Are baby car seat supposed to be in the middle of your backseat? When using a new car seat for the first time, sometimes it is difficult to know which safety regulations and recommendations to follow. It may be unclear to you which ones are mandatory and which ones are optional. Moreover, you may have simply run out of time and are looking for some guidance.
There are steps you can take to ensure that your child has a safe and comfortable experience when riding in a car seat. One of the things that can ensure your baby’s safety is installing their car seat in the right place.
With this article, we’ll be explaining the reason behind car seat placement. From there, we will take a quick look (based on research) where to install your car seat. This depends on the car you have, number of seats, and if you have a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat.
The Importance of Car Seat Placement
A forward-facing car seat should be installed in the center of your back seat. This is the safest position for your baby. And for rear-facing car seat, statistics have proven that center seat is the safest position.
A study conducted last 2008 to assess the risk of car seat placement showed that children aged 0 to 3, seated in the center of your backseat had a 43% less in chances of an injury in a collision that car seat positioned in the passenger side of your car.
A study was also conducted for children’s survival rate when it comes to fatal collision. And it shows that a car seat placed in the center of your back seat, 13% chance of survival.
If you’re using an SUV or a minivan, there are several factors affecting your car seat placement. When looking to set your baby in a minivan or SUV, it is best if they are positioned as close to the middle row of seats as possible. But, If your car has a bench in the middle row, then installing your baby’s car seat in the center of the middle row is the best bet.
Alternatively, if your middle row has bucket seats rather than just regular ones, you will need to place your car seat in the third row of seats.
What If You Need to Install More Than One Car Seat?
For more than two car seats, you can install both car seats in the center of each row. In case you will be installing a third one, the best place would be the middle row of the passenger seat, this is for SUV and minivan. For the fourth car seat, it would be best to install it in the middle of the back row.
Some maybe thinking if these recommendations, are for rear-facing or forward-facing car seats? We’ll explain further in a bit.
Can a Forward-facing be Placed in the Middle?
If you’re only installing one car seat, be it rear-facing or forward-facing, placing it in the center of your backseat will always be the safest position for your baby. Now, if you have other children that will be on the backseat and does not require any car seat, placing your forward-facing car seat in the middle might not be the best choice.
Most cars are designed with protection for any side impact that works best when using a forward-facing car seat. If your child does not need a car seat, it would be safest to seat them in the middle and position your forward-facing car seat on the backseat center.
Is It Safe to Install Your Car Seat in the Passenger or Behind the Driver?
Installing your baby’s car seat in the passenger seat or behind the driver should only be allowed under the following:
- Having to install two or more car seats for your children in your vehicle.
- If you have two children that is in the back seat.
- After utilizing the passenger seat first.
We have not found a straight answer why it’s not safe to put your car seat behind the passenger seat. But after some research, we were able to combine some answers. Installing your car seat behind the passenger seat leaves a lot of space to cushion the impact since most of the time there is no one occupying that side. For installation behind the driver, if ever there will be a collision and the impact you receive will throw you back, the chance of injury for your child is much higher.
Safely Installing 2 Car Seats
Installing two car seats where you are sure that it will be safe can depend on if you are using a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat for your child. When using two rear-facing or two forward facing, install the car seat for the younger child in the middle. And install the car seat for the older child behind the passenger seat. Your older child who is physically stronger and more developed can handle accidents better. But if your children are twins or are of the same age, you should still install your car seats in the middle and behind the passenger. Do not install behind the driver.
Installing the forward-facing seat in the middle should reduce the injury in any event of collision. Forward-facing seats have less safety features compared to other seats. Install the rear-facing car seat behind the passenger seat.
Studies have proven that the middle seat is safer than behind the passenger side or behind the driver side. Follow experts advice when it comes to car seat placement. This is for your baby’s safety and well-being.
Conclusion
Always remember that if you have two or more car seats, always prioritize the younger one. Place their seat in the middle and place the older one behind the passenger side. Never install your car seat in the front seat unless it’s absolutely necessary. Lastly, remember that your child with the least protection or the youngest should be placed in the middle for safety.
