Airbags and child seats in the front

[Ponka]

I know that rear facing seats are a definate no but what about front facing ones for toddlers up to age 4 in the front passenger seat with an active air - bag? Is that O.K?

I think it is OK for a newborn to go in teh front in this country Nally - withthe appropriate restraint of course...I don't think there is any legal age restrictions (as long as they are suitably restrained).

It is far safer for them in te back but there are, as in thi instance occasions when DC have to be in front.

Whenever DP takes all 3 DCs in his car one of my 6yolds have to go in teh front on a booster seat with an airbag...there is no choice - but it is only about 1 mile about once every 2-3 weeks as a rule and as a driving instructor I would hope he would know if it is illegal or not.

Sorry about missing letters in that post. DD3 has moved wireless sensor and I don't think it was picking everything up I was typing.

hi SlightlyManicStrumpet

Newborn is illegal in front with an airbag.

you are right. i have just been looking on the think! road safety website which says it all.

sorry this should work

Yes. I've got it sorted in my head now.

Newborn in front + airbag = Illegal & highly unsafe.

Front facing toddler or child in front + airbag = Not Illegal but not recommended.

Front facing toddler or child in front with no airbag = Better but still not recommended if the child could travel in the back.

Good synopsis Ponka.....

Basically having a child in the front seat is far more dangerous than in the back even for short journeys; especially as most accidents occur when on short journeys. I'd rather walk a short distance than put any on mine in the front seat until they're much older. The safest place for an under 14 iirc is in the back seat.

Whilst I agree with you Jodie - a 30 minute+ round trip on foot before the school run is just not practical. It only ever happens when DP has to do nursery and school run together which is about once every couple of weeks at most.

I wasn't getting at you there Our school is a mile away and takes me 15 mins or less to walk alone, add dd and ds1 and it's 30 mins Ds2 is in the sling or pram anyway. I'm a real car seat freak though and it's one of my bugbears so I really stick to the guidelines.