LATCH Child System
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.
How does LATCH work?
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?
- ALWAYS read and follow the vehicle owner’s manual and child
safety seat manufacturer’s instructions for correct installation
and proper use.
- 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.
- 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.
