Choosing where to install a car seat has always been a major concern for parents. Opinions vary widely, and even experts do not always agree. Many parents struggle with the question of how to use a car seat in a way that offers the best protection for their children during travel.
Just as there are many factors to consider when purchasing a car seat, the choice of installation position must also take multiple conditions into account. In the following section, we will explain the relevant data on installation locations, as well as the essential requirements that cars, car seats, and installation methods themselves should meet.
Car Seat Placement: Left, Right, or Middle?
This article cites statistics released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), comparing the fatality rates of different rear seat positions over recent years. The data shows that when safety restraints (seat belts or car seats) are used, the order of lowest to highest fatality rates is as follows: rear center seat, rear passenger seat and rear driver seat.
However, it’s worth noting that the sample size for the rear center position is relatively small, with more variables involved. At present, there is no complete set of data or comprehensive study that can directly prove which position is definitively the safest for installing a car seat. So, parents—don’t rush to assume that the middle seat is always the best choice!
2017–2018 Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatality Rates, by Seating Position and Seat Belt Use
2019–2020 Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatality Rates, by Seating Position and Seat Belt Use
SOURCE:
NHTSA OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN PASSENGER VEHICLES 2017.2018.2019.2020 DATA，
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812691
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812967
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813176
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813326
Important Notes for Installing a Car Seat in the Center Seat
In fact, before parents get caught up in choosing the installation position, the priority is to ensure that the car seat is properly installed. Only with correct installation can the use of restraints (seat belts or ISOFIX) significantly improve protection.
We strongly recommend that parents keep the following points in mind before deciding whether installing the car seat in the rear center seat is feasible:
- Correctly install the car seat
- Check whether the specifications of the rear center seat are compatible with the car seat
Why Correct Car Seat Installation Matters
Just as adults rely on seat belts—designed to tighten and hold the body securely in place during a crash—children under the age of 12 need proper protection as well. Since their height and weight are not fully developed, the car seat serves as their seat belt, acting as a critical line of defense for their safety on the road.
According to data released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2014, the fatality rate reached a high of 85% when passengers were ejected from the vehicle during a crash. This highlights just how crucial proper car seat use is for protecting children in a collision.
2014 Passenger Injuries and Deaths from Being Ejected from Vehicles
SOURCE:
NHTSA OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN PASSENGER VEHICLES 2014 DATA，https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812302
| Passenger Ejection | People | % |
|---|---|---|
| Injured | 364 | 15% |
| Died | 2029 | 85% |
In addition, parents should also pay attention to the compatibility between the car and the car seat. For example, a car seat that only supports ISOFIX installation must be installed using the car’s ISOFIX system, and it will not be compatible with vehicles that do not have ISOFIX.
Requirements for installing a car seat in the rear center position
Installing a car seat in the rear center position requires two things to ensure compatibility with the vehicle:
- The rear center seat must have a 3-point seat belt (if ISOFIX lower anchors are available, the car seat may also be installed using ISOFIX).
- The car seat must be installed correctly and securely.
In most compact four-door sedans, commonly seen in Taiwan, the rear center seat is relatively narrow and usually equipped only with a 2-point seat belt, making car seat installation impractical. Another option is the ISOFIX system (International Standards Organization FIX), but ISOFIX lower anchors are generally provided only on the left and right rear seats, and are rarely found in the center. If ISOFIX is available in the center position, the risk of incorrect installation would be lower than when using a seat belt.
The Taiwan Journal of Criminal Policy and Criminology (Vol. 21, Studies on Traffic Accident Injuries and Forensic Applications) notes that passengers seated in the rear center position are often thrown forward due to inertia in a collision. For this reason, parents who choose to install a car seat in the center seat should take extra caution to ensure that it is installed securely and correctly.
Why is the rear center seat the safest place for a car seat?
Research published in the Taiwan Journal of Criminal Policy and Criminology (Vol. 21, Studies on Traffic Accident Injuries and Forensic Applications) show that the most common types of fatal car crashes are frontal and side impacts, occurring at nearly the same frequency. Wearing a seat belt (or using a car seat) can reduce the risk of death in a frontal crash by about 45%. In side impacts, however, injuries tend to be more severe on the side of the collision.
Source: Taiwan Journal of Criminal Policy and Criminology, Vol. 21 – Studies on Traffic Accident Injuries and Forensic Applications https://www.cprc.moj.gov.tw/media/8213/911016165682.pdf
Car Seat Placement and Side-Impact Protection
Installing a car seat in the rear center position offers greater protection in a side collision. In this location, the child is less likely to be exposed to the full force of the initial impact and is also better shielded from shattered glass or other debris caused by the crash.
To address the shortcomings of ECE R44/04, the European Union introduced the i-Size regulation (ECE R129) in 2013. Unlike its the previous requirements, i-Size requires side-impact testing in addition to frontal and rear-impact tests, ensuring a higher level of protection for children.
Mortality Rate Comparing by Child Car Seat Placement
Source：NHTSA OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN PASSENGER VEHICLES 2017.2018.2019.2020 DATA
| Year | Rear Left Seat | Rear Center Seat | Rear Right Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 39% | 34% | 42% |
| 2018 | 42% | 30% | 45% |
| 2019 | 38% | 34% | 41% |
| 2020 | 38% | 27% | 38% |
From the table above, we can see that aside from the significant difference in the center seat, the mortality rates for the left and right seats are both around 40%, with only minor variations. In addition, there are uncontrollable factors in the data, such as incorrect use of safety devices (child car seats or seat belts), or defects and damage in the devices themselves.
Even though these reports provide useful references, we must once again remind parents that, ultimately, the most important factor is whether the child car seat is installed correctly.
Child Car Seat Installation in Rear Left and Right Positions
Of course, if there is more than one child in the family, or if an adult also needs to sit in the back, space limitations mean that at least one child car seat will have to be installed on either side of the rear seat.
How to Install a Child Car Seat When an Adult Sits in the Back?
Using Narrow Car Seats
In Taiwan, most common car models have limited rear seat space. When a child car seat is installed, parents who need to sit in the back to care for their child often have to sacrifice comfort. Therefore, when choosing a car seat, it is recommended to prioritize narrow models or lightweight booster cushions, depending on the child’s height and weight.
Installing Car Seats with Seat Belts
Since ISOFIX anchors in cars are standardized and fixed in position, once a car seat is installed with ISOFIX, it cannot be shifted. However, if you use a car seat that supports installation with the vehicle’s three-point seat belt, the seat can be positioned slightly closer to the door, creating more space inside the vehicle.
Installing Car Seats With WIDFIX Isofix Extender
With PERO WIDFIX ISOFIX Extenders, the car seats can be shifted slightly closer to the doors. This helps free up space in the center seat, making it much easier — and more comfortable — for an adult passenger to sit in the middle.
We hope every child can enjoy happy trips and create safe, comfortable, and precious memories. If it isn’t possible to meet the first choice of installing the car seat in the center, then the priority should be to install the car seat correctly on either side of the rear seat. This is always far better than an incorrect installation in the middle.
Common Car Seat Questions
Can a baby car seat be installed in the front passenger seat?
Regulations about whether a child car seat can be placed in the front passenger seat vary by country. In many cases, if a car seat is installed in the front seat, the front passenger airbag must be turned off. This helps prevent the airbag from deploying and causing serious pressure or injury to the child in the event of a crash.
What are the recommended car seats for children aged 5 and up?
Regulations about whether a child car seat can be placed in the front passenger seat vary by country. In many cases, if a car seat is installed in the front seat, the front passenger airbag must be turned off. This helps prevent the airbag from deploying and causing serious pressure or injury to the child in the event of a crash.
Does Car Seat Side Placement Matter?
Based on available data, there is no clear safety difference between the left and right rear seats. In other words, placing a child car seat on either side is generally considered equally safe.
If parents still prefer to choose one side, it is usually recommended to install the car seat on the driver-side rear seat rather than the passenger-side rear seat.
Most importantly, no car seat can guarantee 100% protection. The key to keeping children safe is always proper installation. When a car seat is installed correctly, it can significantly improve a child’s safety during every trip.
Can Three Car Seats Fit in the Back Seat?
Because every car and car seat is different, it’s hard to know in advance whether three car seats will fit in the back. The best way to be sure is to try installing them in person.
If your car has ISOFIX anchor points and you use ISOFIX car seats, you can also consider the WIDFIX ISOFIX Extender. It helps move the left and right seats slightly toward the doors, creating more space in the middle for a third car seat.
You’re welcome to share your vehicle details with us, and we can help check compatibility.
Feel free to contact us anytime — we’re happy to help.
Can I Put a Car Seat in the Middle Seat Without ISOFIX?
Most cars do not have ISOFIX anchors in the middle rear seat. If you want to place a car seat there, check these two things first:
The car seat can be installed with a seat belt
The middle seat has a three-point seat belt
If both are available, you can install the car seat in the middle using the seat belt. Just make sure it is installed correctly, because an incorrect installation may reduce the protection it provides.
Recommended Car Seats
Recommended ISOFIX Booster Seats
| Booster Seats | Compatibility | Dimensions | Car Seats Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERO NI ISOFIX Booster | ● 3-12 years ● 15-36kg (33-79lb) | ● 3.7kg (8.2lb) ● 44*47.5*36cm (17.3*18.7*14.2in) | ● GII+GIII ISOFIX Convertible Seats ● ISOFIX and Belt Installation ● Slide-out cup holders on both sides● Convertible small-back design ● Extra-thick foam for superior hip comfort ● Removable, breathable fabric cover for easy cleaning ● Belt guider prevents the seat belt from riding up or harming the child |
| PERO IDOL i-Size ISOFIX Booster | ● 3-12 years ● 15-36kg (33-79lb) | ● 2.5kg (5.5lb) ● 44*39.5*23.5cm (17.3*15.5*9.25in) | ● GII+GIII ISOFIX Convertible Seats ● ISOFIX and Belt Installation ● Extra-thick foam for superior hip comfort ● Removable, breathable fabric cover for easy cleaning ● Belt guider prevents the seat belt from riding up or harming the child |
Recommended ISOFIX Car Seats
| Car Seats | Compatibility | Dimensions | Car Seats Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| PERO Ni Plus ISOFIX Car Seat | ● 3-12 years ● 15-36kg (33-79lb) ● 98-137cm (38.58-53.93in) | ● 5.7 kg (12.6lb) ● 44*49*65cm (17.3*19.3*25.6in) | ● GII+GIII ISOFIX Convertible Seats ● ISOFIX and Belt Installation ● Slide-out cup holders on both sides● 7-position adjustable headrest for growing kids● Extra-thick foam for superior hip comfort● Breathable, removable fabric cover for easy care● Belt guider prevents the seat belt from riding up or harming the child● Convertible high-back design—can switch with the NI ISOFIX booster's low-back cushion |
| PERO i-Size Cento ISOFIX Car Seat | ● 3-12 years ● 15-36kg (33-79lb) ● 98-150cm (38.58-59.05 in) | ● 7kg (15.4lb) ● 47*43*61.5cm (18.5*16.9*24.2 in) | ● GII+GIII ISOFIX Convertible Seats ● Easy installation with ISOFIX or seat belt ● Built-in 105° adjustable reclining backrest● Advanced side impact protection (SIP+)● Extra-thick foam for superior hip comfort● Removable, breathable fabric cover for easy cleaning● Secure seat belt guider with lock-in ability● EU safety regulation ECE R129 is followed |
| PERO Luce90 ISOFIX Car Seat | ● 9 months-12 years ● 9-36kg (19-79 lb) ● Harness: under 110cm (43.30 in) ● Three-point belt: 98-137cm (38.58-53.93 in) | ● 7.8kg (17.1 lb) ● 44*47.5*36cm (17.7*17.7*24.8 in) | ● GI+GII+GIII ISOFIX Car Seat● Compatible with both ISOFIX and seat belt installation● Harness with shoulder straps that adjust automatically with the headrest● Top tether for added stability● Reinforced head support with extra-thick cushioning for better impact protection● Soft, shock-absorbing pearl cotton for added comfort● Removable, breathable fabric cover with cozy padding● Belt guider prevents the seat belt from riding up or harming the child● Detachable cup holders |
| PERO Cuore012 ISOFIX Car Seat | ● 0-7 years ● Front-facing：9-25kg (19.8-55.1 lb) ● Rear-facing：0-13kg (0-28.6 lb) | ● 13.7kg (30.2lb) ● 45*51*62.5cm (17.7*20*24.6 in) | ● G0+GI+GII ISOFIX Car Seat● Easy ISOFIX installation● Rear- and forward-facing options● Harness with shoulder straps that adjust automatically with the headrest● Top tether for added safety● Rear-facing 165* recline and forward-facing 90* - 129* recline● Reinforced head support with extra-thick cushioning for better impact protection● Soft, shock-absorbing pearl cotton for added comfort● Breathable, removable fabric cover with cozy padding and newborn insert● Belt guider prevents the seat belt from riding up or harming the child● Two-piece design for easy storage and transport |
