[zero_gravity]

This was a big problem for me back when my first son was born in 2017. The issue is the shape of the back of the front seats. The upper part comes out too far and interferes with the child seat. For fitment of the child seat, it cannot be touching the seat in front of it.

I ended up getting a Britax infant car seat but was forced to place it in the middle due to these issues.

Later did get a convertible one (bigger as kid grew) and it does fit much better behind the passenger seat in rear facing mode but the seat must be moved up a few inches. Might be uncomfortable for taller people. This one is also a Britax.

Now do keep in mind that the infant seats are generally safer than the convertible ones as they have a steeper incline for the child.

I chose Britax because they're well known to fit smaller cars. Is there a store you can visit that will let try fitting them? We have babies r us here but I don't think you have those where you are? Regardless, test fitting is the best way.

Sorry for your pain that I know all too well. Getting a child seat for these cars is terrible. The shape of the front seats was revised in later years to correct this problem. 2016 I think, maybe 2017.

 

[zero_gravity]

The closest babies r'us is an hour away so I'll probably do as much research as I can online. Upon further reading , I see that a lot of people recommend the Graco extend2fit convertible seats for the mazda3 as they are compact enough to fit.

When you say that infant seats have a steeper incline, do you mean that they sit taller? Aren't infants supposed to be more horizontal since they can't support their own head?
Thanks for your input!

You're correct, the infant seats have a steeper incline so they sit more flat. That means that they're a bit longer and have more issues hitting the back of your seat. They're also safer. If you can fit one, use it.

Total side note as a parent of two, don't get into the systems where the infant seat hooks into a stroller. Babies shouldn't be in a car seat for hours on end and it tends to overheat them. The plastics in the fabrics make them sweat. Plus if it's a stroller that only works with that car seat you're done with it in less than a year. I always found them to be just a gimmick.

 

[zero_gravity]

My son is now five and in a booster seat, but I used a Graco click type rear facing seat when he was first born. You only use it for about six months, so we didn't go super high end on it. He was our second child.

https://www.gracobaby.com/strollers/travel-systems/fastaction-se-travel-system/SP_227040.html

We then got a Britax car seat around six months of age. It was a cousins hand me down, but we had used the same brand for his sister and they make a good product.

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Then around two and a half years of age we got the following convertible booster from Graco, which he still uses. Neck support, shoulder straps, cup holders, and the back part comes off.

Get a seat cover before putting one in. They sell liners that go under the seat and strap to the headrest to protect things.
CK

Graco Transitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

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I got the older boy in the booster seat. So much easier! Can't wait until the youngest is in one.

I found that we used the infant seat for about 10 months myself, but he was definitely getting a little big for it by the end. Now it's going to a friend. No more babies here.....I hope.