Is using LATCH to secure a child restraint safer than using the vehicle's safety belts?

LATCH and the safety belt are two systems that serve the same function--attaching a child restraint to a vehicle. One is not inherently safer than the other. If comparing two rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints properly installed in the same place in the same vehicle--one installed using LATCH and one with the safety belt--the two seats will be equally safe.

However, properly installing the restraints using LATCH is often much easier than properly installing restraints using vehicle safety belts. An easier installation means fewer installation errors, and therefore a safer child restraint.

Unfortunately, things are never this simple. While LATCH allows for an easy installation, in most vehicles it CANNOT be used in the center seating position, which is statistically the safest place in the car (because passengers in this seat cannot take a direct hit during a crash), and therefore where most children should be placed.

Assuming your vehicle does not have LATCH in the center seat, it is usually best to try to achieve a tight installation using the safety belt in the center seat first. If this does not work, you can try installing the seat on the side using the LATCH system.