Learn about the LATCH system for infant car seats, child car seats and booster seats

Q: What is LATCH?

LATCH is a standard designed to make it easier to install child car seats, infant car seats or booster seats. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is meant to be an alternative to using the vehicle seat belt to secure your child car seat, infant car seat or booster seat.

This system was designed for the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. All new vehicles and child safety seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system.

Q: What does LATCH look like?

LATCH consists of anchor points located between the vehicle’s rear seat cushion and the seat back and behind the top of the seat. Usually, the anchor is a small metal loop. The lower anchors just barely protrude from the crack between the seat and seat back. These are used to secure the bottom portion of a child car seat, infant car seat or booster seat.

In cars the anchor for a child car seat top tether is usually located behind the top of the rear seat on the back deck. In vans it can found on the floor behind the rear seat.

Q: Do I have to use LATCH?

LATCH is an alternative to using the vehicle seat belts. Don’t worry if your vehicle doesn’t have it or your car safety seat doesn’t have it.

Whether your vehicle does or does not have LATCH you can still use the vehicle seat belts to secure child car seats, infant car seats or booster seats. If your child safety seat does not have LATCH you can use the vehicle seat belts.

Use which ever method is easier and more convenient for you.

Q: How Do I install a LATCH Car Seat?

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your child car seat, infant car seat or booster seat.

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