borrowing 1 Latch hook from each seat?

[miasmom]

Due to space issues in my Hyundai Santa Fe, the only spot my DD's Graco Saferide will fit so the driver & front seat passenger have any leg room is in the middle of the back seat. My husband has rigged it up by hooking the LATCH system to the inside latch from the left seat and inside latch from the right seat. Is that safe?

Or would we be better off securing her seat with the lapbelt provided for the middle rider?

[unityco]

It's only allowed if your vehicle's manual specifically says so. I don't know what Hyundai's stand is on it, but I'm sure someone with a LATCH manual will chime in!

Have you tried installing it with the seatbelt?

[CandCfam]

Ditto PP, you will need to check your vehicle's owners manual.

It's not stated in the 2007 Quick Reference LATCH list (http://www.saferidenews.com/pdfs/pg_126_max_wt_07.pdf)

[miasmom]

We have not used the seatbelt yet, because I was under the impression that the Latch system was more secure than a regular lap belt, but I'm not sure it's safer than what we're doing since we're currently using 1 hook from each position.

Is the LATCH really safer than a regular lapbelt?

[azgirl71]

Graco also would have to allow borrowing. I don't think they do. You should be able to get a good install using the seatbelt. Lower Anchors are not any safer than a seatbelt install. Just more convienent ;)

ETA: Lapbelts work great for installs!

[crunchierthanthou]

You need to consult both your vehicle and carseat owner's manuals. In this case, Hyundai does not allow center LATCH, but Graco does (provided the vehicle does).

Here's an explanation of using LATCH in the center-

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=33718

[Starlight]

In general, if you use the words "rigged up" ... It's probably not okay! But other than that, I just second everything that everyone else has said! LOL

[Dillipop]

I have a hyundai and they do not allow center LATCH use. You will need to install the seat with the seatbelt if you want it in the center.

[1girltwinboyz]

ditto the center seat belt or use latch outboards. funny how the first kid is SO protected then its as protected as possible from then on....:p