Clicky Poll about FF carseats

shannm

We have turned DS around because he has reached the height limit for RF in his carseat.  We have a new car that has the option of the LATCH but only on the side seats, not in the middle.  However, we can use the seatbelt in the middle.  And there is a tether connection for all positions.  So what do you think is more important, using the LATCH or being in the middle?[Poll]

habsoilers

I don't think LATCH is necessarily safer than the seatbelt - just easier. I would also check your car manual to see what it says. In our manual it said that for our type of car not to use the middle.

shannm

habsoilers:

I don't think LATCH is necessarily safer than the seatbelt - just easier. I would also check your car manual to see what it says. In our manual it said that for our type of car not to use the middle.

Yeah, both the manual for the seat and the manual for the car don't say whether one is better than the other.  And the car can have a seat in the middle, there is a tether and specific instructions on how to put it there.  I am thinking that due to the ease like you said, it may be more likely that the seat is installed correctly with the LATCH, therefore the car seat company may list that first.  But if I can avoid putting him in the "impact" zone for a bit longer, I am kind of leaning toward the middle, KWIM?

franciscaz

I've found that going and getting your seat inspected is always safest.  They can look up where it is best in your car and ensure it is in right.  It only takes a few moments to get a seat inspected but can save a life.

JillAly

Being behind the passenger seat statistically is a tiny- and I mean miniscule tiny - amount safer than being in the middle seat.  I checked NHTSA (highway traffic safety) statistics. 

But as Francisca said- the most important thing is that they are in correctly- wherever you put them.  Most people are in such a rush that they don't spend the time really making sure everything is tight and well connected.  In a crash, that is more important than where they are sitting.