They will be just fine with kids and dogs. Use the cleaning solutions from Volvo or Leatherique. Do not use other commercially available cleaners (i.e. Lexol) because they will lay down a glossy layer.
Laying down a towel for a wet dog is always a good idea.
MOST IMPORTANT: Do not slide across the edge of the seats when getting in and out. Doing so will burnish the edges, make them shiny and wear prematurely. Instead, push off with your legs and keep your butt away from the side bolsters.
It's a bit OCD, however it's the only way to keep the seats looking new while giving give your hips, hamstrings, quads and glutes a nice workout at the same time!

 

You don't protect it. I had three seat replacements done in the first year. I am a single guy and I wear a suit every day at work, so my seats have never even seen jeans. Yet, they all showed significant wear and tear. You put kids in there... good luck. But Volvo knows the leather sucks, and they replace it for free. So why bother worrying about it?

 

The vast majority of us have had no issues at all with Volvo's leather seats. In my case, with no special care, my seats still look brand new after two years. A few posters experienced some early-model quality control problems with the Inscription leather that were resolved through Volvo, while others just compulsively badmouth Volvo no matter what the subject might be. I absolutely love the amber seats, and I suspect that you will, too.

 

How do you know that the vast majority of people had no problems? Any data?

Because Volvo had multiple TJs out there about early wear and they always replaced my seats without beating an eyelash. My dealer was aware of the problem. The tech that is replaced my seats tells me he does a couple a week. I know three people owning SPAs and all had seat bases replaced. And the simple fact that people are posting instructions about contortions should give you a hint.

The idea that this is an early production problem is just wishful thinking. I had the problem on both XC90s I owned, a 2016 and a 2017. The new seats are better - the new Nappa leather is not as soft, but it is a bit more durable. Yet, it still wears faster than any other Nappa I have owned in any other vehicle.

Now, I do realize I am one of those people badmouthing Volvo, to use your expression. Because I believe they deserve to be badmouthed. But to come here and suggest everything is fine, when it so clear not, is very dishonest and unethical. What about the poor bastards that are considering a Volvo? Don't they deserve to know there are issues?

There is a silver lining. Volvo does replace the seats, for free. If not all are worn, you end up with mismatched leather and possibly seats with different stitching, but it's hard to notice.

 

I have the Inscription blonde seats and interior. As mentioned above, just stick with the Volvo leather cleaner (or equivalent). Some will use OptiCoat, CQuartz, or similar protectant. Generally, wiping with a damp cloth and drying with a dry cloth is all that is needed.

Although I don't have kids, I would not allow cotton candy :nono: or such foods. Regardless, incidents will surely happen - whether a child or an adult. Just keep the interior clean and the leather maintained.

If you have air suspension, you can set the suspension to "easy entry/exit" to minimize the burnishing of seats - which can happen to any vehicle (including my ole' 1990 Ford Taurus SHO with leather).

As for dogs, my Golden Retriever is normally in the far back on a cushy, waterproof cover for the bottom and backside of the second row. For extended trips, I fold down a rear seat (or two) and buckle her in (with the dog harness) and a similar kind of cover as the rear that also connects around the headrests of the front seats to act as a barrier to the front and protector of the backsides of the front seats and the second row. I never have her in the front seat nor directly on the leather no matter what car I am driving (like my wife's Camry XLE with leather).