When you think about it, car seats are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a parent can buy for their child. They keep them safe in the event of a crash, and they can save their lives. But is placing an infant car seat in the middle the best place for them? There are a few reasons why many people believe otherwise. In this blog post, we will explore these reasons and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not infant car seats should be placed in the middle.
The Argument For Middle Seats
Infant car seats should not be in the center of the vehicle, but rather in the rear-most seat. The argument for this position is that it is safest for infants. In a frontal crash, an infant’s head and body are both going to be thrown forward. If the infant’s car seat is in the middle of the vehicle, their head and body will be thrown toward the front of the vehicle. This can cause serious injuries or even death. By placing an infant car seat in the rear-most seat, they are least likely to be injured in a frontal crash.
The Argument Against Middle Seats
The Argument Against Middle Seats
In recent years, the debate over whether infant car seats should be in the middle or in the back of a car has intensified. Advocates of middle seats argue that they are safer for infants, while opponents contend that they are not. Here’s a look at the main arguments in favor and against middle seats:
Argument For Middle Seats
Some proponents of middle seats claim that they’re safer for infants because it reduces the chance of them being ejected from a car in an accident. In 2006, for instance, a 4-month-old boy was killed after his mother lost control of her vehicle and he was thrown from the vehicle into oncoming traffic. The infant’s seat was installed in the middle of the car, which may have saved his life. According to studies conducted by The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), middle seats reduce injuries by up to 50 percent compared to those who are seated in the back of a vehicle. Additionally, according to WebMD, infants placed in the center position are more likely to remain secure during accidents and less likely to be injured than those who are seated towards the rear or front of a car.
Argument Against Middle Seats
Opponents of middle seats argue that they’re not as safe as some believe them to be. For one thing, they contend that if an accident happens while an infant is sitting in a middle seat,
The Best Position for an Infant Car Seat
Infant car seats should always be placed in the middle of a vehicle’s seat belt system, whether the car is being driven or ridden in, to provide the best safety for your baby. This position allows your infant to be secured by both their safety belts and the built-in baby holder, which provides stability and support.
When determining where to install your infant car seat, it is important to remember that each vehicle is different. Use the following guidelines as a general guide, but be sure to consult your car owner’s manual for specific installation instructions:
-For cars with only one row of seating, place the infant car seat in the center of the backseat.
-For cars with two or more rows of seating, place the infant car seat as close to the front row of seating as possible (but still in accordance with all other safety regulations).
-Forgo using a booster seat if your child will be using an adult safety belt. A booster seat will only add bulk and weight to your child’s carrier and may not provide enough support when they are seated in an adult safety belt.
Conclusion
It’s important to consider your child’s safety when it comes to car seats, and that includes making sure they are in the middle of the vehicle. The center position is safest for infants because it provides more protection from side impact crashes and reduces the risk of head injuries in a crash. Plus, keeping your baby in the middle of the car allows them to see what is happening around them, making them less likely to be scared or confused in an emergency. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to use a car seat in the middle of your vehicle, read our article on why using a car seat at the back or front of your vehicle might be safer for your child.