Can someone explain the Latch system on car seats?

[blessedby3]

Just wondering about the Latch system. I have silver hook type things in my minivan where the seat folds (between the seat back and actual seat). Is this part of the latch system and how does this work with car seats. Its been a while since I have used a car seat and was just wondering for our next child. Thanks

 

[TheDizMom]

All new car seats are required to have this latch system now. I think it is to ensure that the car seat is installed properly . When you go to buy your new car seat you will notice 2 hooks on the back of the seat attached together with a strap. You put the hooks through the metal clips in you car's seat and tighten the strap. You will also put the car's seat belt through the back of the car seat like you did before. With this new system your car seat will be more tightly secured then it would have been without. If you are worried getting it installed correctly, when you buy your new seat drive to your dealership and ask them to show you what to do. You could aslo call your local police department and ask when they are having their next car seat clinic and they will help you install it. I like this system it is much better and the seat gets secured much more tightly . I don't have to worry about it anymore, but I have had to use my sister's whenever I have her son, and it makes installation so much easier .

 

[drivencrazy]

Question here......... with the infant seat that we were using we were told not to use the seatbelt as well... the seatbelt would hit latch belt and loosen it up........ I thought if you were using the latch system that was all you needed to use??? Do you need to use both (latch and reg.seatbelt)? I know... you can never be to safe??? We are getting ready to install the new seat here and then will have it checked by the firestation... but just wondering what everyone else thinks?!?!?!

 

[Waseller77]

We were also told to use one or the other, but not both LATCH and the seatbelt...

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Yep, it's either the seatbelt or the LATCH, but not both.

Jen

 

[blessedby3]

Thanks for clearing this up for me. I figured those metal clips in my van were for that new latching system.

 

[all4fun]

What is LATCH?

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren is a system for installing a car seat. It is also known as ISOFIX or UAS outside of the U.S. LATCH typically consists of 2 parts: a belt with hooks on the ends that is used in place of the vehicle's seat belts and the upper tether. Read more here: http://www.carseatsite.com/FAQ.htm#Installation or on NHTSA.gov here.

check your vehicle owners manual under the seatbelt section there should be instructions on LATCH, although it might refer to it as ISOFIX. It will tell you which seating positions you can use it in (ie most vehicles that have a bench seat with three seating positions only allow the lower anchors to be used in the two outboard positions).

You only use LATCH or the seatbelt, never both.

Hth.

 

[TheDizMom]

I stand corrected! Like I said I am past this stage, and now I know I have been using my nephews forward facing car seat incorrectly. I will only use the latches from now on.