LATCH System Information
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This system was mandated by the federal government to make LATCHs standard in all vehicles created after September 1, 2002. The LATCH system makes car seat installation much easier and ensures the child’s safety. Anchor points are located between the car’s back seat cushions. There will be two anchors and they will be located on the left and right seat, not the middle seat. Car seats have a lower set of attachments which hook onto the vehicle anchors. Both rear and front-facing car seats will have the tethers needed to attach to the anchors in the seat. It is not necessary to use the LATCH system with a booster seat. Some convertible car seat manuals tell you that you must remove the LATCH tethers when you adjust the seat to be a booster seat.
To check if your vehicle has the anchors for the LATCH system you can feel between the cushions on the back seat. Just feel for two steel rods that stick out slightly in almost a rectangular shape. Most of the time, you will be able to see the anchors between the cushions. If your vehicle does not have the LATCH anchors you can still provide a safe car seat for your child. The car seat’s manual will give you instructions on what you should do and you will most likely need a locking clip. You also do not have to have a car seat with the LATCH system. The instructions for the car seat will tell you how to properly secure your child.
