Knowing when to use the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system or the seat belt can be confusing. It is important to pick one method or the other when installing a child safety seat. Below you will learn more about how to choose which method to use and what to look for in your specific vehicle.
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Can you use the LATCH system or the seat belt? Is one safer than the other? Refer to your child safety seat manual and vehicle manual to confirm which options are available to you for installation. Experts recommend using the system that your owner's manuals recommend and that you will use correctly every time. If either option is available for your child safety seat, this means the seat has been crash-tested with each system and is safe to install either way (not both ways at the same time), as long as your vehicle permits. Lower anchors are a pair of metal U-shaped bars hidden in the vehicle’s seat crack. Use them to fasten the anchor straps. The tether anchor, often a ring or bar, is found behind the vehicle seat. Always consult your vehicle owner’s manual to locate appropriate LATCH anchors for each seating position. Some seating positions may not be equipped with LATCH. The LATCH system does have weight limits. You should not use the lower LATCH anchors once your child and child safety seat reach a combined weight of 65 pounds or more but always check your vehicle manual and child safety seat manual for the specific weight limit. It is not recommended to use both the LATCH system and the seat belt together but choose one when installing the seat. If using the seat belt, be sure that you know how to convert the belt into an Automatic Locking Retractor by pulling out the belt all the way and then slowly feeding it back. The belt should make a clicking sound and tighten as it retracts. Place seat belt through the car seat at the belt path. Look for arrows and directions on the car seat label to show you the correct belt path to use. You have to remove all the slack from the seatbelt and ensure it does not move more than an inch at the belt path from side to side or front to back. Use the top tether on all forward-facing car seats. Again, make sure to always check your manuals for specific requirements about your child safety seat and vehicle before installing your seat. |