should infant car seat be in the middle

[Verona]

Yes, the middle of the back seat is statistically the safest position for an infant car seat. This location provides the greatest buffer from side-impact collisions, which are among the most dangerous types of crashes. Placing the seat in the center minimizes the distance your child is thrown toward the point of impact, whether the collision occurs on the driver's side, passenger side, or even in a front or rear-end crash.

However, a successful installation is the true key to safety. The middle seat isn't always a viable option for every vehicle. The primary challenge is the Lower Anchors and Tether for Children (LATCH) system. In most cars, the LATCH anchors are not available in the center seat; they are only installed for the two outboard seating positions. Attempting to "borrow" the inner anchors from the side seats to install a center car seat is often prohibited by both the car seat and vehicle manufacturers, as it can create an insecure fit.

If your vehicle's manual and car seat manual approve a center installation using the seat belt, this is often the best method. A seat belt installation, when done correctly, can be just as secure as a LATCH installation. The key is to achieve a "tight fit"—the car seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or forward at the belt path.

Here is a comparison of the key considerations:

Factor	Middle Seat Installation	Outboard Seat (Behind Passenger) Installation
Safety Buffer	Maximum distance from all points of impact.	Only protected from impact on one side.
LATCH System	Often not available. Requires careful seat belt installation.	Typically the easiest and most straightforward method.
Vehicle Access	Can be less convenient, especially in smaller cars.	Easier to load and unload the child from the curb side.
Sibling Fit	May not be possible if you need to fit two or more car seats.	The standard choice for families with multiple children.

Ultimately, your first step should be to consult both your vehicle's owner's manual and the instruction manual for your specific car seat. If the center position is approved and you can achieve a rock-solid installation there, it is the safest choice. If not, a properly installed car seat in the rear passenger side position is a very safe alternative.

[MacWilliam]

As a parent, I always put my baby's seat in the middle. It just gives me more peace of mind. I think about it like being in the center of a circle—you’re farthest from the edges where trouble happens. Sure, it’s a little harder to get her in and out, but that extra minute is worth it for the safety boost. I used the seat belt to install it because my car doesn't have LATCH in the middle, and it's super tight. You just have to put your weight in the seat and really pull on the belt to lock it.

[OAndres]

The optimal position is center-rear, prioritizing crash physics over convenience. This location maximizes the crumple zone distance in a side-impact event. The critical factor is correct installation. If the vehicle manufacturer prohibits using non-standard LATCH anchor points for the center, a seat belt installation is mandatory. A properly executed seat belt install, where the seat moves less than one inch at the belt path, is safer than an incorrect or compromised LATCH install in an outboard position. Always defer to the combined instructions of your vehicle and car seat manuals.

[McHaven]

From my perspective, the middle is safest, but only if you can do it right. I've seen too many seats that are just too loose. The best spot is the one where you can get the tightest install. For some cars, that's actually the side seat with the LATCH system. It's better to have a perfectly secure seat behind the passenger than a wobbly one in the middle. Also, think about your daily routine. If the middle makes it so difficult that you're tempted to not buckle the seat as tightly every single time, then the side position is the smarter, more realistic choice for your family.