Baby seat on front passenger seat

[OrchidFlakes]

I have to do a long journey on my own with DS (10 months) next week. Has anyone travelled with a baby seat on the front passenger seat - I can turn off my front passenger air bag.

I think it would be easier if I could see him and interact with him (talking) when he's not sleeping.

Bad idea or not?

I used to do it when my ds was little, it is much easier especially on a long journey. Just make sure you have some essentials in reach - spare dummy, toys, snacks to pass over if needed.

Mine are now 15, 13 and 9 so all three of them went on the front passenger seat with their Stage 1 carseat (Britax Rock-a-tot if anyone cares) It didn't seem to get frowned upon until they were well past that stage. So, from the POV of someone who did it and had no issues, it was fine and very handy to have DC next to me - particularly on long journeys (poor DH shunted to the back for the period we used them) BUT (and it's a big but) I gather advice now is that it's too risky. All you can do is research and make up your own mind I guess.

I did it with 17 month old when he was younger. Made it easier for him to settle knowing he could see me and also settled me!
I have sometimes put his car seat in the front too (stage 1) as I found it easier getting him in and out with a bad back as have a 3-door. I know the 'rules' say back is best but I know of an accident that killed 3 little ones in the back (rear end shunt) and they were all in proper seats whereas the front passengers were absolutely fine. What I am trying to say is, you can never tell where a car will come off worse in an accident. A seat is a seat. If it's fine for adults to sit front and back, it should be fine for children if they are secured properly in a child seat, otherwise, why have a front passenger seat if it wasn't safe?