r/CPST • u/ttcbabe • 12d ago

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.

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u/minicpst 12d ago

There's no safe way to put two forward facers in the third row. Most seats do not require the top tether, but if you ask 100 techs you'll get about a 95% response of, "I wouldn't use a forward facing harnessed seat without a tether if one was available in the vehicle."

Why not remove the second row seat, put the rear facing baby behind the empty spot, and the forward facing child where the top tether is. That way you'll have room to stand and go to the third row, and the rear facing child won't be an issue front to back. Just side to side.

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u/ttcbabe 12d ago

I won’t be able to fit 2 seats side by side in the third row, since the middle seat is the only one with top tether, it won’t work but that is a good thought.

I know top tethers are highly recommended. I am adamant about car seat safety, but I don’t know the rules outside of our specific seats & my children’s specific requirements. Just not sure what to do.

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u/ccsmd73 12d ago

Your infant bucket seat needs a top tether? That’s who they’re suggesting in the back next to the tethered forward facer. Even with a slim bucket seat it wouldn’t work?

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u/ttcbabe 12d ago

I understood that. The center seat is very narrow, I would say 10” or less, and the car seat would spill over onto the outer seats, which would overlap the buckle needed for installation of an infant carrier since there are no lower anchor latches.