is there a safe way of having a child under 12 in the front seat?

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LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician
Yes, as long as the child fits properly in the seatbelt, either with or without a booster (or harnessed seat, if necessary). I would try to have the front seat pushed back as far as possible, too. I also wouldn't do it in a car with first-generation airbags.

Back seat is ideal, of course, but sometimes that's not possible.
 

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician
And obviously forward-facing only. It should go without saying, but rear-facing seats should never go in front of an active airbag.
 

lourdes

Well-known member
The car is a Suzuki sx4 2009 or 2010, the problem is that 2 days a week I do car pooling with to kids but I have tried different things and I can't get as 3 across there, so every Wednesday and Thursday I pick up my DD from school, drive 20 minutes to my MIL leave her and go back to get the other 2 kids
 

1mommy

New member
Ages of children/ length of time driving would factor in as well. For 2 days per week and minimal driving I would put the oldest who is preferably in a backless booster (if its a tie for age, then put most mature up front) (also get permission from other parents if its not your kid, although they most likely will be ok with it). Again I would push the seat back as far as possible. Also if you post your car and seats and kids ages/weights (estimate) maybe we can help you come up with a way to do 3 across. Have you tried using a bubblebum for the middle seat?
 

lourdes

Well-known member
Ok, DD is 6 y/o her height is around 40 inches but her weight is 38 pounds, she has a TB with safety surrounding, the boy is 6 y/o weight about 50 pounds, don't know his height but he is taller than my DD, he use a TB, the girl is a tiny 5 y/o her weight is 35 pounds, don't know her height but she is on the last slot of a Scenera just under the last slot. The car is a 2009~2010 Suzuki sx4, they are in a different school, from their school to my MIL house is about 10 minutes drive, 2 times a week
 

Brigala

CPST Instructor
The risk to a properly restrained, properly positioned, forward facing child in the front seat is minimal. The problem is a deadly combination of an immature skeleton and an immature psyche. If the child can follow instructions, remain fully upright, not fiddle with the radio or the glove box or her shoes, and if the belt (whether used with a booster or not) fits properly, then it should be fine. That will usually be the oldest child, but not necessarily. If none of the kids can be trusted to sit properly at all times in the front, perhaps the smallest child can be out into a harness in the front (because then the child can't lean forward even if she is inclined to do so).
 
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