2003 Jetta Wagon/Graco Snug Ride

[dr2]

Help! I am trying to determine if I can put my Graco Snug Ride car seat in the center position of the back seat using the LATCH system or not! (vs the outboard positions) I do not have the owner's manual for the car and the car seat manual says to refer to the car manual of course!! I have definately located the LATCH es for the outboard spots, but am wondering if I can use a latch from each side for the center position. It fits SO much better in the center spot due to the limited space in the back seats. When in the outboard spot, the seat it is in back of has to be all the way pulled forward, and barely reclined= not comfy AT ALL. But, safety first! Can anyone answer my question about using the latches for the center position? Thanks!
DR2

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	LATCH LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It is a system mandated by the Federal government in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation of child restraints without using the vehicle's seat belt system. New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions, and a top tether anchor (with the exception of convertibles). Child safety seats will have a lower set of attachments that fasten to the vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats will also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to the top anchor in the vehicle.

[ffpmcps]

There are some models of cars that allow you to use one bar from each latch and use the latch in the center. Withour having your manual, it is hard to say. It is however perfectly fine to install the seat in the center position using the seatbelt. The seat can be secured just as well and just as safe using the seatbelt. So to be on the safe side I would put it in the center using the seatbelt instead of the latch. You may also be able to call Volkswagon customer service and ask them.

Good Luck!

	LATCH LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It is a system mandated by the Federal government in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation of child restraints without using the vehicle's seat belt system. New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions, and a top tether anchor (with the exception of convertibles). Child safety seats will have a lower set of attachments that fasten to the vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats will also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to the top anchor in the vehicle.

[dr2]

thanks for the response. I will be going to a dealer here this week to have it checked since I don't have the manual! Seatbelt or latch, it will have to go in the center. That back seat gets small quickly!!! thanks.

	LATCH LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It is a system mandated by the Federal government in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation of child restraints without using the vehicle's seat belt system. New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions, and a top tether anchor (with the exception of convertibles). Child safety seats will have a lower set of attachments that fasten to the vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats will also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to the top anchor in the vehicle.

[Papooses]

Originally Posted by dr2

I will be going to a dealer here this week to have it checked

To get the carseat install checked? Does the dealership employ nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians? Or is it a dealership sponsored event Please ask to see the SafeKids certification card as proof of current technician status! Dealerships rarely employ CPSTs & are rather notorious for being frighteningly incorrect/unsafe about child passenger safety information (none of the dealers around me have ever even read the carseat section in the vehicle manuals & are thoroughly confused while watching me install ours for test drives)

Anyway ... please do call VW #1-800-822-8987 for a vehicle manual immediately if your dealer cannot provide you with one

[Kalinky]

The 2007 LATCH manual states that you can only use LATCH in the outboard positions, not in the center in a 2003 Jetta. Have you tried to install it with the seatbelt in the center yet?

	LATCH LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It is a system mandated by the Federal government in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation of child restraints without using the vehicle's seat belt system. New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions, and a top tether anchor (with the exception of convertibles). Child safety seats will have a lower set of attachments that fasten to the vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats will also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to the top anchor in the vehicle.