When traveling, you might have the thought, “can I keep my baby in the front seat when we are traveling?”. If so, read this before deciding on that.
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Where should you position your baby in the car?
According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under 13 should be buckled up in the back seat. If your child is old enough not to travel in a booster seat, keep him buckled up properly in the back seat. Also, it is recommended to use a car seat for children who are under the age of 2.
Can you place a booster seat in the front seat?
It is generally not recommended to place a car seat in the front seat of a car. Children under the age of 12 should always ride in the back seat, and it is safest for a car seat to be installed in the rear of the car. If the car does not have a back seat, or if the back seat is too small to accommodate a car seat, it may be necessary to install the car seat in the front seat.
However, the airbags should be turned off before installing the car seat in the front. This can usually be done by consulting the owner’s manual or contacting the manufacturer. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the car seat and ensure that the seat is properly secured in the car.
Why should you not keep your baby in the front seat?
In a collision, a child can be thrown out of the car through the windshield, or the debris of the crash will directly impact the child. Also, front airbags can deploy with a lot of force in the event of a collision. An airbag that is being deployed in a collision can cause serious injury to a child or even kill a child because of the force it is being opened. If you are still going to put your baby in the front seat, deactivate the airbag from opening.
Safety tips when you are traveling with your child and the child sits in the front seat.
- Turn off the airbags: The front airbags can cause serious injury or death to a small child. Consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out how to turn off the airbags.
- Use a rear-facing car seat: It is safest for babies to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they reach the height limit for the seat.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Make sure to read the instructions for both the car seat and the car and follow them carefully. This will ensure that the car seat is installed properly and that your baby is safely secured.
- Secure the car seat: Make sure the car seat is secured tightly in the car using the seatbelt or LATCH system.
- Never leave your baby unattended: Do not leave your baby alone in the car, even for a short period of time. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, which can be dangerous for a baby.
- Avoid distractions: It is important to pay attention to the road and avoid distractions while driving. Do not turn around to talk to your baby or reach for toys or other items while driving.
Key takeaways when you are traveling with your child
- Use a car seat: It is important to use a car seat for children under the age of 2 and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation. A car seat can help protect your child in the event of a collision and can reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
- Place the car seat in the back seat: The back seat is the safest place for a child to ride in a car. If the car does not have a back seat, or if the back seat is too small to accommodate a car seat, you may need to place the car seat in the front seat. However, you should turn off the airbags before installing the car seat in the front.
- Follow the laws: Some states have laws that specify at what age a child can ride in the front seat of a car. It is important to check with your state’s department of motor vehicles or highway safety office for more information on the specific laws in your area.
- Plan breaks: If you are going on a long road trip, it is important to plan breaks to allow your child to stretch their legs and use the bathroom. This can help prevent boredom and keep your child comfortable during the trip.
- Stay cool: The temperature inside a car can rise quickly, especially during the summer. Make sure to keep your child hydrated and try to park in the shade or use window shades to keep the car cool.
Want to know when you can take your baby to the pool? Read it here.
