finding a vehicle for a growing family

If you are expecting triplets, you'll are likely considering upgrading to a larger vehicle before the triplets arrive. After all, having triplets means needing three car seats and having enough room to store all of the essentials that are necessary when you have babies on board… and that doesn't even take into account any older children. Here's what you need to know.

Third Row Seats Are Dangerous

Many parents in your situation consider purchasing a vehicle with a third row seat, especially if there are older siblings. However, third row seats are dangerous for babies and children, especially when there is little distance between the back of the seat and the rear window. When a third row seat is tightly squeezed into a vehicle, it doesn't leave enough room to act as a cushion in a rear-end collision.

Therefore, do not put the triplets' car seats in the third row seat. If you have older children and must use a third row seat to accommodate your large family, consider a larger SUV such as a Ford Expedition EL, which has a cargo compartment behind the third row seat. The Expedition EL model has 42.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, compared to 18.6 cubic feet in the Expedition. If you're interested in a vehicle like this, contact a Ford dealer in your area for more information.

And the additional benefit of having more storage space in the cargo area is that you will have enough room for strollers for all of your children, as well as all of the other necessities that come part and parcel with having a large family, such as diaper bags and groceries. Another good thing about having this additional space is that it can double as a diaper-changing station at any time.

If you must have third row seating, you'll want the bumpers to be made of steel for more protection in a collision, especially if the vehicle has little-to-no space cushion in between the third row seat and the rear of the vehicle. These bumpers can be ordered at a dealership and installed at the factory or installed at the dealership as an after-market upgrade.

Car Seats that Fit 3-Across

Now you are probably wondering how you will be able to fit three car seats across one seat in a vehicle. After all, car seats are not optional. Each state has laws that need to be followed regarding child safety seats. Fortunately, Baby Center has compiled a list of 47 car seats that fit 3-across in most vehicles.

Since you'll have 3 infants, you'll need to be sure to choose infant seats that provide a base that the seats securely attach to. Avoid purchasing infant seats that need to be secured with the seat belt each time. You probably won't be able to easily squeeze your hand in between all the infant seats to secure the seat belts.

If you have older children who will be sitting in the third row, you'll also need to consider if the middle row seating needs to be moved or folded for the older children to access the third row seat. Of course, you won't be able to use an infant seat with a base in the section of the middle row that folds up or moves to access the third row.

Purchase the child car seats that you need and take them with you when you shop for vehicles. Before you take anything out on the road for a test drive, make sure that all of the car seats will fit and be properly secured. If not, speak with the sales representative about ordering a vehicle with customized seating to suit your family's needs.