What is "LATCH"

Been looking for a new car seat? Perhaps you've seen the first models of the new generation of child safety seat with LATCH technology at your local store. Beginning September 1, 2002 the federal government is requiring manufacturers to equip all car seats (except boosters) with the new child safety seat attachment system that has been developed to make correct installation much easier because parents will no longer use the vehicle seat belt to secure the child safety seat..

What is LATCH? (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) and how does it work?

LATCH is a new system that makes child safety seat installation easier-without using seat belts. LATCH is required on most child safety seats and vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002. LATCH is not required for booster seats, car beds and vests.

LATCH-equipped vehicles have at least two sets of small bars, called anchors, located in the back seat where the cushions meet. LATCH-equipped child safety seats have a lower set of attachments that fasten to these vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats also have a top strap (top tether), that attaches to a top anchor in the vehicle. Together, they make up the LATCH system.

How do you install a LATCH-equipped child seat?

1. ALWAYS read and follow the vehicle owner's manual and child safety seat manufacturer's instructions for correct installation and proper use.
2. Fasten the child safety seat's lower attachments to the vehicle's lower anchors. Tighten and adjust according to the instructions and check for a secure fit.
3. Attach the child safety seat's top tether to the vehicle's top anchor and pull to tighten. The child safety seat should not move more than an inch forward or sideways. NOTE: Tethers are not used on most rear-facing child safety seats.
   

NOTE: Most vehicles will have lower anchors in the left and right rear seat positions. If there aren't anchors in the center seat position, you can still safely install any child safety seat using a seat belt.

What if a child safety seat isn't LATCH-equipped?

These seats must meet the same high standards and are safe if: they are installed according to the vehicle owner's manual and child safety seat manufacturer's instructions; haven't been recalled; and haven't been damaged. Child safety seats that don't have LATCH should be installed using seat belts, even in LATCH-equipped vehicles.

What if a vehicle isn't LATCH-equipped?

Any child safety seat, even one with LATCH, can be safely installed using a seat belt and, if available, a top tether, following the vehicle owner's manual and child safety seat manufacturer's instructions. If the vehicle doesn't have a top anchor, contact the manufacturer or dealership to see if it can be retrofitted.

Or read more information about LATCH from Safe Ride News http://saferidenews.com/html/new.html

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