2 Fundamental Car Seat Questions (not on FAQ)

Unregistered · Nov 14, 2013

Hello,

1. Does research show which side of the car one should place a second car seat? So, for example, if an infant is in the middle seat, which side does a toddler sit on in their seat: behind the driver or behind the passenger?

2. Also, are the use of protective mats under the car seats, to prevent damage to the seat itself, not recommended or are they safe for use?

Thank you!

Pixels · Nov 14, 2013

1. The least protected child should go in the most protected position. The rear seat, center, is the safest position in the vehicle. If both children are rear facing, then the younger one is least protected/most at risk due to the younger skeleton, so ideally that child would go in the middle. If the older child is forward facing, then that child is most at risk, so ideally the forward facing child would go in the middle.

In reality, you have to do what you have to do. Sometimes the seats don't fit the way "ideal" says they should go. Or sometimes the kids can't be next to each other for behavioral reasons. Do what it takes to get the seats properly installed, and everybody to the destination with sanity intact.

There is no difference in safety between the rear driver's position and the rear passenger's position. You may want to consider factors like if you park on the street, or do school pick-up/drop-off lines, or just which side you usually approach the vehicle from.

2. It depends. Many manufacturers recommend their use. Many also only allow a certain brand (usually their own brand). Some prohibit across the board. Read your seat owner's manual for this information.

katymyers · Nov 14, 2013

If both seats can fit side by side (meaning each individually tight) it's safest to put the least protected child in the middle. Rear facing is always safest so if your other child is forward facing they should be in the middle, if your older child is rear facing then the infant being younger should go in the middle. Both outboard seats are equally safe so feel free to pick whichever seat is most convenient. However, if you can't fit two seats side by side don't stress over having both children outboard, it's still very far from dangerous.