We recently got a new Telluride (confession: I'm still a little sad that I'm no longer a minivan mama!), and my 11-year-old has been begging to sit in the front seat. Legally, she is allowed to sit in the front seat of a car. But, in my mind at least, she is still a kid, and I wondered if this is a safe choice.
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| 11. In the front seat of my (parked!) car. |
I did a lot of research on the topic for my article for Zulily, so please check out the in-depth answer on the link!
The short answer to the question of when a kiddo can ride in the front seat, according to the CDC, is this: a child should not sit in the front seat until he or she is 13 years old. Although the law states it can be earlier, it is safest for a child to remain the backseat of a vehicle until age 13 (AND when the child is 4'9" in height). The back middle seat in any vehicle is actually the safest spot for any passenger in the car!
Kiddos should actually be in a booster until at least age 9.
Which Car Seat does My Kiddo Need? A By-Age Breakdown
Ages 0-4
Rear-facing car seat: A child should be restrained in a rear-facing car seat from birth until at least 2 years of age, although doing so until at least age 4 is strongly encouraged. An infant carrier can be used for a child up until about 12 months of age/one year old.
Ages 4-8
Forward-facing car seat: A forward-facing car seat should be used once a child outgrows his rear-facing car seat until at least age 5.
Ages 8-12
Booster seat: A booster seat should be used after a child outgrows his forward-facing car seat and until an adult seat belt fits the child properly. For this to happen, a child must be at least 4’9” tall and typically between the ages of 9 and 12.
Ages 12+
Regular seat belt: a seat belt should be used by everyone in the vehicle throughout every trip. The shoulder strap should be placed properly across a rider’s chest and not looped behind his neck.
If you aren't sure if your kiddo is in the proper seat for her age, height and weight, or if you aren't sure if your car seat is installed correctly, don't worry! There are several local resources available to you!
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| Image from CarSeatsfortheLittles.org |
Arlington-Area Car Seat Safety Resources
1. Texas Health offers car seat safety classes several times a year. Click on the link to register.
2. Cook Children's is currently offering free virtual safety checks, via Safe Kids, for car seats.
3. The Arlington Police Department takes appointments to help make sure your car seats are properly installed.
Car accidents are still the leading cause of death in kiddos, so make sure your child is properly restrained during every ride!
Do you let your kiddo ride in the front seat of your car?
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