Just as important as your hom
bear_childseat by mrbeck
Just as important as safety in your home, is safety in your car. The following is part two of a three part series on car safety.
Understanding the Child LATCH Restraint System: Your Top Questions Answered
The LATCH system, which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is a system that consists of both lower anchor attachments and a top tether. Many cars in the United States have been manufactured with LATCH systems since about 2003.
The LATCH system takes the place of seatbelts for car seat installation. In other words, if you have the LATCH system, the use of seatbelts to secure the car seat is unnecessary. The LATCH concept was first created as a way to make the process of installing a car seat easier and more universal. Any type of car seat that contains an internal harness can be used with the LATCH system.
Here are the top questions parents have about the LATCH system:
Q: Is the LATCH system safer than a seat belt installation?
A: Not necessarily. When a seatbelt installation is done properly, it can be just as effective as the LATCH system. However, the goal of the LATCH system is to help ensure that a car seat is installed correctly.
Q: What does the LATCH system consist of?
A: The LATCH system, in LATCH-equipped vehicles, will consist of two small anchors that are located between the seat back and the seat cushion of the rear seat and a top tether anchor. There are usually two LATCH-equipped seating positions in LATCH-equipped vehicles.
Q: Do I need to use the LATCH system on my car or can I use a seatbelt instead?
A: It is recommended that if your car is fitted with a LATCH system, then you should use it. However, if you feel like you can achieve a better fit with a seatbelt than a LATCH system, then you should opt for the seatbelt installation.
Q: I just bought a car with a LATCH system. Do I need to buy a car seat that is compatible?
A: No. All car seats manufactured during the last few years are all compatible with the LATCH system.
Q: Can I also use the LATCH system with my child’s booster seat?
A: Some booster seats can accommodate the top tethers of the LATCH system, while others cannot. Some dedicated boosters are LATCH equipped and some are not. Your car seat installation manual will provide further instructions on installation with the LATCH system.
Q: Can I use the top tether of the LATCH system on my rear-facing infant car seat?
A: Unless otherwise stated, you cannot use the top tether for a rear-facing infant seat.
If you have any questions about your LATCH system, it is best to either contact your auto company or the car seat manufacturer.
Just like researching the best ideas for car seat installation, it is always best to get a number of auto insurance quotes when seeking car insurance quotes. A comprehensive auto insurance policy will allow you to save on auto insurance while also enjoy excellent benefits and features.