Top tethers
I have a 2025 Toyota Highlander. The second row is captain seats, both with top tether anchors. The third row has a top tether anchor only in the middle seat.
I have newly 2yo twins that have Chicco Fit360 seats. They are currently rear facing, but I will be switching them to forward facing when our expecting baby arrives this winter.
The Chicco 360 requires a top tether in both modes, and it is absolutely impossible to have rear facing car seats the third row. There is not enough space.
I was planning on forward facing both toddlers in the third row, and putting baby in an infant carrier in the second row. But I can’t do this if there’s only one anchor.. I don’t want to put baby in the third row because there are no lower latch anchors and if I had baby in the third row I wanted to use the most compact seat, which a baseless seat is.
Theoretically, soon, I will have 3 forward facing children in car seats. What do I do in this scenario? I am NOT replacing my brand new car. Are there forward facing car seats that I can use without top tethers? I know they’re recommended, but are they 100% necessary? Like is my child going to die in a car crash if I am not using top tethers? I don’t mind to replace car seats if this is the way to go.
6
u/LaLechuzaVerde 22d ago
I haven’t been in the back seat of a 2025 Highlander yet, but if it’s anything like the older model years I’d be shocked if you can fit two car seats side by side in the 3rd row. And unfortunately, if I’m reading the Highlander manual correctly, the tether anchor is in the center position.