One of the most common car seat questions is whether or not to put the seat in the middle or the side. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter which way you do it as long as your child is properly secured. That said, there are a couple of reasons why people tend to think otherwise. First, many people grew up putting their seat in the middle and it likely feels more natural for them. Second, most car seats now come with a choice of positions, so it can be confusing which one to use. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of the argument and help you make a decision that’s best for your family.
Why do car seats go in the middle?
Most car seats go in the middle of the car, because that is where the safety belt fits snugly around your child’s waist. But some parents think that car seats should go on the side of the car, because that is where they feel their child is more comfortable. There are pros and cons to each placement, so it’s important to choose what works best for your family.
The pros of placing a car seat on the side of the car are that it can be more comfortable for a baby who tends to lean against things or be squished up against adults. Plus, it may be easier to get a good fit if you have different-sized children. The downside is that if an accident happens and your car flips over, the car seat could become trapped between the driver’s seat and dashboard.
The pros of placing a car seat in the middle of the car are that it provides stability for a baby during crashes and keeps them close to their guardian during travel. The downside is that it can be harder to see and access a baby from either side of the car.
Why do car seats go in the side?
A lot of people prefer to place their car seats in the side of the vehicle, rather than in the middle. There are a few good reasons for this.
No. 1: When You Are Driving”The side of your car is much safer than the middle.” -Dr. Kenneth Goldsmith, pediatrician and author “Best Choices For Your Baby’s Safety”According to Dr. Kenneth Goldsmith, a pediatrician and author of “Best Choices for Your Baby’s Safety,” seat placement during driving is one of the most important factors when it comes to child safety. The side of your car is much safer than the middle, because chances are greater that someone else on the road will hit your car from the side instead of from behind or in front. In fact, a study published in Injury Prevention found that side collisions are four times more likely to occur than head-on collisions.
Plus, children who ride in the backseat tend to put their heads out the window more often than those who ride up front, increasing their chances of being injured by flying objects.
No. 2: The Seat Belt Has A Better Chance Of Fitting CorrectlyIn a frontal collision, both adults and children are generally forced into their seats with tremendous force-often causing serious injury or death. In contrast, when an adult crashes into the passenger door of a car while wearing a seat belt, most of that force dissipates through the door frame before it can cause any injuries inside
The pros and cons of each position
There are pros and cons to each of the three common car seat placement options: in the middle, on the side, or rear-facing.
The pros of placing a car seat in the middle are that it is generally safer for both children and adults; it allows your child to see out the window; and it is easier to access from either the front or backseat. The downside is that a car seat placed in the middle can be more difficult to move when needed, such as when you need to get into a tight parking space.
The pros of placing a car seat on the side are that your child can see out of both windows; it’s usually easier to get into and out of a car with a car seat located on the side; and it’s often less disruptive for other passengers in the car. However, if one door is slightly wider than the other, it may be difficult or impossible to fit a car seat on the side. And if you have two children who must share one car seat, placing it on the side can mean one child is sitting in his own lap and not able to see out very well.
The pro of placing a child rear-facing until he reaches maturity (about age 2) is that this position protects him from head injuries in crashes. It also prevents his spine from bending forward too far during braking and turning incidents, which could lead to spinal cord compression or paralysis. The con is that most children out
Which position is best for your child?
There are pros and cons to both sides when it comes to positioning a car seat in a vehicle. The benefits of having the seat positioned in the middle of the car include that it’s easier for both you and your child to access; it gives your child more space within the car; and it avoids any potential conflict with the front or rear seats. The downside of using the middle position is that it can be less comfortable for your child, as they may feel cramped or restricted. If you’re considering using a car seat in the middle of your vehicle, be sure to read our full guide on selecting one that’s best for your child.
Conclusion
When it comes to car seats, many people are unsure of which side the seat should go in. The truth is that both sides work great and there is no definitive answer when it comes to which side to place your car seat in. Ultimately, it depends on your vehicle and the location of your child’s belt-height limit.