I need help to know if a toddler NEEDS 2B in the middle of the backseat rather than a side~due 2 pain its hard

Question

I had back surgery almost a year ago, but I am still in a LOT of pain. My son weighs like 35 lbs, and at almost 3 years old I still have him in a 5 point harness because I have read how much safer they are than boosters. We have an SUV (Vue), and I have always had him in the middle, but I am getting to the point where putting him in and out is very physically painful. He CAN get himself into the seat, but does not always do so quickly and without "playing", so I usually need to help/intervene. It is very hard for me, even if I just have to lean in to buckle him. My question is, would it be considerably less safe for me to place him on one side or the other in the back rather than the middle? I would much rather be hurt than risk his safety, but is there a major difference between the middle (with LATCH~US) and one side or the other? Thank you so much for your time and input!

Answer 1

He should be fine in an outboard position.  Remember to install the seat with less than one inch of movement at the beltpath and use the top tether.  The middle is slightly safer, but in this instance I would definitely use an outboard position.

Answer 2

The only time that I can see where he would be in danger is when you are in a side impact situation.  If he is in the middle of the car, then of course he would be farther away from the impact zone.  If you want the ULTIMATE in safety then the middle is where he belongs.  Most modern cars such as your saturn though has pretty good side impact crashworthiness.  The manufactures have put a lot of time and money in beefing up the doors and pillars because of your exact worry.  I for one would not be above putting him in the seat next to the door, especially if you cannot get him in because of your back trouble, at least until he is old enough to strap himself in.

Answer 3

You can put the car seat on the side. It shouldn't be a problem.  My sister has a small car and her baby car seat can only by secured on the side seat.  I hope this helps you with your lower back pain.

Answer 4

Generally, the center of the rear seat is the safest place in a car for a child safety seat. This is because most car crashes are frontal collisions. Placing the seat in the middle will provide the most protection from a side collision. Children are safest riding in the back seat until the age of 12, whether or not there is a passenger side air bag in the front seat.