-point harness offer a helpful option for children who may need a little more room in their forward-facing car seat, but aren’t quite ready for a belt-positioning booster. As your child grows, these seats convert to a belt-positioning booster, offering a seamless transition that supports their changing needs. Belt Positioning Booster Seats: Belt-positioning booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their harnessed car seats. They come in various styles, including high-back boosters and backless boosters. Keep in mind that a belt-positioning booster seat needs to have enough space between it and the car seat next to it to access the vehicle’s seat belt. All-in-One Car Seats: These car seats combine the features of infant, convertible, and booster seats, offering a long-term solution for growing children. Some all-in-one car seats have slim designs that are well-suited for 3-across installations. Not sure which type of car seat is best for your children? Read our guide on how to choose the right car seat! Child Ages and Sizes Age and Stage: Your children's ages and developmental stages will influence the types of car seats you need. Babies require rear-facing car seats until they reach the maximum height or weight limits outlined by the car seat’s manufacturer and the age limit specified by your state laws. Older children can transition to forward-facing convertible car seats, all-in-one car seats, or harness booster seats once they reach the rear-facing car seat’s maximum height or weight limits. Maturity: Before transitioning to a belt-positioning or backless booster seat, children must meet the height and weight requirements and be able to sit properly in their booster seat for the duration of the ride. Car Seat Features Narrow Design: Look for car seats specifically designed to be narrow or slim-fitting. These car seats are often described as "3-across compatible" or "slim." Ease of Installation: Removable Cup Holders: If you’re worried about cup holders getting in the way, consider a car seat with foldable or removable cup holders. Putting Car Seats to the 3 Across Test Choosing the right car seats is only part of the process. How and where you install them plays a big role in making a three-across setup work. With careful planning, you can create a car seat combination that fits your vehicle and supports your family’s needs. Installation Tips for 3 Car Seats Consider Car Seat Combinations: The way you arrange car seats can make a difference when trying to fit three across. Many families find that placing a rear-facing car seat in the center and forward-facing seats on the sides helps everything line up more easily. Use a Combination of Installation Methods: While LATCH can be convenient for a single car seat, it can sometimes be more difficult than using the seat belt for three-across car seats, due to the placement of the anchors. Consider using seat belts or a combination of LATCH and seat belt installations to maximize space and ensure each seat is properly secured. Check for Compatibility: Before installing your car seats, refer to your vehicle owner’s manual and each car seat manual. This can help ensure compatibility and proper installation. Ask a Professional: Consider getting assistance from a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) for personalized installation guidance. Conclusion Fitting three car seats across may take a little planning, but it’s entirely possible in most vehicles. Focus on what works best for your children’s ages, sizes, and stages of development, and make sure each car seat fits your vehicle as intended. For more helpful tips and resources for your baby, check out the Chicco Baby Talk Blog! Best 3 Across Car Seats FAQs Why can't I fit 3 car seats? There are a few reasons why you might be struggling to fit three car seats: Your vehicle might be too narrow: Not all vehicles have enough space in the backseat to accommodate three car seats. Your car seats might be too wide: Some car seats are simply wider than others, making it difficult to fit three across. You might not be using the right combination of car seats: The types of car seats you're using (infant, convertible, booster) and their configurations (rear-facing or forward-facing) can impact how they fit together. You might not be installing them correctly: Proper installation is key to maximizing space and ensuring a secure fit. Can I use LATCH for all three seats? Whether you can use LATCH for all three seats depends on your vehicle and car seats. Some vehicles have three sets of lower LATCH anchors, while others only have two. Always check your vehicle and car seat manuals for specific instructions and restrictions. In many cases, you'll need to use the seat belt to install at least one of the car seats. What if my car is too small? Most vehicles can fit three car seats in the backseat with the right combination of car seats and installation methods. If your car is too small to fit three car seats across, you might need to consider a different vehicle. Where can I find a CPST? A Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) can be a valuable resource for getting personalized help with car seat selection and installation. You can find a CPST near you by visiting the Safe Kids Worldwide website. They can provide expert guidance and ensure that your car seats are installed correctly.