To be used safely, LATCH anchors must be 11 inches or LESS apart from one another. Using the inside anchors from both the left and right LATCH sets in the back does not meet safety requirements. Per our Graco childseat, I had to use the center seat belt with the H shaped metal seatbelt locking piece that came with the child seat.
I researched the exact same issue for our, now 9 month old, daughter. I know some have doubled up and used the center belt as well as the LATCH hooks.
I imagine you are thinking, "How in the world can Volvo not put LATCH in the middle seat when it's known to be the safest place for an infant/child?". Frankly, for a company so concerned with safety, I'm shocked they missed this one. It would be a cheap addition to add a third latch setup in the center. Cars that cost WAY less than this one have it. I did read a report that indicated that LATCH simply provides an easier way to properly mount a childseat. It isn't any safer than a seat that is properly installed with a seatbelt.
Based on what I've read, properly installing the seat in the center with the seatbelt would be more safe than using the latch on either side. If you do use LATCH on the side I believe the passenger side of the car is safer (opposing side of oncoming traffic, least likely to get hit when going through an intersection) You can get the installlation checked by CHP, Local Police, Babies R Us. There should be some local agency that performs the checks for you.
Last edited by adamc; 07-19-2005 at 11:24 AM.
2004 XC70,Black/Taupe Leather, Premium, Touring, DTSC, Bi-Xenons
1988 BMW 528e, Engine, 4 tires
1991 Mazda 323, *STBDOC
* (Soon To Be Driven Off Cliff)
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