LATCH versus center seat position

[kaismom]

Our car (Lexus RX300) has LATCH attachments on the side seats, not the center seat. We have placed our infant seat (Snugride) in the center though because that is supposed to be the safest position, but it is hard to get it firmly in place. Should we switch it to a LATCH position or keep it in the center? The other kids' booster seats are currently occupying the other seats. Thanks,

Ingrid
Kai, 1/21/97
Kirsten, 12/23/98
Stefan, 12/23/02

[CPSDarren]

If you can get it installed tightly, it is fine to leave it in the center. If it moves more than an inch side-to-side or back-to-front when gripped at the base where the seatbelt is routed, then you have a couple options-

If you can't get it any tighter to meet those recommendations, then it is probably better to move it outboard and see if it gets an acceptable fit there, with LATCH or seatbelts.

Of coruse, that would mean that one of your kids in a booster would have to be in the center. That is fine, as long as they have a shoulder belt and adequate head restraint. The tops of their ears should not be above the top of the vehicle seat or head restraint (if any).

If all else fails, you should consult a local technician for a free inspection. Please visit http://www.seatcheck.org to find one near you.

More LATCH information is here:

http://www.car-safety.org/latch.html

Darren
www.Car-Safety.Org
DuPage County SAFE KIDS

[kaismom]

Thank you Darren for the quick reply. Do most new cars have LATCH in the center seat as well, or is this a common configuration?

Ingrid

[CPSDarren]

Most new vehicles only have two LATCH seating positions, which is the minimum required by law. There are some exceptions, for example the larger GM sedans like Impala and Bonneville have 3 sets of LATCH in the rear seat. A few others (like Ford Taurus) allow you to use *either* the center *or* the two outboard spots with LATCH, but not all three.

Darren
www.Car-Safety.Org
DuPage County SAFE KIDS