Mythbusting: LATCH is Safer Than a Seatbelt Installation

In this episode of CarseatBlog Mythbusting, we look at the common perception that LATCH installations are safer than seatbelt installations.

Myth: For the safest installation, install your carseat using the LATCH system, not the seatbelt.

As most people know, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) is touted to be the easiest and most simple way to install your child’s car seat. Because it’s still somewhat novel and is more frequently mentioned, a lot of parents just assume it’s safer to use the lower anchors and tether instead of the seat belt and tether (when indicated).

The LATCH system was designed to simplify car seat installation, which in theory would reduce the risk of the seat being installed incorrectly. Simply put, the easier it is, the more likely someone will get it right. A correctly installed car seat is a safe car seat.

Seatbelts can be finicky at times and the different types of locking mechanisms can be confusing. However, LATCH systems can come with their own set of challenges. Some lower anchor bars are extremely easy to access, and some are buried deep with the upholstery/foam and almost impossible to reach. Not all cars have lower LATCH anchors in the center seating position. Tether anchors can be hard to find and difficult to access in some vehicles. Add to this the complexities of LATCH weight limits and suddenly LATCH doesn’t seem all that easy or simple anymore.

Conclusion: A carseat installed correctly and securely with a seatbelt (and tether, if forward-facing) is just as safe as a carseat installed correctly and securely with the LATCH system. In some cars, the lower LATCH anchors are buried and it’s easier to get a proper install with a seat belt. In other cars, the anchors may be super easy to access and it’s quicker to click, tighten, and go. It really depends on your vehicle, your child, your carseat and your carseat’s LATCH weight limits. If there are no compelling circumstances to choose one system over the other, and both systems yield an equally secure installation, LATCH is not any safer than seatbelt.

Consider this myth BUSTED!

Note: Most infant seat bases and rear-facing convertibles are installed using just the lower anchors. Forward-facing seats are installed using the tether too.