When are children allowed to sit in the front?

From what age are children allowed to sit in the front?
Everything you need to know

The idea of letting your little one ride in the front of the car quickly raises many questions: Is it really safe? From what age or height is it allowed? And what exactly does the law require?

One thing is certain: for parents, safety always comes first. Whether it’s the very first journey after birth, the daily trip to nursery, or a family outing. Your child should be as well protected as possible on every car journey.

The good news: With the right preparation and a suitable child seat or booster seat, you can safely transport your little one in the front.

In this post, you will learn:

•  From what age children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a car

• What legal regulations regarding the obligation to use child car seats apply?

• Which infant carriers, rear-facing seats and booster seats are suitable

• What to consider with types of fastening

• And which tips make everyday life with a child in the car more relaxed

• Because no matter whether small or already grown a bit – your happiness deserves maximum safety. In every seat. On every journey.

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Table of Contents:

1. Legal foundations

2. Child seat on the front passenger seat

3. Child seat and booster seat requirement

4. From what age without a child seat

5. 6 tips for the safe installation of child seats

6. From what age are children allowed to sit facing the direction of travel?

7. Frequently Asked Questions about "When Can Children Sit in the Front?"

Legal basis: From when is my little treasure allowed to sit in the front?

In Germany, the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) precisely govern from what age children are allowed to sit in the front of a car/on the front passenger seat and how they must be secured. The basic rule is: children under 12 years of age and with a height of less than 150 cm may only be transported using an appropriate restraint system, i.e. a seat or booster seat. This applies regardless of whether the child is sitting in the front or the back.

If your child is sitting in the front next to you, the child seat used for this position must be approved. Important for rear-facing seats such as infant carriers: the airbag must be deactivated. In the event of an accident, an activated airbag can pose a real danger to your child.

Even though there are only a few exceptions to this rule, the general principle is: children are safest on the back seat. Many experts therefore recommend that you let your little passenger travel in the back for as long as possible.

When you are on the road in your car with your little one, the responsibility for ensuring correct safety always lies with you as the driver. This is the only way your little miracle will be as well protected as possible – even in the event of an accident.

One thing is clear: anyone who violates the child seat requirement must expect fines and penalty points in Flensburg. But far more important is this: only with the right seat, the correct adjustment, and a few important precautions will your child travel safely, even in the front passenger seat.

Is my child allowed to sit in the front?

Many parents ask themselves the question: Is my child allowed to sit in the front and is it actually safe? The answer is: Yes, provided certain conditions are met. A child seat in the front passenger seat can be safe as long as it is approved for this position and the legal requirements are observed.

Deactivating the airbag – a must for rear-facing seats

An important point when riding in the front: the airbag. If your little one is in a baby carrier or a rear-facing child seat, the passenger airbag absolutely must be deactivated. Why? Because a deployed airbag in an accident can cause serious injuries.

With a forward-facing seat, the airbag can usually remain activated – but even here, it is important to adjust the seat so that there is sufficient distance from the dashboard.

Safety aspects: Advantages and disadvantages of the passenger seat

An advantage: You always have your child in view at the front – especially practical with baby car seats. This can give you greater peace of mind in certain situations.

But: Experts recommend that children should travel in the back seats for as long as possible. This is because the rear seats simply offer more protection in the event of a side or frontal collision.

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Child seat and booster seat requirement: What applies from which age?

Transporting children safely in the car is clearly regulated by law. As long as your child is shorter than 150 cm or younger than 12 years old, they must be secured in an appropriate child seat. But what options are there, and when is the right time for a booster seat?

Baby seat, child seat or booster seat – What is needed and when?

Infant carrier: From birth, the infant carrier is the first choice for your newborn. Rear-facing models provide especially good protection for your baby's delicate neck and are suitable for weights of up to around 13 kg.

Child seat: As soon as your little one has outgrown the infant carrier, a rear-facing seat or a forward-facing seat follows. However, there are also models like our CYRO 360, which you can use from the birth of your little one.

Booster seat: From a height of around 125 cm or an age of about 6 years, the booster seat comes into play. It ensures that the seatbelt runs correctly over the shoulder and pelvis.

How long is the requirement for a child car seat in place?

The obligation to use a car seat or booster seat ends in Germany as soon as your child is either 12 years old or taller than 150 cm. After that, only the general seatbelt requirement applies. Nonetheless, experts recommend securing children in an appropriate seat for as long as possible to ensure maximum protection.

What should you pay attention to?

When choosing the right seat, pay attention to your child’s height and weight. Test winners and models with i-Size certification often offer additional safety features. It is also essential to regularly check the safety belts or Isofix anchorages to ensure correct installation.

Child seats and booster seats are not only required by law but also provide important protection for your child.

From what age can my child travel without a child seat?

The requirement for children to use a car seat in Germany ends as soon as your little one is either 12 years old or taller than 150 cm.

Why is the correct securing so important?

Your child's height plays a crucial role. The seat belt in a car is designed for adults and often does not fit smaller children properly. Without a booster seat, the belt may run across the abdomen or neck, which can lead to serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Additional safety thanks to i-Size infant carriers and rear-facing car seats

For younger children who are not yet able to travel without a seat, i-Size infant carriers or rear-facing seats remain the best choice. They offer optimal protection and take into account your child's height, thereby significantly reducing the risk of injury.

6 important tips for the safe installation of child seats in the car

No matter whether it’s a baby car seat, rear-facing seat, or booster seat – proper installation is absolutely essential if you want to transport your precious cargo safely in the car. Only a correctly installed child seat can provide the protection your little passenger deserves.

So that you feel good on every journey, we have put together six practical tips for you here. This way, the child seat is exactly where it belongs – secure, safe, and suitable for children.

Whether on the front passenger seat or the back seat: these tips will help you to secure your baby car seat, rear-facing seat or booster seat perfectly – for relaxed car journeys with your little one.

Overview of Types of Fastenings

Isofix: The Isofix system provides a connection between the seat and the vehicle. Control indicators show you whether the fixation has been carried out correctly. A base station makes installation easier and minimises the risk of errors.

3-point seat belt: Many seats can alternatively be secured with the car's seat belt. It is important that the belt fits tightly and is routed through the designated points.

Avoid common mistakes

Loose fastening: Make sure that the child seat is installed firmly and without any play. A loose seat can greatly reduce its protective effect.

Incorrect belt routing: The belt must not be twisted or incorrectly positioned. With booster seats, the lap belt should run across the hip bones and the shoulder belt across the chest.

Unsuitable position: Rear-facing seats such as infant carriers may only be used on the front passenger seat if the airbag has been deactivated.

Control is crucial – for the secure fastening of child seats

Many modern child seats and baby carriers today are equipped with practical control indicators. These little helpers show you at a glance whether the installation has been carried out correctly – a real advantage, especially with Isofix base stations. This way, you know immediately: everything is in its proper place.

Check regularly – for maximum safety

Even once the seat has been properly installed, it’s worth doing a quick check now and then – especially after longer journeys or if you often fit and remove the seat. This is the only way to ensure that your little one continues to travel safely and securely in the car.

From what age are children allowed to sit facing the direction of travel?

Reboarder, i-Size & Safety in Focus

Many parents eventually ask themselves the question: From when is my child actually allowed to sit facing the direction of travel? A valid question – because the seating direction has a major impact on safety in the car, especially in the event of an accident.

Reversing: Why it is so important

Especially for babies and toddlers, experts recommend rear-facing travel for as long as possible. Why? Because the head, neck, and spine are particularly sensitive during the first years of life. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear-facing position offers better protection – the forces are distributed more evenly and the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced.

That’s why infant carriers and rear-facing seats are designed exactly for this purpose: they offer your little one optimal protection – especially in the first years.

Change of direction: When is the right time?

According to the law and the i-Size standard, children may only sit facing the direction of travel from around 15 months at the earliest. However, many experts recommend remaining in a rear-facing seat until the age of 4 – as even then, your child’s spine is not yet fully developed.

Our tip: Take your time when changing – and pay attention to your child's individual development. This way, your little one travels fully protected – no matter which direction they're facing.

Which child seats are suitable for switching?

When your child is old enough, you can switch to a forward-facing seat. Many child seats with Isofix or a base station offer the option to change between positions. This flexibility is particularly practical if you wish to adjust the seating direction.

Important safety aspects

Isofix use: A seat with Isofix offers maximum stability and reduces the risk of installation errors. Control indicators show you whether the seat is correctly secured – both in rear-facing and forward-facing positions.

The change in direction of travel should only take place once your child meets the physical requirements. Pay attention to the i-Size guidelines for height and age.

Side impact protection: Choose a seat with extra protection against side collisions to ensure your peace of mind all round.

Correct fastening: Regularly check whether the seat is securely installed, especially when it is being used in the forward-facing position. Isofix base stations make it easier to change the position and ensure a firm anchorage.

Even if children like to face forwards when travelling, safety should always take priority. Make use of the advantages of a rear-facing car seat with Isofix for as long as possible to best protect your little one.

Frequently asked questions about child seats and the front passenger seat

Is a 4-year-old child allowed to sit in the front seat of a car?

Yes, a 4-year-old child is allowed to sit in the front of the car, but only under certain conditions. It is important that an appropriate child seat is used, which complies with legal requirements and is optimally suited to your child's size and weight.

If your little one is travelling in a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, the airbag must absolutely be deactivated. This is the only way to protect your child from the force of the airbag in the event of an accident.

Whether using Isofix or a 3-point seatbelt: The fastening must be secure and correct in order to comply with the seatbelt requirement – and, of course, to provide your little passenger with maximum safety.

How is a 5-year-old child allowed to sit in a car?

A 5-year-old child may only travel in a car in a suitable child seat – this must be appropriate for your child’s size and weight and comply with legal requirements.

When your happiness takes a seat in the passenger seat, it appliesPlease provide the German text you would like me to translate.

With a rear-facing child seat, the airbag must be deactivated to avoid any risk in the event of a collision. If you are using a forward-facing seat, the passenger seat should be pushed back as far as possible. This creates distance from the dashboard – and provides even greater safety.

No matter where your child is sitting: the right seat and proper fastening make all the difference – for relaxed journeys and all-round protection for your little one by your side.

From what age are children allowed to sit in the front seat of a car?

The basic rule is: children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a car from birth – provided they are secured in an appropriate child seat that matches their size and weight.

If you are transporting your bundle of joy in a rearward-facing child seat on the front passenger seat, the passenger airbag must be deactivated. This is the only way to ensure your child is as well protected as possible in the event of an accident.

As soon as your child is 12 years old or exceeds a height of 150 cm, they may ride in the front seat without a child seat. Important: the seat belt requirement still applies, of course – for both young and old, in every seat in the car.

When can a baby sit facing the direction of travel?

The clear answer: A baby may only sit facing the direction of travel from 15 months at the earliest.

Until then, child seats – especially on the front passenger seat – should only be used in a rear-facing position. This is because, particularly in the first months of life, the neck is especially sensitive, and in the event of a frontal collision, the strain is significantly reduced when in a rear-facing position.

Important: If the seat on the front passenger side is used, the airbag must be deactivated – this is the only way to ensure your little one is optimally protected.

Rear-facing seats such as infant carriers or reboarders offer additional protection and comply with the recommendations of numerous experts and the i-Size standard.

Our tip: Take your time with the transition – and don’t base it solely on your child’s age, but also consider their physical development.

Is a booster seat safe for older children?

Yes, a booster seat is also safe for older children, as long as it is used correctly. What matters is that the seatbelt is positioned properly: it should run across the shoulder and pelvis, and not the neck or over the stomach.

A booster seat can be used on the front passenger seat if your child is old enough and has reached the legal minimum height. This ensures that the seatbelt provides protection in the right places and that your little one is safe on the road, even on longer journeys.

Our tip: Regularly check how the seatbelt is positioned – especially during growth spurts. Even small changes in seating behaviour can affect the safety performance of the booster seat.

Conclusion

The safety of your little one in the car always comes first. Whether in the back seat or the front passenger seat – the right equipment and correct installation make all the difference when it comes to protecting your child as best as possible.

Opt for high-quality child seats with Isofix, i-Size certification and side impact protection. This way, you’re always on the safe side on every journey. Whether you’re looking for an infant carrier for your newborn or a booster seat for an older child: always make sure to choose tested quality and check the installation regularly.

Because only together do we ensure what really matters: safe, comfortable, and relaxed car journeys. For you and your happiness.