This topic has always confused me and I don't understand why more car manufacturers don't make it easier to use the center seat position with LATCH. We have a Nissan and a Honda - according to the chart linked above, we shouldn't be using LATCH with the lower anchors in the center seat position. Is there any safety reason why we shouldn't use LATCH with the seatbelt installation in the center seat? I know it's recommended you use one or the other, not both, but I've never seen a good explanation as to why that is the case.
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Why not use LATCH and seatbelt was Re: Using LATCH in Center Seating Positions
- Thread starter kamesq
- Start date
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Using lower LATCH anchors plus the vehicle seatbelt to install the child restraint is either untested by the manufacturer and thus not recommended (who wants their child to be the test case, KWIM?), or it has been tested and caused the child restraint to transfer more crash forces to the child and adversely affect the protective performance. Use one or the other allowed installation method (seatbelt in center, or LATCH or seatbelt outboard in the case of your vehicles which don't allow center lower LATCH installations) in accordance with both the vehicle and child restraint manuals, and you're assured to have done the utmost to protect your child in a crash. 
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup:I think I am mis-using terminology. I just re-read the LATCH basics info listed above and also looked at the CPS manual. Please correct me if I am wrong with this, okay? You CAN use the top tether (that's what I was referring to as LATCH in my previous post) with the seatbelts, in fact you should. But you shouldn't use the lower anchors combined with the seatbelts. Right?
skaterbabs
Well-known member
That is correct. :thumbsup:
U
Unregistered1
Guest
And you MUST use the top tether when using the lower anchors on a FF seat.
Mae
Well-known member
What? Really? I didnt know that...So in other words, for FF with LATCH you have to use it all. Why?
Maggie
New member
Actually it isn't really a "rule". Safer? Yes, definitely! But a must? No.
Using just the LA is like installing with a lapbelt. Passes minimum safety standards, but would much safer with a TA.
It makes sense to think that it MUST be used b/c after all LATCH stands for lower anchors and tethers for children, but really it isn't required.
And actually some vehicles like convertibles, aren't required to have top tethers even though they have lower anchors.
Patriot201
Car-Seat.org Ambassador
Only certain seats (especially above a certain weight) REQUIRE you to use the top tether.
Yes, it is safer, but it actually isn't REQUIRED on most seats.
Oops... I just reread your message. I thought you said when installing FF (as an absolute. I didn't see your "lower anchors" part
). I should READ before I respond. You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.
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