In this episode of CarseatBlog Mythbusting, we look at the common perception that LATCH installations are safer than seatbelt installations.
Myth: For the safest installation, install your car seat using the LATCH system, not the seatbelt.
The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is sometimes promoted as the easiest and most simple way to install your child’s car seat. In some cases, that may be true. However, a lot of parents assume that it’s always safer to use the lower anchors + tether, instead of the seatbelt + tether so let’s break this down and see if there is any truth to this myth.
The LATCH system was designed to simplify car seat installation, which in theory would reduce the risk of the car seat being installed incorrectly. The easier something is, the more likely someone will get it right. A correctly installed car seat is a safe car seat, right?
How the LATCH system works:
Forward-facing car seats are installed by lower anchor and tether connectors to the lower anchors bars AND the tether anchor in the vehicle seat.
Lower Anchors and Top Tether Attachments
Most rear-facing car seats, including infant seat bases are installed using ONLY the lower LATCH anchor attachments.
Issues with Seatbelts
Seatbelts can be finicky at times and the different types of locking mechanisms can be confusing. Most seatbelts can be locked at the retractor by pulling the shoulder belt webbing all the way to the end, but most parents don’t learn this tidbit of important information at their baby shower.
Some seatbelts don’t have a “switchable retractor” at all, they use a locking latchplate to secure a car seat. It can be very confusing, so it’s easy to understand why the LATCH system might seem more straight forward.
The tether anchor, which is so important for any forward-facing installation (including those installed with seatbelt) is often ignored during a seatbelt installation.
Issues with Tether Anchors
Some people believe that you only use the tether if you’re also using the lower LATCH anchors but nothing could be further from the truth. Always attach the tether strap on the forward-facing car seat to the tether anchor in the vehicle even if installing with seatbelt. A forward-facing car seat which has been tethered is always going to be safer than a forward-facing car seat that hasn’t.
The position of the tether anchors in your vehicle will vary depending on the make and model and sometimes they’re hard to find. In a sedan they are always on the back deck. In an SUV or minivan, they are typically behind the vehicle seat but if they’re not there then you’re going to have to search. If you can’t find them, check your vehicle’s owners manual.
Some vehicles with a 3rd row might not have any tether anchors for those 3rd row seats. Or there might just be one tether anchor (like the Chevy Traverse pictured below), even if you have 3 seats in your 3rd row. It’s unfortunate but usually vehicle manufacturers skimp on putting tether anchors in the 3rd row.
Issues with the LATCH System
The LATCH system comes with its own set of challenges.
Some lower anchor bars are extremely easy to access, and some are buried deep with the upholstery/foam and almost impossible to reach.
Most vehicles don’t have lower LATCH anchors in the center seating position and “borrowing” lower anchors (one from each outboard position) is allowed in some vehicles and prohibited in others.
Tether anchors can be hard to find and difficult to access in some vehicles.
Add to this the complexities of LATCH weight limits and suddenly LATCH doesn’t seem all that easy or simple anymore.
LATCH Weight Limit Info
Conclusion:
If there are no compelling reasons one way or the other, then a car seat installed correctly and securely with a seatbelt (and tether, if forward-facing) is just as safe as a car seat installed correctly and securely with the LATCH system.
In some cars, the lower LATCH anchors are buried and it’s easier to get a proper install with a seat belt. In other cars, the anchors may be super easy to access and it’s quicker to click, tighten, and go. It really depends on your vehicle, your child, your car seat and your car seat’s LATCH weight limits.
In some cases you might be able to achieve a much better installation with LATCH vs. seatbelt, or vice versa. Obviously, if you get a more secure installation with one system, then go with that installation method.
If there are no compelling circumstances to choose one system over the other (e.g., exceeding the LATCH weight limit) and both systems yield an equally secure installation, LATCH is not any safer than seatbelt.
Consider this myth BUSTED!
NOTE: Do NOT install your car seat or infant seat base using *both* the LATCH strap AND the seatbelt simultaneously unless your car seat manual specifically allows this. 99% of car seats do NOT allow LATCH & seatbelt to be used together but there are a few exceptions so read your manual to know for sure!
Saying “just as safe”is a stretch of truth. Truth is that using the seatbelt to secure the car seat is far safer than using LATCH. Seatbelts are tested to about 3 tons of force, and newer seatbelts that allow stretch can reduce almost half the amount of Gs put on the occupant. LATCH is a convenience and nothing more; for the safest results learn to use the seatbelt correctly and install with it.
thanks for all the information! I have four kids and would suggest that if some one has carseats in a row or older kids to use the latch. I have found numerous times that a older child has accidentally unbuckled a convertible carseat! who knows how long you may strap a baby into a seat that is not buckled (as the buckle stays threaded through so looks buckled from the side). Also if you have three carseats in a row it is so hard for an older kid to buckle a booster and easy for them to unbuckle the wrong one! It just makes me sick knowing this can happen and now we only use the latch with any harness style seat! Thank you, so much!