Car Seat in the Middle Seat: Why It Is Often Safest

Tyria LockhartTyria Lockhartยท

The center rear seat is the farthest from any side impact, which is why it is often the safest spot for a car seat. The catch is that the middle only works when the install is just as tight there.

Check the center before you commit.

  • The middle position keeps distance from both doors
  • Confirm the center seat allows a tight install
  • Some middle seats are too narrow for a solid fit
  • Never install with a seat belt and LATCH together

The safest spot is the one where the seat installs rock solid. If that is the middle, use it, and if not, a tight outboard install beats a loose middle one.

In a side impact, distance from the door is real protection, which is why the middle is often safest. The decision still comes down to where the seat installs tightest, so test before you choose.