carseat install.. is it OK to use latches from either side?

BuckeyeWife07 · June 2010

When we went to put the car seat in this week, we realized that the latch system is really only on the two side seats. Hubby got the base to latch on the inside hooks for each side to have it in the middle, but you (obviously) can tighten it at all because it's stretched to the max. Is this the safest option or would it be better to move the seat to the passenger side?

kaiteedidit · June 2010

No, you cannot use the latch from each side to put the car seat in the middle. Either use the seat belt or put the car seat on either side.

BlondeBeachBride08 · June 2010

if there are no LATCH hooks in the middle seat and you want it in the middle you have to install with the seatbelt. The LATCH hooks are only meant for the seat they are in - Driver's side or Passenger side. The way you have it now will not pass a safety inspection. Head to your local fire department if you have questions.

sensoregurl · June 2010

Yea, move the seat to the passenger side or use the seat belt attachment option if you have it. The latches are not designed to use one from each. My seat only fits in the middle seat and we used the seat belt attachment and had it professionally inspected. It is no less safe to use the seat belt option, it's just easier to use the latch option.

joeandmarsha · June 2010

I was told by a lady at a car seat clinic that this was not safe, I was doing the same. Move it to the side, or you can get a teather bolt installed, most dealerships (here) do it for free.

Hambly · June 2010

Your car seat info should tell you to install according to your car makers directions, which I'm assuming will tell you to install it in one of the side seat.

BuckeyeWife07 · June 2010

Hambly:
Your car seat info should tell you to install according to your car makers directions, which I'm assuming will tell you to install it in one of the side seat.

My car manual didn't really give specific instructions... very general. And it said to follow the car seat instructions. I have ford edge if that helps...

shanesfiance · June 2010

We were told this is not safe. If you want the car seat in the middle, just use the seatbelt--the lady told us neither the latch nor seatbelt is "better" in terms of safety, a lot of people just find the latch system easier to use.

Pytko7 · June 2010

what others have said. You dont want to use it from another seat. use the seat belt. I would also look at the instructions. It also depends on the seat. My car has the latch system but when I had it done at the fire station they told me with my car and the seat with it being installed rear facing the middle and seatbelt were the best option. I also was told that when she get into a convertable seat it would proboly have to be on a side cause of the room i have in my car. My SIL has hers infant seat on a side cause it would not fit in the middle. It really depends on the car so I would look into the manual and when you set up your apt to have it inspected ask if they can tell you the best place for it. GL

MeanMommyLady · June 2010

LATCH is a feature of CONVENIENCE. A car seat installed with LATCH is not more safely installed than a correctly installed seatbelt install. If you are more comfortable with your LO in the middle (and most sources say the middle is SLIGHTLY more safe than the sides) then you can do a middle seat install with the seatbelt. If you prefer to use the LATCH (again, NOT proven SAFER, just more convenient) then you will need to use either side. Some vehicles DO allow for "borrowing" a LATCH from each side for middle installation, however, if your vehicle allowed for this it would be made clear in the vehicle manual.

ballerina06 · June 2010

BuckeyeWife07:

Hambly:
Your car seat info should tell you to install according to your car makers directions, which I'm assuming will tell you to install it in one of the side seat.

My car manual didn't really give specific instructions... very general. And it said to follow the car seat instructions. I have ford edge if that helps...

I'm an engineer for Ford and I can tell you that it is not safe. You must move the car seat to either behind the driver or passenger where there are 2 LATCH metal hooks. If you choose to use the center seat you cannot use LATCH, you must use the seatbelt.

Roxpup · June 2010

kaiteedidit:
No, you cannot use the latch from each side to put the car seat in the middle. Either use the seat belt or put the car seat on either side.

This exactly... generally if your car does not have the LATCH system in the middle, then the middle isn't the safest place in that particular make and model for the car seat, but your car's user manual should be able to tell you the best place in your particular car for your car seat

BuckeyeWife07 · June 2010

Ok, I guess I have my answer. So now I just have to decide whether I'd rather it in the middle (with a seatbelt) or on the side (using LATCH). Thanks everyone!

Dawson56 · June 2010

kaiteedidit:
No, you cannot use the latch from each side to put the car seat in the middle. Either use the seat belt or put the car seat on either side.

this exactly! we went and had ours installed last week and they advised us that its a big no no...

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carseat install.. is it OK to use latches from either side?

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