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LATCH

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Created: September 22, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: LATCH refers to the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system, which according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 'is designed to make installation of child safety seats easier by requiring child safety seats to be installed without using the vehicle's seat belt system.'

Since LATCH is required on most car seats and vehicles that were made after September 1, 2002, if you recently bought a new car or car seat, it likely has LATCH.

Pronunciation: lach
Also Known As: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
Examples: Our new car seat is easy to install in our new car because they both have LATCH.

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