Outboard position OK in Volvo S40 with rear airbags/canopy?

[mamica]

We have a 2002 Volvo S40, and we are only able to use an infant seat with LATCH in the outboard positions. Would it be safer to forget about LATCH and position the infant seat in the middle?

Thanks for your help!!

[murphydog77]

Hi. I would try the infant seat in the center position with the seat belt first and see if you get a good fit there. You want less than 1" of movement right at the belt path. Keep in mind that the base will move more the further away you get from the belt path and it will be able to be pushed up toward the back of the car.

http://www.carseatsite.com/installing_your_car_seat.htm

LATCH is a convenience feature; it is only safer if it gets you a tighter installation. Using an outboard position puts a child closer to a side impact collision, should that occur, which is why we suggest trying for the center position first.

Heather, CPS Tech
http://www.CarSeatSite.com

[mamica]

Thanks Heather. In that case, would it be better to use a carseat with or without a base?

[murphydog77]

I like bases because you install them once and don't have to worry about installing them every ride. You could install the infant seat only and leave it in the car, but most infant seats have belt paths across the top of the seat, so you're stuck having to maneuver your baby underneath the seat belt to buckle them into the harness. Or you can just use a convertible seat from the outset. Convertible seats are left in the car all the time.

Heather, CPS Tech
http://www.CarSeatSite.com