Using Car Seats in the Front Seat

For most families, children travel in the back seats. But sometimes, the front seat becomes the only or most practical option.

This might be:

• A newborn/SEN/Disabled Child/Escapee needing closer supervision

• A van or 2-seater vehicle

• A full back row with multiple children

So what’s safe, what’s allowed, and what do you need to watch out for?

Is it legal for a child to travel in the front?

In the UK, children can legally travel in the front seat, as long as:

• They are in a suitable, correctly fitted car seat

• The manufacturer’s instructions are followed

But “legal” and “safest” aren’t always the same.

Rear-facing in the front seat

Rear-facing seats can be used safely in the front - but there is one critical rule:

⚠️ The airbag must be deactivated

If the front airbag is active and a rear-facing seat is installed:

• The airbag can deploy with significant force

• It will strike the back of the car seat

• This can cause serious or fatal injuries

This is why:

A rear-facing seat must never be used in front of an active airbag

What else should I check?

If you need to use a rear-facing seat in the front:

• Make sure the airbag is switched off (and check for a confirmation light)

• Follow your car seat manual for installation

• Check your vehicle manual for any specific guidance

When used correctly, rear-facing in the front is a safe and practical solution when needed.

What about forward-facing in the front?

Forward-facing seats can also be used in the front when a child has exhausted all rear-facing options in:

• Vans

• 2-seater cars

In these cases:

• The airbag may not need to be turned off (check your vehicle manual)

• The seat should be positioned as far back as possible

However, airbags still deploy with force, so distance from the dashboard is key.

Is the front seat as safe as the back?

If rear-facing: yes

If forward-facing: no

The risk with forward-facing in the front is because of:

• The dashboard

• Airbags

• The main impact zone in many collisions

That said, a correctly installed and used car seat in the front can be safer than incorrect use in the back.

When might the front seat be the best option?

Real life isn’t always textbook.

The front seat may be the safest practical option when:

• There’s no rear seating available

• You need to keep an eye on a newborn

• Escapees/SEN/Disabled children who need closer supervision

The key is making sure it’s done correctly and safely.

FAQs

How do I know if my airbag is off?

Most vehicles have a dashboard indicator light. Always double-check your vehicle manual.

Can I turn the airbag off myself?

Some cars have a manual switch, others may require a dealer to deactivate it. Check your vehicle guidance.

Should I choose the front seat if my back seat is full?

If you already have 3 across the back, or you cannot fit 3 across, putting a child in the front is perfectly safe providing it’s one of the rear-facing children and the airbag is deactivated. Forward-facing children should always travel in the back where possible.