The safest place for a forward-facing car seat is the middle rear seat, provided your vehicle's seat allows for a proper installation. This position offers the best protection by maximizing the distance from any potential point of impact in a side collision. However, this is only a safe option if you can achieve a tight, secure installation using either the seat belt or the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, which is not always possible in every car.
The primary reason the center is recommended is simple physics. In a T-bone or side-impact crash, which can be particularly dangerous, the child in the center is farthest from the crumple zones and intrusion. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports this, showing a significantly lower risk of injury for children in center seating positions.
The biggest challenge is often the vehicle itself. Many cars have a hump in the middle of the rear seat or narrow contours, making it difficult to get the car seat base flush and level. Furthermore, most vehicles do not have dedicated LATCH anchors for the center seat. You can only use the inner LATCH anchors from the outboard seats if your car seat manufacturer and your vehicle owner's manual explicitly permit it. This "borrowing" of anchors is not universal. If you cannot get a rock-solid installation in the center—meaning the seat moves less than one inch side-to-side at the belt path—then the safer choice is a tightly installed seat behind the passenger or driver's seat.
| Vehicle Type | Center LATCH Availability | Common Installation Challenge | Recommended Check |
|---|
| Sedan | Rare | Seat hump, narrow contours | Test both seat belt and LATCH (if allowed) |
| SUV/Minivan | More Common | Bucket seats or console interference | Ensure base is 100% flat on vehicle seat |
| Pickup Truck (Rear Seat) | Very Rare | Extremely narrow center seat | Seat belt is almost always the only option |
| 3-Row SUV (2nd Row) | Varies | Split bench vs. captain's chairs | Consult both vehicle and car seat manuals |
Ultimately, the best position is the one where you can achieve the most secure installation. Don't force a center installation if it's loose; a properly installed outboard seat is far safer than a poorly installed center one. Always consult your car seat manual and your vehicle's owner's manual for the final word on what is permitted and possible.
