What is a rigid LATCH?

Rigid LATCH, by directly securing the steel frame of the child’s car seat to the steel frame of the car, virtually eliminates the side-to-side motion of the car seat in a side-impact and the front-to-back motion of the car seat in a frontal crash.

Is LATCH safer than seatbelt?

Either seat belt or LATCH, when used correctly, are equally safe. There are many things to keep in mind when deciding which method to use for your child’s car seat. Child’s weight – If your child’s weight is over the LATCH limit, then the decision to use a seat belt installation is an easy one as it’s your only option.

Is LATCH and ISOFIX the same?

ISOfix and LATCH are pretty much the same thing, albeit with a few subtle differences. European car seats which offer ISOfix use a rigid style of ISOfix where rigid bars protrude from the back of the car seat at a fixed distance. They’re typically quite heavy and expensive but very easy to install.

What is LATCH system for child seats?

The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system was developed to make it easier to correctly install child safety seats without using seat belts. LATCH can be found in vehicles as well as infant, convertible and forward-facing child safety seats, made after Sept. 1, 2002.

What weight do you stop using LATCH?

65 lb.
What is the LATCH weight limit and when would I need to stop using LATCH? For forward-facing seats, NHTSA’s maximum allowed weight limit of the lower anchors in your vehicle is 65 lb. For rear-facing seats, NHTSA’s maximum allowed weight limit of the lower anchors in your vehicle is 60 lb.

Should a high back booster be latched?

Most belt-positioning booster seats do not need to be attached to the vehicle so they do not come equipped with LATCH. Any car made after September 2002 must come with LATCH in at least two seating positions. Your vehicle owner’s manual will tell you if LATCH is present.

When should I stop using LATCH?

In order to use the LATCH system, the sum of the child’s weight and the weight of the car seat must be no more than 65 pounds. Since most car seats weigh upwards of 20 pounds now, many manufacturers recommend that you stop using the LATCH system when a child reaches 40 pounds.

Can you use ISOFIX on LATCH?

This can be achieved using either the lower anchors (with ISOFIX or LATCH connectors) or a vehicle seat belt. If a secure installation is achieved using either of these methods, both are equally as safe. The safest restraint is the one that is installed securely and correctly, whichever method is used.

How do I know if my car has LATCH?

Your vehicle owner’s manual will tell you if LATCH is present. You can also look for the built-in latch anchors which are usually marked by a symbol or tag on the vehicle’s seat. LATCH-equipped vehicles will have two lower anchors and one top tether anchor installed in each LATCH seating position.

Is there a weight limit for LATCH system?

But a vehicle’s lower LATCH anchors, located in the crease between the seatback and cushion, have a 65-pound limit. This means the heavier the car seat, the sooner that combined weight limit will be reached. At that point, parents will have to secure the car seat using the seat belt.

Do booster seats use LATCH?

LATCH is used for both rear- and forward-facing child safety seats. Most belt-positioning booster seats do not need to be attached to the vehicle so they do not come equipped with LATCH. Any car made after September 2002 must come with LATCH in at least two seating positions.