Two carseats and golden retriever in backseat...

Another idea is to build a platform for the center back seat to utilize more space for the dog on longer drives. So it would extended the seat to the center console. My 50 lb Aussie usually lays on the stuff on the floor to bridge the gap so she can be closer to us. No kids right now but just married and already planning on getting the 4runner for longer drives especially with kids.

 

Indeed, you are correct as 2 years is the minimum recommendation from AAP. NHTSA recommends as long as possible, "Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer."

But research suggests up to 4 years is much safer. "Excessive stretching or even transection of the spinal cord can result if a child is involved in a head-on crash while in a forward facing car seat" and "Rear facing seats are safer than forward facing seats for children under 4 years old" from a research study http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/704630

Additional information: http://thecarseatlady.com/when-should-your-child-turn-forward-facing/

 

Where do you live?

 

Ohio.

 

Figures...

 

Lol.

 

This is my recommendation. Kids in the back seat. You have a topper, so get a hard plastic dog crate, throw some blankets in it and, if need be, get an insulated cover. Probably safer for the kids and the dog if you get in a wreck. Dog won't fall into your kids and he won't be thrown around the bed because it is in a crate that is strapped down.

 

Thread getting good now...

 

At 5'5 I wouldn't take the back seat

 

Really? Son is pushing 6 foot and he is fine back there, is it a limo? NO, but get over it.

 

Wait WTF?
I've been needing to get 2 more of the sport seats for the truck.. they discontinued them?

 

Recaro discontinued all child seats in the US.

I found out the hard way.

 

http://www.babybargains.com/breaking-recaro-quits-us-car-seat-stroller-business/

 

That really sucks. We love the performance sport car seats.

 

My wife is 5'4" 115lbs and she doesn't want to sit back there for more than an hour.

 

I got a bunch of these to use as boosters. They're really, really, nice.

http://clekinc.com/oobr/

I know you're looking for a FF harness seat. I don't really have any suggestions. We love our Performance Sports seats as well. I still have the two that my son uses. My daughters, I sold about two months ago.

 

That's my thoughts too. They are kids, they are way more flexible and can tolerate it at that point without it being a huge pain.

 

I just don't get it. I have been stuffed in more small rides that I can remember, but some folks are just too good I guess. hmmm I wonder why some places can't stand Americans, you other than the fact we use way more resources than we should.

 

Thanks for the recco. I'll have to see if I can still track down 2 new matching ones.
Probably SOL but worth a shot

 

@VTDave, we have a 2 month old, a 3.5 year old, and two old terriers. The toddler sits in this behind me:

Evenflo Tribute Sport Convertible Car Seat, Maxwell

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GS1H9XG and the infant sits in this:

Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat | Baby Car Seat, Gotham

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H8MQ4US in the center seat. My wife rides in the passenger seat, and the pups ride on the seat behind her.

There's definitely enough room for a big dog in the passenger seat, as long as the car seats you use aren't giant baby thrones. Some car seats are absolutely massive and offer no extra benefits over a smaller one like the ones we use. I wouldn't squeeze a dog in the middle seat with both car seats on the outside though, it's too tight.

If your kids are older,

New mifold Comfort Grab-and-go Car Backless Booster Seat- Compact and Portable for Every Day, Carpooling, Travel, Compact for Every Day, Comfortable for Every Adventure, Slate Grey

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5VJJTE works GREAT as a booster and is super compact. I have a friend that road trips in a Honda Fit with 3 kids in car seats. They all fit fine, two in the booster and one's still in a chair like the one I use for my toddler.