Is it OK to put car seat in 3rd row?
Yes. It is generally acceptable to install a child car seat in the third row if the seat is compatible with your vehicle and you install it correctly using the vehicle’s seat belts or LATCH/ISOFIX anchors, with the top tether used for forward-facing seats when required. The back seat remains the safest placement for children under 13.
Key considerations before installing in the third row
Before attempting a third-row installation, assess vehicle compatibility, anchor availability, space, and access. Not every third row has lower anchors or top tether anchors, and some layouts make buckling and tightening more difficult. Always consult both the car seat manual and the vehicle owner’s manual for position-specific guidance.
- Check LATCH/ISOFIX availability and weight limits in the third-row seating positions, and confirm whether you can use the seat belt if anchors aren’t available or are restricted.
- Determine the appropriate seat orientation for the child’s age and size (rear-facing for younger infants, forward-facing with a harness for older children) and whether a top tether is required for forward-facing seats.
- Assess fit space and accessibility: ensure there is enough legroom, the harness path is clear, and you can reach buckles and tighten the harness securely without twisting.
- Verify that installing in the third row won’t interfere with other passengers or airbags; if the seat blocks an airbag or makes exit/entry unsafe, consider another seating position.
- Consult manufacturer guidance: the car seat and vehicle manuals may specify if third-row installation is approved and any caveats for that position.
In many vehicles, third-row installation is perfectly fine when you can achieve a proper, snug fit and follow all manufacturer instructions. If you’re unsure, seek a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) for hands-on help.
How to install a car seat in the third row
Below are practical steps to install a car seat in the third row, covering both seat belt and LATCH/ISOFIX methods and emphasizing a secure, movement-free install.
- Gather manuals and tools: have the car seat manual, vehicle owner’s manual, and a trusted installation checklist handy.
- Choose the installation method: use lower anchors (LATCH/ISOFIX) if available in the third row position; otherwise, use the vehicle seat belt following the car seat manual’s belt routing instructions.
- Prepare the seat: recline or angle the seat as required for a rear-facing seat, and ensure the belt paths or LATCH anchors are not twisted.
- Secure and tighten: attach the lower anchors or belt, then tighten all restraints until there is minimal movement at the belt path (less than about an inch side-to-side). For forward-facing seats, attach the top tether to its anchor and tighten it.
- Check harness fit and belt routing: ensure the harness is snug, the chest clip is at armpit level, and the harness slots are appropriate for the child’s shoulder height.
- Perform a final check: rock the seat, verify there is no excessive movement, and confirm the child is properly secured and comfortable for ride duration.
Correct installation in the third row is achievable, but it requires careful alignment with the seat and vehicle manuals. If any part of the install feels unstable or unclear, stop and seek professional guidance.
Safety tips and common challenges
These practical tips help address common hurdles and keep safety at the forefront when using the third row.
- Keep kids under 13 in the back seat whenever possible; use the third row if it provides a valid, secure mounting point and proper harnessing.
- Prefer the middle seat in the back when it offers a secure installation and easier access; if the third row is the only feasible option, prioritize secure anchor points and clear harness paths.
- Avoid placing a car seat where airbags could pose a risk; if necessary, disable or avoid seating where a frontal airbag could deploy toward the child’s seat.
- Check for recalls, expiration dates, and damage on the car seat; replace any seat that has been in a crash or is past its expiration date.
- Regularly recheck installation after trips, folds, or adjustments to ensure ongoing safety.
When installed correctly, a third-row car seat can be as safe as other rear seating positions. If you encounter fit concerns or space constraints, consult a CPST for hands-on evaluation and alternatives.
Guidance from authorities
Experts emphasize that the back seat is safest for children under 13, and the third row is permissible when it provides a proper, secure installation and meets the seat’s instructions.
U.S. guidelines and practical advice
In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend keeping children in the back seat whenever possible and using an appropriate car seat or booster based on age, weight, and height. If the third row is the best available option, ensure the seat is properly installed according to both the vehicle and car seat manuals and use the top tether for forward-facing seats when required.
Notes on implementation and country differences
Other countries may have different installation standards or anchor configurations. Always follow local laws and the manuals specific to your car and car seat, and seek local safety resources if you’re unsure.
Summary
Installing a car seat in the third row is commonly safe when the seat is compatible with the vehicle, installed correctly, and anchored as instructed. The back seat remains the preferred location for children under 13, but a properly secured third-row installation—whether via seat belt or LATCH/ISOFIX with a top tether where applicable—can provide a valid alternative. Always consult the car seat and vehicle manuals, and consider a professional safety check if you’re uncertain.
