One of the better safety discoveries by car manufacturer’s comes in the form of the Latch System. The Latch System are places where car seats can be attached to the frame of the car in order to secure the car seat to the vehicle.

Since the year 2002, the Latch System has been installed at the car manufacturing factories in many makes and model cars. Car seat manufacturers have responded by creating car seats that are compatible with the Latch System and use straps and anchors to connect the car seat to the car. When using the Latch System properly, you will not need to use the lap belt but it is very important that you follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully when installing the car seat using the Latch System. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. Car seats have been shown by studies to be more securely connected to the vehicle using the Latch System and it is considered to be one of the best advances in child transportation safety in recent history. The most important thing is making sure you correctly install the car seat when using the Latch System and it is advisable to have it installed or inspected by a professional as studies have shown that a majority of car seats are not properly installed in cars by even well-meaning, loving parents who do it on their own. One of the best car seat safety tips is that there are police stations, city offices or local organizations that provide free help with installing car seats so search for one in your area and have the car seat inspected way before you deliver the baby.

You should never use both a seat belt and the Latch system to install a car seat it must be one or the other but never both at the same time.

The Latch system should also only be used in seating angles set up by the car seat manufacturer. The straps tie the car seat to the car by snapping onto anchors built into the frame of the car. These anchors can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle but are usually found behind the rear seat, the floor in the back seat and on the flat part above the seat. The latch system is only designed for cars and trucks equipped with Latch anchors and many older vehicles do not have these anchors. Furthermore, only car seats that are designed to be used with the Latch system should use the Latch tethers and anchors.

Since the turn of the century more and more vehicle manufacturers have installed the Latch system in their makes and models. In addition, more Latch anchor spots are present in vehicles with nearly all newer ones having lower anchor points and upper anchor points. Car seat safety is on the minds of car seat designers and therefore most child car seats produced have the Latch system attachments available right out of the box. Instructions come with the car seats designed for Latch System installation and you can also view videos online demonstrating how to use Latch. Latch secures the car seat better making a baby safer when in a motor vehicle.