What Is the Safest Seat in a Van to Put a Newborn Car Seat In?

Infant Seats

• Place an infant carrier in the center-most seat in the van, provided that the seat is secure when installed. If your van has three seats in the second row, install the car seat in the center of the second row. Install a newborn car seat in one of the side seats in the second row if it is more secure there than in the center seat or if your van has only two captain̵7;s chairs in the second row of seats, Car Seats Made Simple reports. Once installed, you shouldn̵7;t be able to wiggle the seat more than one inch in any direction, Kids Health states.

Rear-Facing Seats

• Install a convertible car seat that you plan to later use as a forward facing seat in your van̵7;s center-most seat. If your van has three rows of seats, the middle of the second bench row is the safest place for your baby, provided your car seat will fit securely, the Car Seat Lady recommends. If your van has two rows of captain̵7;s chairs and a bench seat in the back, your newborn is safest in one of the second row captain̵7;s chairs. You might install her car seat in the right chair in the second row so you can see her easier, reports Safety Belt Safe U.S.A.

Multiples

• For multiple babies, your car seat configurations depend on several factors. Secure car seats are most important, so you might need to adjust seating configurations until each car seat cannot be moved more than one inch in any direction. If your van is full-size, first install car seats in the center-most seats, provided they fit tightly. If you drive a mini-van with second row captain̵7;s chairs, install your car seats in the second row. If you have triplets, place a third car seat in the center of the back row, provided it will fit securely.

Older Riders

• If you have older children who also ride in your van, place the older children in the center-most seats first, and then install the newborn seat in the next safest seat. Because your newborn̵7;s car seat or infant carrier is rear facing, she is automatically five times safer than forward-facing riders, according to the Car Seat Lady. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds are not safest sitting in the center seat of the back row of a mini-van because that seat normally does not have a headrest or shoulder belt, but your newborn is safe sitting there if the middle row of seats are filled because her car seat likely does not require a shoulder belt to be secured tightly, reports the Car Seat Lady.