ff or rf in the middle or side?

Unregistered · Jul 2, 2006

We are now installing our convertable seat in our pathfinder and can't decide whether to put it in the middle or on the side. Any advice? After reading up on other postings we will keep her rear facing for now, even though she is now a year. If I do put her on the side I have heard that the passenger side could be the safest.
So is middle still best...or okay to switch to side? (will look to car manual as well)
Thank you!

SusanMae · Jul 2, 2006

RF is absolutely the safest. Also the middle is the safest place assuming you can get a good install. If you need to put her outboard...that's ok as well since she is well protected by being RF.

Also--you probably canNOT use LATCH in the center---but check your vehicle manual to be sure.

Susan

SafeDad · Jul 3, 2006

Put her in a position in back where her carseat installs the best and where it is easiest for you to make sure she is restrained correctly each trip. If all else is equal, the center is probably the safest spot but the differences in rear seating positions are small compared to other factors.

My son is almost 14 months and I plan to keep him rear-facing until he's at least two years, possibly longer.

Victorious4 · Jul 3, 2006

Yes, RF is definitely safest (my daughter was RF until 4 years old)

for many reasons, including: the majority of crashes are to the front of the vehicle, so RF more equally distributes the crash force for less impact on the child (reducing risk of injury), plus toddlers' spines aren't developed enough until at least 2 years of age (extended RF greatly reduces risk of fatality/paralyzation)....

Also, the safest location for the carseat is whichever seating position allows for the most secure install so long as both the carseat & vehicle manuals are followed

Generally, middle is safer because it's the center-most position, but if the carseat moves more than 1" in the center & less than 1" outboard then outboard is safer. Safety of passenger vs. driver side is so slight & even that changes year to year, so really either side is equally safe as the other

(Although, for curb parking & for tending to the child easier I prefer to see RF kids on the passenger side when the center is not acceptable)

What year Nissan Pathfinder do you have & what carseat?

ff or rf in the middle or side?

Unregistered

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SusanMae

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