Infant car seat in Prius Prime

I had my infant on the left side rear. It’s possible but I don’t think it’s legal if you don’t had a seat belt associated to that space.

 

I wouldn't do that. I have an infant seat behind the passenger and a toddler seat behind the driver.
I would not put it on the center cup holder. That doesn't sound safe at all.

 

I don't know of anyone that puts infant seats in the middle. I've always known EVERYONE to put it behind the passanger seat. I don't think there is any issue doing that and I wouldn't rule out the prime for that reason.

 

I dont think its possible as theres no seatbelt for the mid area and also the armrest is not retractable.

Also I have two young ones (3 & 6) and althought they’re in their boosters...is a pain in the nice person to buckle them in as the center armrest is in the way of the buckle thing and they are located deep inside

 

Heres a pic...such a pain

 

...we have hoped that future model year Prime may have middle seat in back row.

 

Can you use a seatbelt extender? I know its a small extra expense but that may be a good option as I will be in that bucket soon for my first son.

 

I got my prime on the month of little boy. I had been using the rear left ever since. I drove 40 miles to visit my parents on the weekend. It’s safe to have your child on the left and the right. Just make sure you tighten everything and double check everything. It more convinced taking the kid out from the left and right.

 

Will be hard as the prime is already weighting in at around 3500lbs (or close to that number) with all the safety features/added weights. Putting in a mid-seat means a new chasis = more weight. Toyota already use some carbon fiber for tye trunk to save weight....another seat might need the entire car to be carbon fiber and thats going to cost alot of money

 

I thought about that but was afraid it isnt safe

 

I can't see how it wouldn't be safe. I'm sure they have to be held to the same standards as regular seatbelts. Obviously not an expert on seat belts but I would assume the connection point where they click together (using an extender or not) is the weakest point of the seatbelt chain. Does having 2 connection points make it weaker?? Maybe...but that may just be a google search away from finding the answer.

 

Super quick search on the topic and seems like extenders are not a good idea for booster seats. Didn't see anything positive about it so I wouldn't test with my child and I would assume you wouldn't test with yours!

 

Also via Google, well last year Toyota said there will probably be a 5-seat Prime coming. May cost more. The question would be if it is still coming, and when?

Another question for Toyota would be, is there any known "legal" USA solution to adapting the middle for infant seat?

Otherwise we are hosed for now.

I do recall in Europe somebody put a 3-seat across single child seat unit in a Prius, it went the whole way over all 3 seats. But I bet it is not USA legal (who knows?).

 

To the OP....have you consider the Honda Clarity, great alternative

 

Any picture?

In USA As I know as long as you had a seatbelt to the seat. It will be legal. Not sure that rule applies to children.

 

Btw I wish my prime is a two seater like my mr2. Lol

 

Of course (see below) or search on "Triplets!" god blessed them

 

There are more risks to sitting in the side rear spots vs. the middle one in the event of being rear ended. The front seat backs have failed on numerous makes and models, collasping backwards and sending the seat back and/or front passenger into the rear passenger.
Auto safety experts demand NHTSA action on seatback failures - CBS News
Front seat hidden danger kills children in cars | FOX31 Denver

 

It does not look like a Prius prime to me, this is a normal Prius....... there is no air vent on the side!