to let my child ride in the front seat?

[pjmama]

A couple of times recenly I have let DC age 4.9 ride in the front seat of the car, strapped into their usual booster seat with the air bag turned off. They were very excited at the novelty of being allowed to sit in the front.

DH however had a go at me about it, saying they were far safer in the back and that I was taking unnecessary risks with their safety and that he doesn't want me to do it again.

I'll respect his opinion of course, but I just wondered if I WAS actually doing something irresponsible, as I assumed it was safe providing a proper car seat is used and the air bag is off? Does anyone else let their DCs ride in the front sometimes?

I'm with Ripeberry and given the Ncap rating too on the zafira, it's a no brainer for me

PS some sites say to switch airbags off if the child is under 12 due to risk of suffocation. I guess that is a personal choice then. I take 4 kids on the school run so one of them has to be in the front, but I wouldn't put my 6yo in the front otherwise.

I'd be interested to know what the stats are on the relative safety of a child (in my case, 7 yr old DS) sitting in the front seat, with the front seat back as far as it will go, compared to him sitting in the back seat of a 3 door car. I'm a bit paranoid about him not being able to get out quickly in an emergency hence I tend to just have the front seat back as far as it will go (ie as far back the air bag as possible) and put him in that but I have know idea if this is the right call.

The problem is, we never know what type of crash we're going to have :(

Statistically he is safer in the back. Statistically it is safer not to get in the car at all. It is not illegal and everyone will have their own particular tolerance on what level of risk is acceptable (if you put your child in a car, some risk exists). Everyone will also have their own decision on what age it does become acceptable. That's fine, but you have no right to lecture others.

Just been reading all your comments and concerns. Please go to the link below and it will hopefully clear all this.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069855

I was having this issue with my partner - the previous post that has been referred to was actually mine haha! I was in the position of your DH, you my DP was in your position. It's perfectly fine, not against the law in the slightest, but the only thing is your kids will be A LOT safer in the back. It's just one of those things where some people are like OMG NOO when others are really laid-back and casual about.