You’ve done the hard part—choosing the right infant car seat for your baby. Now comes the crucial step: installing it in the safest possible position in your vehicle. Understanding where to place your infant car seat is critical to ensuring your child's safety on every ride. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through it.
Figuring out where to place your infant car seat can often feel confusing, especially with so many factors to consider, such as your type of vehicle and whether you’re installing additional car seats. We’re here to help you decide what’s best and safest for your family and vehicle setup.
Why the Middle Seat is Safest
According to safety experts, children seated in the center rear seat have a 43% lower risk of injury compared to children in a rear outboard position. The middle seat is the furthest away from impact in a crash and furthest from airbags, making it statistically the safest option. If your vehicle allows, we recommend installing your infant car seat in the rear middle as the first option.
When the Center Seat Isn’t an Option
While experts recommend the middle seat as the safest option, we understand that every family’s situation is different. Whether it’s due to multiple car seats, ease of access, or recovery after childbirth, installing your infant car seat in the center may not always be feasible.
In fact, research shows that the right rear outboard seat is the most common seating position for infant car seats. So, what’s the safest option if the middle seat doesn’t work for you?
The Best Installation is the Safest Installation
It all comes down to where you can get the most secure installation. If you can’t get a good fit in the center seat, then it’s no longer the safest option. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes that proper installation is key to ensuring your child’s safety in any seat position. Whether in the middle or outboard, the most important thing is to follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and ensure a tight and secure fit.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the safest position for your infant car seat is wherever you can achieve the best installation. If that’s in the middle seat, great! If not, an outboard seat with a perfect fit still offers excellent protection for your little one. Always ensure your car seat is installed correctly, and if you’re unsure, consider consulting a certified car seat technician.