carseat in the middle or the side of the back seat?

[Unregistered]

I am quite torn about placing the carseat in the middle or on the side. I know it is recommended in the middle to be the safest placement, but most of the people I know and the cars I see on the road are on the side behind the passenger seat in the front, it seems more comfortable and easier to access and more visible from the driver side. Please help me. I feel kind of guilty knowing the middle is the safest and yet the side seems ok since more people are doing it, statistics anyone?

 

[Patriot201]

The middle is only safest IF it is the place where you get the best installation. If you, as the driver, will be distracted by having her in the middle because you will be struggling to reach her, it is not the best placement for you. HOWEVER, I fear that having her in an outboard position could also be distracting to you as the driver.

It is going to be most important to find the location where you get the best installation and are safest as a driver and passenger.

 

[VLsMom]

The place in the back seat that gives your car seat the best and tightest installation is the safest place. This will ensure the car seat works to its maximum level in the event of an accident/crash. I have my car seat installed in the outboard seat (not the middle) because there is a huge hump causing the car seat to rock side to side no matter how tight I get it in the middle....so the outside is the best place for my DD's car seat. I feel secure about that because on the outboard seat that thing is in rock solid and shakes the whole car when I move the seat.

Do not feel guilty about putting it on the outside. If the installation is tighter than in the middle, its fine.

 

[Ali]

Wherever you can get the best installation and you feel the most comfortable.

DD is RF in her MA in my 2001 Honda CRV with lapbelt and tethered to the front passenger seat leg. In DHs 2006 Corolla, she is RF outboard passenger side with LATCH and tethered to the front passenger seat leg. I feel very comfortable with her outboard in DHs car because I couldn't get an install to my satisfaction in the center with the lap/shoulder belt.

When she goes FF, I will try the center again in DHs car.