What is safer: Center-seat lap/shoulder booster vs. window-seat harness?

[safetynut]

I have come down to two choices, because of the height of my child.

The only 5-point seat she fits is the Britax Regent, which is too wide for my center spot (I need to fit two car seats in the back total).

If I want her in the center, it looks like my only choice is to use a backless booster, with the lap-shoulder belt.

So here's my question: Is is safer to keep her in the middle with lap/shoulder and booster, or is it safer to put her on the outside in a 5-point?

I.e. - what is more important to safety, since it looks like I have to choose: the harness, or the position in the car?

[o_mom]

I vote harnessed. She is just three, right? A booster only works if the child is in the correct position at the time of the crash. It will be very hard for a three year old to stay in position all the time. All it takes is a second for her to slip her arm over the shoulder strap or unbuckle the seat belt.

I highly recommend you watch these videos of a harnessed seat crash test and a booster crash test:

Harnessed seat FF:

http://www.oeamtc.at/netautor/html_seiten/kisitest_2002/videos/test2002/frontcrash/maxicosipriori.mpg

Booster:

http://www.oeamtc.at/netautor/html_seiten/kisitest_2002/videos/test2002/frontcrash/maxicosirodi.mpg

[Joolsplus2]

Definitely a harnessed seat outboard, no question about it. She's waaaaaaay too young for a booster.

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 3 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[niccig]

No contest - definitely harness outboard. The center is the safest position, but any added safety is gone when the carseat isn't the right one for you child. 5 point is so much safer than a booster, especially for a young child. Put the Regent and your other seat outboard and both your DC will be as safe as they can be.

Nicci

[safetynut]

Thank you for all your responses. I was forgetting the five capabilities rule. Crazy-busy times here - trying to remodel/move/get ready for 2nd baby - I think I'm losing my mind... :)

I might still have hope for center seating - found a local store that carries the Safeguard. It's supposed to be narrower than the Regent. So we'll go see if she fits that tonight, and if it fits our car. It's a lot of $ in the short run, but if we never have to buy another car seat for her again, then it's probably less expensive in the long run than buying her one now, and another later.