Does anybody know if car seats are safer in captains chairs or bench seats in the backseat of SUVs? I can't seem to find any information on whether or not there is any difference safety wise. We are trying to buy a new car and this is a disagreement point between my husband and I.
There is no scientific fact based upon the safety of the seats. As long as you have the carseat strapped in properly, it is safe. You can try calling your local police department or the Department of Safety or even a local hospital to find out more. Good luck!
Well, since the safest place in the vehicle is the middle of the back seat, I would say the bench seat would be the safest place for the car seat. Also, check to make sure the vehicle is equipped with the LATCH system so you can anchor the car seat to the vehicle itself (it's safer than using a seatbelt to hold the carseat to the seat itself).
Any place that you install a carseat correctly will be a safe place. Keep in mind that about 80% of carseats are install incorrectly. I also urge you to visit a CPST (Child Passenger Saftey Technician) to help you learn how to correctly install your carseat. You can visit http://www.usa.safekids.org/ to find a CPST near you and set up an appt. However unlike what the person previously said, LATCH is not any safer than a seatbelt. They are both equally safe when used correctly. You may use which is easier for you, one or the other, but not both.
K.,
Car seats are a tricky business to install without talking about what type of seat to install them into. Most people put them in wrong to begin with. I would suggest contacting your local Police/Sheriff/Fire Department (or call any in Caddo/Shreveport as well) and find out when they are having another babyseat check. The people who do the babyseat checks are certified to check/install safely by the state of Louisiana. There is NOT a charge for this service. They will be able to answer your questions according to safety laws and make sure your carseats are installed properly. You can even bring the carseat in the box and they will put it in initially. This is something that I would urge you to let the experts teach you how to do and answer your concerns.
S.
