Best car seat position

[~kellie~]

I was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the best/safest position for a forward facing car seat? Do you think in the middle or on the passenger side?

[Little Toes]

There are always conflicting opinions on this.... Im pretty sure these days 'they' say that the middle seat in the back is the safest, in case of side impact collisions. I have two littlies in seats so they have to go on either side in the back otherwise they wouldnt fit properly.

It may also depend a bit on what car you drive so the best and safest thing to do would be to go to one of those car seat installation places where they can fit it properly for you!

It is great for peace of mind and I think it is free too!!

[visitor1]

I have always had our 2 seat installed by a RACV fitting station and they have said a rear facing or forward facing (depends on the circumstance....as you know i have both in our car) they have ALWAYS said passenger side and if that side is taken by a seat then the next best one is drivers side. The middle is the least safest spot.

Unfortunatley we will soon enough have a seat in all 3 places, but ill make sure our newborn is behind the passenger seat.

[Astrid]

I think a lot of it depends on the car. When I looked up for our car (Holden), it was advised that the safest spot for our model was in middle. There was one bolt already installed in the middle, with the sides spots we had to put the bolts in the holes provided.

[~kellie~]

Astrid - where did you look that up? Through the car manufacturers website?

[Snoopea]

The safest place is behind the driver, if that's taken then the middle, passenger side only if other spots are taken. I run a my own daycare service and information is updated regularly from the government, with all new regulations. You should also have your child bolt checked yearly by a professional fitter, not your mechanic. I use wiltshires in Adelaide but I know they're are a few other fitting places around.
Hope this helps,
Snoopea

[Astrid]

I found a child saftey brochure on the Holden site a while ago. I also remember when we had the Chrysler that the drivers handbook also mentioned where to position the car seat.