Should carseats be in the middle?

[DesireeH]

Okay mamas, I need help. I just got a new Britax Marathon today (to replace my Alpha Omega that I hate). Anyways, it sure is a beastly huge thing but that's ok as long as he is safe! Anyways.....I have a 1999 VW Passat. I cant find any latch things so I am assuming it doesnt have any. My old van did but it was a 2000 so that might be the difference. So I use the seatbelt. The car does have side airbags so that would mean the middle was safest, right? I can get it pretty secure in the middle but on the side by the door, it fits even better because of the way the seat is shaped. For now it is in the middle, I dont want a side airbag to hurt him if it explodes yk?

[TiredX2]

Even without side impact air bags the center position is safer (since it is furthest from an impact).

You should be able to get tether anchors installed for little to no cost (or install them yourself). Just call your local dealer and ask

[DesireeH]

Oh good idea, I never thought about that.

Here is pic I took:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...eH/carseat.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...seatbottom.jpg

See how the bottom the carseat isnt completely flat to the seat because the seat is curved? My other carseat didnt do that, is that wrong?

[chickadee79]

I'm not an expert so I may be way off here, but I heard that sometimes you can put a rolled up towel or something to help even it out? Hopefully a car seat technician on here will see this and help you out. I think there are some.

[TiredX2]

You can get your carseat inspected at many hospitals, fire stations or police stations. Call ahead, though. You can also go through "Fit for a Kid" (who we have had great luck with):
http://www.fitforakid.org/

Until then, I would pull the seat forward so it sits flat and then buckle it in tightly. I think you are supposed to have something like 90% of the carseat bottom in contact with the seat.

[DesireeH]

Yeah when I pull it forward it doesnt get secure enough. I'll go get it checked out and see what they say. I got this car March 8 so we havent had it long.....my van was easier with carseats (but a pig on gas!) LOL

[emmasmommy]

I have our carseat on the passenger side. It is a Chevrolet Optra (in Canada, it is sold as a Suzuzki something in the US). I went to a carseat inspection clinic last year shortly after getting the car, and they did try to put it in the middle since I asked and the seatbelt in the middle is kind of strange (one long belt with a buckle for either side of the seat) and it just wouldn't fit right (couldn't get it very tight at all) so they told me that on the side was OK since the seat fit better there. We just bought a marathon a couple months ago and we still have it on the side using LATCH and the seat doesn't move at all. I don't think the middle seat belt would even be long enough for the marathon.

[jenaniah]

The safest position is wherever the carseat fits best...technically the center is the safest b/c it is the most protected but if you can't get the seat installed correctly in the center but can in an outboard position that is safer. FWIW I have a Wizard and it is generally installed in the driver side outboard position...I have a rf roundabout in the passenger side outboard or a Graco Turbo Booster. I can fit the marathon in the center but if I only have 2 kids in seats in the car then it is easier to get them in and out in the outboard positions

[gretasmommy]

Hmmmm . . . my Marathon base sits flat, but I seem to remember a "recline" lever on the seat to help it fit better. Does yours have this?

We also have a Passat wagon, '97 and I looked into getting tethers installed. The dealer will do it for very little cost. I only use the van for transporting DD, as after back surgery I couldn't bend to get her into the Passat!

[DesireeH]

Yes it has a recline but it says in the manual that I can only use that for up to 33 pounds and rearfacing. He is pushing that (30 pounds and forward facing). Dh said he is gonna see if the dealer will put the latch things in this week.