Based on manufacturer guidelines and child passenger safety best practices, car seats should not touch each other if they are installed in the same row. The primary reason is to ensure each seat can be independently tightened to its securest position without interference. When seats touch, they can create a "false sense of security," where the pressure between them makes each feel tightly installed, but a collision could cause both to shift dangerously.
The key issue involves the vehicle's LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and the seat belt path. Each seating position is designed with specific anchor points. When seats touch, they may inadvertently share the load path during a crash, potentially overstressing the anchors and compromising the integrity of both installations. Furthermore, side-by-side contact can make it difficult to achieve the required less than one inch of movement at the belt path when tested at the front.
There are exceptions, but they are rare and specific. Some narrow, specially designed infant seats might be approved by their manufacturers for touching when three car seats are needed in a row. You must consult both the car seat manuals and your vehicle's owner's manual for explicit permission. Never assume it's safe.
Here is a summary of key considerations:
| Factor | Why It Matters | Recommended Action |
|---|
| Independent Installation | Each seat must absorb crash forces independently. | Install each seat separately, ensuring a tight fit without relying on the adjacent seat for support. |
| LATCH Anchor Integrity | Each set of anchors has a maximum weight limit (combined weight of seat and child). | Avoid installations that could double the load on a single anchor point in a crash. |
| Harness Access & Operation | Touching seats can block the adjustment knobs or harness straps. | Ensure you can easily tighten the harness and buckle your child without obstruction. |
| Vehicle Seat Contour | A vehicle seat cushion is often curved; forcing seats together can lift them off the base. | The car seat should sit flush and contour with the vehicle seat for maximum stability. |
The safest approach is to try different seating positions. Often, the widest spot is the rear middle seat. If you must place three seats across, research models known for their narrow profiles and always perform a final safety check: each seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the point where the belt or LATCH strap goes through.
