LexHybrid1

i have installed our infant seat in the middle location in the back seat. i could not find anything in the manual specifically calling this out as something not to do. the car seat product manual says the middle is the best location provided the LATCH anchors are spaced within a certain tolerance across the middle seat (which they are).

anyone else do this, too? i'd rather keep it in the middle not only due to the car seat product literature but also because i do not want the side airbags in back becoming an issue. if the sensors detect an occupant (weight of the car seat + child?), they will not de-activate and thus will deploy in a crash (not a good thing in this scenario).

bootman

As you stated, as long at the latch locations are good, you are set to go.

Eagleguy

I agree with bootman the middle of the rear seat is the correct location because of the anchor rings. Don't forget to secure the seat top belt to the anchor ring located in the rear window area.

jbm79

This doesn't apply to infant seats (infant carriers). Top belt is only for toddler seats.

My infant seat is using the conventional seatbelt in the middle, as the LATCH belt with my car seat is too short to reach both sides of the LATCH anchors. If I position the car seat on either passenger or driver side, then I could use the LATCH. Since I know that the middle seat is safest, I have no choice but to use the conventional seatbelt instead of the LATCH.

unowned

The ES does not have LATCH mounts for the middle seat. You must use the seat belt in the middle. If you decide to use the LATCH mounts in the middle and you are in an accident, the straps will be angled \ and / meaning only one weld point on the LATCH loop will be supporting the entire force instead of both when installed more perpendicular to the seat back.

I personally prefer to use the LATCH system on the side vs the seat belt since it's easier to get the child seat secured much tighter allowing the child seat to do its job better.

jbm79

The ES has four latch anchors, and let's just name them 1/2/3/4. Obviously, you can use 1&2 or 3&4 to secure a carseat in either side.

My question: Is it in the literature somehwere that you cannot use 2&3 to secure a carseat in the middle? I find more comfort in securing a child in the middle versus on either side.

LexHybrid1

my particular car seat and base combo are exclusive LATCH or seat belt (but not both at the same time)

i did not find anything in the manual that specifically prevented using "2 & 3" and with how tight my base gets there will always be a little bit of \ / going on.

MissyBissy

Have you taken it to a registered car seat technician? I used to do that every time I got a new carseat for the babies.