Where to Place Infant Car Seat – Behind Driver Or Passenger?

You’ll never forget the day you bring your little one home for the first time!

But the preparation for that day starts way before. You must set up the nursery, get the crib, baby-proof your home, and most importantly, buy the car seat.

Finding the safest spot for the car seat can be confusing. Everyone has a different opinion on where to place infant car seat – behind the driver or passenger side. From my experience, I should tell you that there’s more to consider before you decide.

So, if you’re an expecting and overwhelmed parent, let me help you find the best toddler and infant car seat placement. I’ll elaborate on the safest spot, how safe placement can change based on car and seat type, and what to pay attention to for the best fit for you and your baby.

Where to Place Infant Car Seats

So, if you ask me point-blank, short answer only, I’d say the safest spot is the center rear seat. 

According to the American Association of Pediatricians, newborns, infants or older children are 43% safer in the center rear seat than any other seats in the vehicle. Why?

• In case of an accident, the center rear seat is always furthest from any impact. 
• It also creates the longest distance from the airbags, thus, protecting your little one from any impacts. 
• It lets you check on your baby from either side of the front seat – the driver’s or passenger’s side.

I have multiple kids. How do I decide who sits where?

Now, that’s where things get dicey. As a mom to six wonderful kids, I have often wondered where to place the infant car seat while traveling with toddlers or preschoolers. Let’s find out.

Safe Placement When You Have Multiple Kids

Toddler and infant car seat placement gets tricky for most of us with two or more kids. When I was pregnant with my second, I asked several CPS technicians, and they all told me the same thing:

However, here are a few things to consider before making this decision (and this is critical, parents):

1. Frequent Street Parking

• If you use street parking often, the baby who takes the longest to strap in goes behind the passenger side. This way, you won’t stand with your car door open on the street for long. 
• So, even if you’re using the infant car seat without the base, you can take the time to strap it in safely.

2. Side Impact Effects

Almost 25% of all fatal car crashes are T–bone or side-impact vehicular accidents.

• And statistics also strongly suggest that the drivers are the primary victims in most car crashes. 
• Hence, some parents prefer the passenger side for their infants. This way, the little one will be comparatively safer in case of an unfortunate accident.

3. Front Passenger Seat

According to the NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Association, children can safely sit in the front after 13 years.

• But if you must use the front row for your little one, disable the airbags first. Check the side airbags if your kid tends to lean on the doors. 
• Also, you must get government approval if your car doesn’t have the deactivation feature!

When installed correctly, car seats can reduce infant fatalities by 71% and toddler fatalities by 54%. Yet, over half of them aren’t installed correctly.

As a parent, here’s another piece of wisdom I’ve learned over the years:

Installing the car seat properly is more important than stressing to find the best position for your infant car seat.

So, please make that the priority.

Infant Car Seat Placement: 4 Things to Remember

Here are four ways to determine what’s best for you and your children:

1. Read the Instruction Manual

• I always suggest checking the manufacturer’s manual to understand the safest spot for infant car seats. 
• But know that you can install the rear or forward–facing seats in the back of the driver or passenger seats.

My Tip: If you need help with the installation instructions, hire a professional. A CPS technician will help you install the car seat into your car, and walk you through the installation.

2. Know Your Convenience

• Sometimes, placement depends on your preference and comfort. If you love driving as much as I do, either seat can work. 
• Put them behind the driver’s seat so you don’t have to go around the car to reach them. You can also put them behind the passenger seat if your goal is to keep an eye on them.

3. Multiple Kids/Car Seats

• Speaking as a mom of six, fitting multiple car seats into your vehicle is an intense game of Tetris! You usually have to skip the middle seat and install them behind the driver and passenger. 
• And if you have more than two children, you’ll need a bigger car to fit them in the third row, or a different one altogether.

4. Legroom

The size of the vehicle and the driver’s preferences also matter when you’re choosing a spot for the car seat. 

• If the driver has enough legroom and is comfortable even with the car seat right behind the driver seat, you’ve got no problem. 
• Otherwise, it’s better to switch placement rather than cause the driver discomfort because that can cause safety issues too.

It is also a good idea to understand shoulder strap placement for different car seats, including rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. The correct placement of shoulder straps is also crucial for safety.

Final Thoughts: Infant Car Seat Behind Driver Or Passenger?

Being a parent isn’t easy.

You’re responsible for a delicate life and that often makes you second-guess your decisions, especially with the placement of infant car seats. But, let me tell you a little secret: you’re doing just fine. If your little love is safe and snug in their correctly installed car seat, they’re okay!

Deciding where to place the infant car seat is all about personal preference. Some parents feel it’s safer on the passenger side; others find it more convenient behind the driver’s seat.

So, choose for your circumstance, rather than relying on one particular placement for every need. 

See you next time!