Using outboard LATCH for center install?

[bethinmpls]

Sorry if this has been asked/answered a ton before, I couldn't find anything searching. I have a 2002 Honda CRV. It has outboard latch connectors, none in the middle. I have tried repeatedly to get a good solid center install with my Britax Boulevard. I've even had two techs try. It takes like an hour and then doesn't stay tight. Which of course, makes it no good at all! So I have DD in an outboard position using latch, have a great install.

Unfortunately, I'm a bit paranoid b/c we have already been sideswiped once since she was born, on her side of the car. She was fine, but it has made me really nervous about not having her in the middle. I saw someone else post that some car seat manufacturers say you can use the outboard latch for a center install - is this true for Britax/Honda? If the answer was no, what would you (as a mother and a car seat safety-obsessed person) do? If the answer is I need to just chill out, you can tell me that too. :p I just want to feel I have her as safe as possible (duh).

[Jeanum]

Honda doesn't allow borrowing the outboard lower anchors to install with LATCH in the center. Here's the list by vehicle manufacturer from the LATCH manual for reference: http://www.saferidenews.com/pdfs/pg_126_max_wt_07.pdf You're also right in thinking that both the vehicle manufacturer and the carseat manufacturer have to allow borrowing, and while Britax does, Honda doesn't.

Others with CR-Vs or CRV experience might have some pointers for center seatbelt installations for you.

Another thing to keep in mind to help reassure you about an outboard installation is that a rear facing carseat offers a great deal of crash protection by virtue of being rear facing for your little one. Your Blvd's side impact protection headwings are an extra measure of peace of mind, too. :) A proper installation with less than an inch of movement at the Blvd's belt path, using an allowed installation method for the vehicle seating position, really trumps all. :thumbsup:

[Mom to a few]

My sister just sold her CRV, and it did not allow center LATCH.

I never installed a Blvd in her car, but I didn't have a problem getting a tight seatbelt install with her other seats RFing. If you can't get a good install in the center with a seatbelt, then I would certainly use LATCH outboard. Although I prefer middle too, she's much better protected in a seat that's correctly installed! I've had to learn to "chill out" about kids not being in the center anyway since I had a 2nd...and then a 3rd child. It did take me a while to feel comfortable though, and I think that's normal for those of us who are a little more obsessive about carseat issues:)