How to Pick a Volkswagen Car Seat

To find and install the best car seat for your Volkswagen, you’ll need to reference local and national guidelines, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Car seats are essential to your little one’s safety, and with so many options out there, it’s important to follow local and national guidelines when you’re choosing the right car seat for your
Volkswagen
. Also, read the manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed installation directions.
If you’re shopping for a car seat, it likely means one of two things: either you’re preparing for a new baby’s arrival, or you just purchased a new Volkswagen and need to update your current car seat accordingly. Either way, wading through a sea of safety ratings, price points, styles, and aesthetics is an incredibly daunting task. 
Number one car insurance comparison app
Jerry
has compiled this helpful guide so that you can select the perfect car seat with confidence. We’ve included tips on shopping for car seats as well as installing them correctly!

How to choose a car seat for a Volkswagen 

The car seat you need will depend on your child’s age, weight, and height. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
sets standards for car seats for children aged 0 to 12 years.
Generally, the NHTSA makes the following recommendations:
  • Rear-facing seats are suggested for children up to three years of age
  • Children between four and seven typically fit into a front-facing seat 
  • Once your child outgrows a front-facing seat, they’ll need a booster seat until they’re twelve or taller than four feet and nine inches 
You can purchase a different car seat for every stage of your child’s growth, or opt for a convertible option that can grow with your little one! 
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the NHTSA’s specifications:
Category
Age groups
Features
Types
Rear-facing
0-12 months and up to three years
Protects neck and spinal cord during crashes
Infant car seat, convertible seat (for 12+ months), or all-in-one seat (for 12+ months)
Forward-facing
Four to seven years OR over manufacturer’s weight and height limits for rear-facing seats
Uses a harness and tether to limit forward movement during crashes
Convertible seat, all-in-one seat, or combination seat
Booster seat
Seven to 12 years OR over manufacturer’s weight and height limits for front-facing seats
Raises the child so the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly
Combination seat, all-in-one seat, high back booster seat (for cars without headrests), or backless booster seat (for cars with headrests)
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The best car seats for Volkswagen owners

Before shopping for car seats, check the exact dimensions of your Volkswagen’s rear seat. Once you have these dimensions in mind, you can explore a variety of car seats at all different price points. Here are some favorites among Volkswagen drivers:
If you don’t know where to start, try the NHTSA’s
Car Seat Finder
to compare seats in the correct category for your child. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS)
booster ratings
is another great resource if you’re specifically shopping for booster seats.

Installing a car seat in a Volkswagen

After you’ve purchased the perfect car seat, you’ll have to properly install it into the back seat of your Volkswagen. You’ll want to reference two places before installing: the car seat’s instruction manual and your Volkswagen’s owner's manual. Both will contain specific instructions for safe installation. You can also find
detailed instructions
from the NHTSA. 
Installation steps may vary slightly depending on the seat you select and your Volkswagen’s year and model, but the following steps will remain generally the same:
  • Carefully read all instructions
  • Securely attach the car seat or booster seat base to your car’s rear seat using the seat belt or ISOFIX/LATCH. 
  • Make sure your seat is secure by testing it with a firm wiggle—it shouldn’t move more than an inch 
  • Carefully buckle your child into the seat and make sure all of the straps are snug and secure
Installing your car seat correctly includes selecting the perfect place to put it. Many parents assume that the middle rear seat is safest—as it is the most insulated space in the event of a crash—but experts recommend putting the car seat behind the front passenger seat. Here’s why:
  • Standardized ISOFIX attachment anchors will be found in the outer rear seats, not in the middle seat
  • You’ll be able to check on your child quickly and easily by glancing over your shoulder
  • Putting your child into the car seat (and taking them out!) is easier on the passenger’s side, as it is typically parked away from traffic
No matter what, always resist the temptation to install the car seat in the front passenger seat. It may seem like you’ll have the easiest access to your baby, but car seats are not designed to work in the front seat, and airbag systems can pose a great danger to little ones. 
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The best family Volkswagen for car seats

If you’re headed to the VW dealership for a new vehicle for your family, the following three options are great options if you’ve got kids in car seats: 

Volkswagen Atlas

Starting price: $33,900 MSRP
NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
IIHS safety rating: Good 
IIHS LATCH ease of use: Marginal 
You can comfortably take everyone along for the ride in the
VW Atlas
with spacious seating for seven. Fold down the rear seat and the Atlas boasts nearly 97 cubic feet of cargo capacity! In the event of a crash, the Safety Cage feature will distribute forces away from the driver and passengers.
Keep in mind that the ISOFIX/LATCH system on this SUV’s bucket seats can be a little difficult to use, so consider installing your car seat and leaving it there—there’s plenty of space for other passengers to sit elsewhere! 

Volkswagen Jetta

Starting price: $20,365 MSRP
NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
IIHS safety rating: Good 
IIHS LATCH ease of use: Acceptable
If you have a smaller family, or are looking for a second family vehicle to supplement the van or SUV you already own, the
VW Jetta
is a crowd favorite compact sedan. You’ll save tons on gas with an EPA estimated 33-40 highway mpg range, while still having plenty of room to fit up to two car seats (or three older children) in the back seat. 

Volkswagen Taos 

Starting price: $23,295 MSRP
NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
IIHS safety rating: Good
IIHS LATCH ease of use: Good 
If a compact sedan is too small for your family, but you’re not quite ready for a seven-seater, the
VW Taos
could be the perfect option. This fun, compact SUV offers comfort and versatility at a size that’s just right. You’ll fit plenty of groceries, sports gear, or travel bags in the trunk, while still having plenty of space to seat your family of four. 
Even better—the Taos comes with one of the best IIHS Latch ease of use ratings among all Volkswagen models, meaning you’ll be able to install and remove your child’s car seat quickly and simply.

Car seat laws by state

Want to make sure your Volkswagen car seat is in compliance with your state’s laws? Jerry’s got you covered. Check out the table below and click your state’s name for more detailed regulations.
State
Minimum requirements for adult seat belt
Maximum base fine
6+ years
$25
7+ years OR 57 inches or 65+ pounds
$50
5+ years AND 57+ inches
$50
6+ years OR 60+ pounds
$100
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$100
8+ years
$81
8+ years AND 60+ pounds
$50
8+ years OR 66+ pounds
$25
6+ years
$60
57+ inches
$50
4+ years AND 57 inches or 40+ pounds
$100
7+ years
$79
8+ years OR 40+ pounds where only a lap belt is available
$75
8+ years
$25
6+ years
$25
8+ years OR 80+ pounds OR 57+ inches
$60
57+ inches
$50 for children restraint, $30 for booster seat
9+ years OR above manufacturer’s height and weight restrictions
$100
57+ inches OR 80+ pounds
$50
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$50
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$25
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$10
8+ years AND 57+ inches
$25
65+ pounds OR 57+ inches
$25
8+ years OR 80+ pounds OR 57+ inches
$50 if child is under 80 pounds or 57 inches; $10 for others
6+ years
$100
8+ years
$25
6+ years
$500
7+ years OR 57+ inches
$50
8+ years or 57+ inches
$75
7+ years
$25
8+ years
$100
8+ years OR 40-80 pounds in seats without shoulder belts
$25
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$25
8+ years
$75
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$50
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$115
8+ years
$75
8+ years OR 80+ pounds OR 57+ inches
$85
South Carolina
8+ years OR 57+ inches *only if* belt fits correctly
$150
5+ years OR 40+ pounds
$25
9+ years or 57+ inches
$50
8+ years
$25 (minimum)
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$25
8+ years AND 20+ pounds
$25
8+ years
$50
57+ inches OR 4+ years where only a lap belt is available
$124
8+ years OR 57+ inches
$20
8+ years OR 80+ pounds and 57+ inches
$75
9+ years
$50
MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids

How to find affordable Volkswagen insurance

Great car insurance is essential—especially if you’re driving around with kids in the back seat. Comprehensive coverage can get quite expensive, but
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can help you save big bucks.
If you’re hesitant to
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because you’re worried about the work involved, don’t be. Jerry does all the paperwork for you and can even help cancel your old policy! And if you have any questions along the way, just text one of our agents through the app. They will always be there to assist you.
 “I thought my previous insurance rate was the best I could get, since I have a luxury SUV. After
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FAQ

Volkswagen uses ISOFIX child car seat fixing in every one of their models, meaning there’s no need to use the adult seat belts when installing your little one’s car seat.
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