car seats and airbags? [Archive]

View Full Version : car seats and airbags?

sophiestars

23-04-2009, 08:24 PM

Hi just a quick question - obviously we all know that rear facing baby seats can't be used in a seat with an airbag and that any child is safer in the back seats etc etc, BUT how old does a child need to be to sit in the front (in their car seat) with the airbag ON? Is there a legal limit for this?

Thanks Sophie

Daftbat

23-04-2009, 08:26 PM

A full five point harness car seat can be used in the front seat with an active airbag. It is recommended that this is only done when absolutely necessary and that the seat itself is pushed back as far as possible to maximise the gap for the air bag to inflate.

sweets

23-04-2009, 08:48 PM

on the same subject, does anyone know what age or size a child needs to be to travel in the front with the airbag on?
only asking because i took a friends average size 11 year old out last week, he wanted to sit in the front which i was ok about but i didnt know if i should turn the air bag off or not! he doesnt need a booster.

rickysmiths

23-04-2009, 09:12 PM

I would work on the rule that if they are big enough to wear the seat belt without the booster they are big enough to have the air bag on.

However as it is not a legal requirement to have a front air bag fitted. If in doubt switch it off.

christine e

24-04-2009, 06:32 AM

christine e

24-04-2009, 06:44 AM

I would take a look on Think website you may find the answers on there somewhere

http://www.dft.gov.uk/think/focusareas/children/childincar?whoareyou_id=&page=Overview

Haven't got time to trawl through it now but think the answer might be there somewhere

Cx

Just found this on
http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/faqs/index.htm#legal
take a look at the question 'Is it legal for child to travel in front seat of car'

Hope this helps

Cx

christine e

24-04-2009, 06:46 AM

http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/choosing/airbags.htm

This goes into a bit more detail about airbags.

Cx