Should the car seat go behind the driver or passenger?

The back seat is the safest place for a child car seat, with the center position offering the best protection. If you must choose between the two outer rear positions, place the seat behind the passenger side in many cases to ease loading from the curb and to minimize airbag-related risk, while always following the car seat and vehicle manuals.

Back seat: the safest default

In all circumstances, the back seat is preferred for any child safety seat. Within the back seat, the center position provides the greatest protection from side impacts and door intrusion, when it can be installed correctly with the vehicle’s anchors.

Reasons to favor the rear center position

• It is furthest from side impacts and door intrusion in a crash.


• It places the child away from active front airbags in most vehicles.


• There are typically no seat belt conflicts when using appropriate LATCH anchors in the center (where available).

Even when the center rear seat isn’t feasible due to lack of anchors or a difficult installation, placing the seat in one of the outer rear positions is still far safer than putting a child in the front seat.

If the center seat isn’t available: two outer rear positions

When you can only use one of the two outer rear seats, practical considerations come into play. Many safety guides recommend the rear passenger side in left-hand-drive vehicles because it often makes loading and unloading easier from the curb, and it reduces the risk associated with the front passenger airbag.

How to choose between behind the driver vs. behind the passenger

• Behind the passenger side is commonly preferred for curbside loading and unloading, reducing the chance of the child being squeezed by traffic when you exit the vehicle.


• Behind the driver side can be acceptable if installation is safer or more straightforward there, as long as the seat is secure and properly aligned with anchors.


• Always ensure there are no airbag-related issues and that the seat does not interfere with the vehicle’s controls or seat belt paths.

Regardless of which outer rear position you choose, prioritize a correct installation, proper harnessing, and adherence to the car seat’s manual and your local laws.

Airbags and front-seat considerations

Airbags dramatically change where a child seat can be placed. In most cases, a rear-facing seat should never be placed in front of an active front airbag. If a child seat must be placed on the front passenger seat, disable the airbag if the vehicle permits, and move the seat as far back as possible while following the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines. For older children in forward-facing seats, the back seat remains the recommended location until the child reaches the age or weight threshold specified by safety authorities.

Practical steps for correct installation

To maximize safety, follow these steps when installing a car seat in either rear position:

• Consult both the car seat manual and the vehicle’s owner manual for anchor points (LATCH or seat belts) and installation guidance.


• Ensure the seat is tightly installed with minimal movement; perform a rigorous tug test at the base and seat sides.


• Verify the correct recline angle for rear-facing seats and appropriate harness height for forward-facing seats.


• Remove bulky outerwear and ensure harness straps lie flat and snug over the child’s shoulders.

Additionally, align your practices with local laws and recommendations from trusted safety organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, NHTSA, and Safe Kids Worldwide to ensure compliance beyond this article.

Summary

In short: keep children in the back seat, with the center position preferred for maximum protection. If only two outer rear positions are available, the rear passenger side is commonly recommended for easier curbside access and to mitigate airbags risk. Always install the seat according to manufacturer instructions and local regulations, and regularly review safety guidelines as your child grows.

Where is the safest place to put a car seat in a SUV?

The safest place for a car seat in an SUV is the rear middle seat, as it is the furthest from potential side impacts. If a proper installation isn't possible in the center, then a rear side seat is the next best option, but the key is to install the car seat correctly and securely in any rear seat where the installation is tight and correct according to both the car seat and vehicle manufacturers' instructions.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the safest location for a car seat: 55sKat GemmellYouTube · Oct 6, 2024
Rear middle seat

• This is statistically the safest location, as it's farthest from any side impact zone.
• Studies have shown it can be up to 43% safer than a side seat for children 0-3 years old. 

Rear side seats

• If the middle seat cannot be used or installed correctly, choose a rear side seat. 
• The safest rear side seat is often considered the passenger side because the driver-side is a more common point of impact, particularly in frontal collisions. 
• The most important factor is a secure installation, so if the middle seat doesn't allow for a tight fit, a side seat is a better choice. 

Other considerations

• Always use the back seat: The front passenger seat is the most dangerous place due to potential frontal airbags, which are designed for adults. 
• Third row: For SUVs with a third row, the middle of the second row is still the safest spot. The third row is a viable option but consider if it lacks lower anchors or is less protected than the second row. 
• Proper installation is crucial: A secure installation is more important than the specific location. Follow the manuals for both your car and car seat to ensure the seat is installed tightly. 
• Consult a professional: If you are unsure, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) can help you determine the best position for your specific vehicle and car seat. 

Which seat should a car seat go behind?

If the middle rear seat has a three-point (lap and diagonal) seat belt, this is the safest place to put a child restraint (unless the manufacturer's instructions say one of the other seats is better) because it is the furthest away from the sides of the car.

Is it better to have a car seat behind a driver or passenger?

The rear middle seat is generally the safest spot because it is furthest from side impacts. However, the passenger side is often more practical if you park on the street, as it allows you to load and unload your child away from traffic. Ultimately, the safest position is the one where you can achieve the most secure and correct car seat installation, which might require some trial and error with different spots. 
Rear middle seat

• Pros:
  • Up to 43% safer than an outboard position, especially in side-impact crashes, as it's the furthest from car doors. 
  • Preserves space for both front seat passengers. 
• Cons:
  • It can be challenging to get a correct installation with the LATCH system or seat belt, as many vehicles are not designed to accommodate it. 
  • Can be difficult to reach or see the child, which may be a concern for some parents. 

This video explains the safest placement for a car seat in a car: 59sKat GemmellYouTube · Oct 6, 2024
Rear passenger side

• Pros:
  • Ideal for parallel parking on streets, as it allows you to load and unload your child from the sidewalk, away from moving traffic. 
  • Often the most practical choice, as it allows the front passenger seat to move freely and may be easier to reach than the middle. 
• Cons:
  • Less safe than the middle seat in a side-impact collision. 

Rear driver side

• Pros:
  • Allows the driver to easily check on the child by glancing in the rearview or side mirrors. 
• Cons:
  • Less safe than the middle seat in a side-impact collision. 
  • If you need to drive alone with the child, it may be difficult to turn around to check on them. 

Final recommendation

• Middle is best: If you can achieve a secure and correct installation in the middle, that is the safest option according to studies. 
• Passenger side is best: If you frequently park on the street, the passenger side is the most practical and safest choice to avoid loading your child into traffic. 
• Prioritize a correct install: Regardless of location, the most critical factor is that the car seat is installed correctly and securely. Always consult your car seat and vehicle owner's manuals for specific instructions. You can also visit a certified car seat technician for a professional check. 

Should a baby seat go behind the driver or passenger?

The centre-rear seat is the safest place of all for a properly restrained child, because they're furthest away from any impact and less likely to hit or be hit by deforming, intruding structures.