When Is It Safe For My Child To Sit In The Front Seat? - BabyCenter ...

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When is it safe for my child to sit in the front seat?Reviewed by The BabyCenter Editorial TeamWritten by Megan RiveIt’s illegal for children under four years to sit in the front seat of a car with two rows or more. Children between the ages of four and seven years can only sit in the front seat if all other seating positions in the back of the car are taken by children under seven in suitable restraints. Advertisement | page continues below A child aged seven years and over can legally sit in the front seat of a car when using a suitable booster seat or properly adjusted seatbelt. But medical and road safety experts recommend that children remain sitting in the back seat until they’re at least 12. This is because the injury risk to children under 12 is nearly double in the front seat compared to the back seat, regardless of the type of restraint. Dangers for children sitting in the front seat include powerful airbags, which are often fitted in front passenger seats, and poorly adjusted seatbelts that are too big for a small child. Although the safest place for your child is to sit in a correctly fitted child restraint in the back seat, there are ways to minimise the risk of injuries if your child must sit in the front seat. Try these tips:

Push the seat right back so your child is further from the front passenger-side airbag.
Ensure your child is big enough for an adult seatbelt (at least 145cm tall) or use an appropriate booster seat. Adjust the seatbelt to suit your child. Check that the sash belt sits across the middle of her shoulder and the lap belt low across her hips.
Encourage your child not to lean forward or distract you while you’re driving.
Make sure your child is calm before you set off on a journey.

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Megan RiveMegan Rive is a communication, content strategy and project delivery specialist. She was Babycenter editor for six years. Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new window