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Putting the car seat in the ^middle^ of the back seat??

16 replies

monkeytrousers · 23/08/2009 10:47

DS (nearly 5) wants to do this. Is it just as safe or not?

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monkeytrousers · 23/08/2009 23:24

oh, yes, it is a highback booster.

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BertieBotts · 23/08/2009 20:43

Ah ok Sorry, haven't got to that stage yet so I assumed it was a FF seat or a highback booster!

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monkeytrousers · 23/08/2009 20:40

it's a booster seat.

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BertieBotts · 23/08/2009 20:31

Also here (Actually the whole site is interesting reading)

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BertieBotts · 23/08/2009 20:30

Yes, the middle is the safest as it is furthest away from the sides. But only if the seat fits correctly - they often don't in older cars which is why it isn't generally recommended. With FF seats you should be pushing the carseat into the seat with your full weight (ie kneel in it) as you secure it so the slight curve of the seat shouldn't be a problem if that makes sense.

More info here

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CarGirl · 23/08/2009 20:26

middle is safest if the car rolls or hit from the side provided the car seat fits properly IYSWIM

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peanutbutterkid · 23/08/2009 20:24

We do it. 4 DC, one 5-seater car.
Not ideal, but I don't sweat it.
We use the car as little as possible.

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mathanxiety · 23/08/2009 20:23

I tried the sides for the carseat but found DC's liked to fiddle with the buttons (locks and window controls), plus they often got too much sun in their eyes at the sides. The middle worked out best -- it had a three point strap so it was safe. Plus, picking up other passengers was easy when they didn't have to climb over baby.

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moondog · 23/08/2009 13:13

I was told by an MW (leaving hospital with new baby) that the safest place was the rear seat on the passenger side. Her dh was a firefighter regularly called to crashes.

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monkeytrousers · 23/08/2009 13:09

Its a ford focus. Yes it has a 3 point seat belt. Just dosn't seem to fit quite as snug as the cushion is slightly raised, but it also makes me worry slightly less if something were to hit either side. Thanks.

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GoldenSnitch · 23/08/2009 10:56

It's the safest place as long as there are ISOFix points or a 3 point belt.

2nd safest is rear passenger side.

If you can belt it in safely, I'd say go for it

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FabBakerGirlIsBack · 23/08/2009 10:55

I assumed you meant a proper seat belt.

What car have you got?

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SoupDragon · 23/08/2009 10:53

As others have said, it's not safe if it's just a lap belt.

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Seona1973 · 23/08/2009 10:51

I think the middle of the rear seats is the safest place for a seat as long as it is used with a proper 3 point seat belt (i.e. not a lap belt)

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FabBakerGirlIsBack · 23/08/2009 10:50

Of course. Why wouldn't it be?

I have 3 seats along the back of my car and I actually think the middle seat is the safest.

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lollyheart · 23/08/2009 10:50

If its just a lap belt i would say no.

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