It is safest to put the car safety seat in a position where you can install it tightly with either the lower anchor system or the seat belt in some cases, this position may be on either side of the back seat rather than in the middle. Also, many vehicles do not have lower anchors for the middle seating position.

However, it is sometimes difficult to install a car safety seat tightly in the middle if the vehicle seat is narrow or uneven. If possible, it may be best for the child to ride in the middle of the back seat. Middle of the back seat-The safest place to ride for all children younger than 13 years is the back seat. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for details about how your seat belt locks. In addition, many car safety seats have built-in lock-offs so you can lock the belt without having to lock the seat belt separately as well. In most newer cars, you can lock the seat belt by pulling it all the way out and then allowing it to retract to keep the seat belt tight around the car safety seat. NOTE: Seat belts-If you install a car safety seat by using your vehicle's seat belt, you must make sure the seat belt locks to hold the seat tightly. New car safety seats have the maximum weight printed on their label. Parents should check the car safety seat manufacturer's recommendations for maximum weight a child can be to use lower anchors. See vehicle owner's manual for highest weight of child allowed to use top tether.Īll lower anchors are rated for a maximum weight of 65 pounds (total weight includes car safety seat and child). Nearly all passenger vehicles and all car safety seats made on or after September 1, 2002, are equipped to use LATCH. All forward-facing car safety seats have tethers or tether connectors that fasten to these anchors. Tether anchors are located behind the seat, either on the panel behind the seat (in sedans) or on the back of the seat, ceiling, or floor (in most minivans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and pickup trucks). Vehicles with the LATCH system have lower anchors located in the back seat, where the seat cushions meet. In general, caregivers should only use 1 of the 2 options unless the car safety seat and vehicle manufacturers say it is OK to use 2 systems at the same time. The seat belt and LATCH systems are equally safe, so caregivers should use one or the other, whichever works best for them, for their car safety seat, and their vehicle. The top tether should always be used with a forward-facing seat, whether you use the seat belt or lower anchors to secure it. Lower anchors can be used instead of the seat belt to install the seat, and many parents find them easier to use in some cars.

LATCH is an attachment system for car safety seats.

LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system. Product listing from the National Center for the Safe Transportation of Children With Special Health Care NeedsĬar safety seats may be installed with either the vehicle's seat belt or its Safe transportation for children with special health care needs Here to see the full 2023 Car Seat Product List Throughout this article, you will also find buttons linking to 2023 car safety seat listings by product type. It's important to continue your research to learn about each seat you use.Ģ023 Car Seat Product List for details about weight and height limits and estimated prices. This chart is a quick guide on where to begin.

Here is more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car safety seat for your child. If you are expectant parents, consider working with aĬertified child passenger safety technician before your baby is born to ensure a safe ride home from the hospital.

Harley passenger seat