Car Seats that Allow Center LATCH

What do the car seat manufacturers think of installing their car seat in the center using the lower anchors? 

• Because the lower anchors used in a center installation are often at non-standard spacing (standard spacing is 11 inches, non-standard is anything wider than this), many of the car seat manufacturers are not comfortable with their seats being installed using lower anchors that are wider apart than the standard 11 inches.
• Some car seat manufacturers DO ALLOW their car seats to be installed when the lower anchors are spaced wider apart than 11 inches, so long as:
• a) the vehicle manufacturer allows the use of LATCH in a middle seating position with non-standard anchor spacing AND
• b) you can achieve a tight installation of the car seat

The table below lists all of the car seat manufacturers currently selling seats in the US and their opinion on what lower anchor spacing is permitted when installing their car seats.  Please note that companies sometimes change their policies, so please always double check the owner’s manual to your child’s car seat.

**We want to let you know about an invaluable resource for CPS Techs/Instructors – the Safe Ride News LATCH manual which contains much of this information PLUS A LOT MORE.  It is the LATCH “bible” – and we use it several times a day as a reference.  No tech/instructor should be without it.  Go to saferidenews.com to order your own copy!**