Is it safe to put a rear-facing carseat in the middle row captain seats of mini van?

Question

I have a minivan with second row captain/bucket seats, is it safe to put a rear-facing infant seat there or does it HAVE to go in the way back?

I have an inspection already set up but they can't do it until the end of next month so I didn't know where to put it until then. Some car seat safety websites say one thing and others say the opposite and my van's manual doesn't even mention it

Answer 1

You can put a rear facing car seat anywhere except in the front seat because of the airbag. The middle bucket seat should be fine but there is usually a little level indicator on the side of the seat to tell you if it's level or not, if it's not, then take a bath towel and roll it up and place it in the crease of the regular seat(the vehicle seat) and the car seat base. If you still have problem, call the non emergency number of the police department and they will look at it for you, you may have to drive it to them though. OR you can always go to a fire department and they will check it also.

Answer 2

if the car seat fits snugly then it would be alright to do so. however there is a lot of car seats that comes with the base, sometimes the base can help the car seat to fit better in the bucket seat, but if not, and its a car seat that can be used with out the base, then i'll probably fit better with out the base. we have a 2001 saturn, and we're going through the same thing, with out little one due in october. we're getting our car seat installed in a week to make sure it fits right, if not we'll be buying a different car seat. there is a few tricks thats okay to use like a rolled up towel, but regulations vary everywhere (like you know) so it might be a good idea to call up a nurse or visit the police station to find out what the regulations are.

Answer 3

I think it should be put in the middle and never in the way back. Just install using the car seat instructions and also check the book for your car.

Good Luck. Any questions, you can call your local PD. They usually will do car seat safety checks and can let you know.

Answer 4

As long as the seat is properly installed you can put it in a captain's seat. My parents put my nephew's seat in their captain's chair because it was easier to get him in and out of the van. It is up to you. You are the parent and the one that is responsible for the well-being of your child. I also personally prefer to have my infant in the middle seating area of our van because she is closer to me in case I need to give her her toy back or something like that.

Answer 5

Never put your kids in the back row of a van, just in case someone who is not paying attention rear ends you.

Answer 6

as long as it's not the front seat and there are not air bags it should be ok

the chick that says to call the number for the car seat is the best. that would be the safest bet since you can't get it inspected until later.

Answer 7

omg, dont listen to these people! captains chairs swing, and ive been told multiple times that its unsafe to place a carseat in a captains chair. please, i know its a pain in the butt to place your child in the far rear, but its safer than putting them in a captains chair. want another reason? look at the bolts and anchors on your rear seat, then look at the ones in your captains chair. notice a difference? fewer bolts, and easier to remove (so you have more space for cargo i imagine.) if you dont believe me, PLEASE call the 1-800 number on the bottom of your carseat, they will tell you its unsafe.

Answer 8

No it doesn't have to be in the way back, in fact the middle is safer. As long as it is installed properly it should work great for you.

Answer 9

It is safe as long as it is installed properly. If you are unsure of the installation the mothers ward at you local hospital and also your local highway patrol.

Answer 10

yes it will be as safe as long as you follow the directions and install it properly