Should I put car seat behind driver or passenger?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

Installing the car seat in the back seat is always the safest option for your baby. This is because the front seat poses a higher risk of injury in the event of a crash. The back seat provides more protection and reduces the impact of a collision on your child.

Now, if you have the opportunity, it is best to place the car seat in the center seat of the back row. This position offers the most protection as it is farthest away from any potential impact points in the event of a side collision. It also provides a good distance from the front seats, reducing the risk of injury from an airbag deployment.

However, not all vehicles have a center seat option in the back row. In such cases, you can choose to install the car seat behind either the driver or the passenger side. Both positions are considered safe, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and convenience.

Installing the car seat behind the driver’s side can be advantageous if you are the primary caregiver and will be frequently accessing the car seat. This allows for easier access to your child when loading and unloading them from the vehicle. It can also offer better visibility and proximity to your child while driving.

On the other hand, placing the car seat behind the passenger side may be more convenient if you frequently have passengers in the front seat. This allows your passengers to have more legroom and prevents them from accidentally kicking or bumping into the car seat.

It’s important to note that regardless of whether you choose to install the car seat behind the driver or passenger side, you should always ensure that it is securely and tightly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Placing the car seat in the back seat is the safest option for your baby. If possible, installing it in the center seat provides the most protection. However, if a center seat is not available, you can choose to install the car seat behind either the driver or passenger side based on your personal preference and convenience. Always ensure that the car seat is properly installed and secured to keep your child safe during travel.