This question was asked during our first Engineer’s Q&A with Andy Beaumont, ACRI’s representative to the Australian Standards committee – Here is how Andy responded:

Q: At what limit should I not install a child seat if it’s too wide for the vehicle? For example, if it’s touching the door it’s OK but what if the vehicle is compressing the seat a little?

Andy B: “This is a little more awkward as it’s OK for the door to touch and also lightly compress a child restraint – this is fairly common with any 3-across fitments. The general opinion on this, is that you have to do it carefully and being mindful not to over compress the restraints. If you must lean heavily onto the door in order to shut it, it is probably compressing the restraints too much. Sometimes, changing one of the seats into a reclined position can help overcome any overlap and make it slightly narrower overall, but always check with the parents first if this is ok to do.”