Can You Put an Infant Car Seat in Front Seat

The most important concerns of parents and other caregivers around the world regarding infant car transportation revolve around safety. Can one put an infant car seat in the front seat? It is safe?

This question is best answered on various levels. We will explain the question and provide an overall overview of whether an infant car seat can be placed in the front seat or not, specifically in the U.K. and Europe.

Regulations on Front Seat Placement (UK and Europe)

EU Standards

The European Union has put in place strict laws that ensure a child's safety inside a vehicle. According to Directive 2003/20/EC, every child who is below 135 cm in height should be provided with an appropriate child restraint system.

However, this directive tries to stress that it is not advisable to use a rearward-facing car seat on a seat that is provided with an active frontal airbag unless it is de-activated. This is further important to prevent severe injury when the airbag comes into action.

UK Legal Requirements

The law states in the UK, children must use a child car seat until 12 years old or 135 cm tall (whichever comes first.) The child car seat is allowed to be used in the front seat under certain specifications:

1. Rear-Facing Seats: If the airbag is active, it is illegal to use a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat. A rear-facing seat may only be used in the front after the airbag is turned off.
2. Forward-Facing Seats: Children can be allowed to be in a forward-facing seat in the front when they are within the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations for the seat.

Regional Differences

While EU directives provide a general guideline, sometimes other countries have additional rulings. For instance, some provide for smaller limits on height or age in placing a child in the front seat. When traveling around the different regions, one has to observe the local law or rule as the case may be.

Safety Risks and Benefits of Front Seat Placement

Why the Back Seat is Safer

Research has been clear that the back seats are a safer place for children. In a frontal crash (the most common type of crash), the back seat functions like a protective bubble. In the front seat, the chances of injury are much greater.

Also, the back seat does not have frontal airbags, decreasing the risk of airbag deployment injuries.

When Front Seat Placement May Be Necessary

There are times when placing an infant car seat may be necessary in the front seat. In these situations, safety measures become more critical to reduce the potential dangers.

• Vehicle Design: In vehicles which do not have rear seats, like specific vans or sports cars, there might not be an option other than sitting in the front seat.
• Medical Needs: Some children have medical conditions which require them to be under constant watch. In such cases also, placing them on the front seat might be necessary.

Safety Precautions for Front Seat Placement

When it is impossible to avoid installation in the front seat, the following safety measures are necessary.

Deactivate Airbags

Airbags are designed to save adults and can be hazardous to infants. If you intend to use a rear-facing car seat in the front, ensure you turn off the passenger-side airbag beforehand. Check specific instructions for disabling airbags in your vehicle's manual.

Positioning the Car Seat

Place the car seat rearward as far back as possible to keep it away from the dashboard. This position reduces the impact force during a crash.

Installation Checks

Make sure to install the car seat according to the provided manufacturer's instructions. The seat must be installed in a place that is fixed with barely any movements. Its installment should be regularly checked whether this is safely installed.

The Right Baby Car Seat for Front Placement

Rear-Facing i-Size Seats

i-Size is the European standard for child car seats. It focuses more on height instead of weight. It is designed to keep the child in a rearward-facing position for a longer time as their head and neck will be protected more. When you install it in the front seat, ensure that the airbag has been deactivated.

Convertible Seats

Convertible seats can change from rear-facing to forward-facing while the child is growing. They are accommodating, serving for an extended period as the child grows. If using in the front seat, follow the safety measures and installation recommendations.

Is Front Seat Placement Right for Your Child?

Determining front seat placement considers a number of aspects:

• Vehicle Type: There are those vehicles without rear seats, and thus, the front seat placement would be an inherent option.
• Child’s Size and Age: Most experts recommend a rear-facing seat for infants up to 15 months because it provides the best head and neck support in case of a collision. If the child has exceeded this age and size, one may consider a forward-facing one when necessitated by one's circumstances to place him/her in the front seat.
• Travel Frequency and Duration: Generally speaking, in the case of long voyages, a child can be safer sitting in the back, away from airbag hazards and further from the dashboard.
• Supervision Needs: Parents generally welcome the ease of supervision possible with front seat placement, especially on short journeys or if a child needs special medical monitoring.

Final Thoughts

The most vital thing in placing an infant car seat in the front seat is safety and compliance with the local law. The back seat is considered globally the safest seating for babies, but there are situations where placing them at the front may be necessary.

Parents who adhere to precautions, ranging from airbag deactivation to appropriate seat positioning and selection of a suitable model, can minimize the possible risks. Knowing your local legal and safety guidelines will better equip you to make informed decisions for the best protection of your child.

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FAQ

Is it legal to place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat in the UK?

Yes, but only if the airbag is turned off. It is illegal in the UK to put a rear-facing child seat onto the front seat with an active airbag because of the danger it would put the child into.

What precautions should I take if my infant must sit in the front seat?

The airbag should be deactivated, the seat needs to be as far back as possible and follow the installation conditions given by the company. For extra safety, consider an i-Size approved seat or one that scored high in Safety ratings.

Are there specific car seats recommended for front placement?

Generally speaking, i-Size rear-facing seats and swivelling changeover seats are most versatile for front placement, whereas - considering safety - they could be used just as well for back seat placement. Jovikids offers several models which all have front and back placement as an option.

How can I find out if my car’s airbag can be deactivated?

Refer to your car's manual to see how to disable the passenger's side airbag. The majority of new car models will be able to accommodate this. But if for any reason your car cannot, you may wish to consider installing the seat in the back, or at least take the lead to consult a professional.