Let’s talk about something that doesn’t come up as often as it should—when is it truly safe for kids to sit in the front seat?

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Kelly, the Car Mom. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom of four kids. Through my training (and life in the car with kids!), this is a topic I’ve learned a lot about, and it’s something every parent should have on their radar.

So, whether your kids are still in boosters or starting to look a little too grown-up in the back seat, here’s what you need to know.

When Can Kids Sit In The Front Seat?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children under age 13 ride in the back seat. Even if your child is out of their booster and using the adult seatbelt correctly, the back seat is still the safest place.

Kids also need to be able to sit still, upright, and properly positioned the entire ride. And let’s be honest, that can be a big ask depending on your child’s age and temperament.

Here’s Why:

In a collision, the front seat absorbs the most impact.
Airbags are designed for adult bodies, not growing kids. An inflating airbag can seriously injure a child who’s not big enough.
Even with a proper seatbelt fit, the positioning in the front seat can put stress on parts of a child’s body that are still developing.

What Are The Height And Weight Requirements For The Front Seat?

This is kind of a trick question—because there aren’t any. There’s no official height or weight requirement that makes it “safe” for a kid to ride up front.

Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all kids under 13 ride in the back seat—no matter how tall they are or if they’ve outgrown their booster. That’s because the front seat, especially with airbags, just isn’t designed for smaller bodies. Even if your child looks big enough, the safest place for them is still the back seat.

What the Law Says vs. What’s Recommended

One important thing to keep in mind: the legal requirements for front seat passengers aren’t always the same as what’s recommended by safety experts.

In most states, there’s no specific law that says a child can’t ride in the front seat after a certain age—but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. You likely won’t get pulled over or cited if your 10-year-old rides up front. But that doesn't change the fact that the back seat is far safer for kids under 13.

Legal guidelines are the bare minimum. Recommendations from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics are based on crash data, developmental science, and what’s actually safest for growing kids.

So even if it’s technically allowed, I recommend holding off until your child is truly ready—physically and developmentally.

The Front Seat Isn’t Just a Milestone—It’s a Risk

You might be thinking: "But what if my kid is tall for their age?" Or "They look so grown up already." That’s totally valid! But here’s the thing: the front seat isn’t just a milestone, it’s a risk.

Once your child turns 13 and meets the height and weight recommendations and shows they can sit responsibly the whole ride, they may be ready to start sitting in the front seat.

How to Make Sure They’re Ready:

Their feet should comfortably reach the floor.
They should be able to sit upright without slouching.
The seatbelt should sit low on the hips and flat across the chest, not on the belly or neck.
They should understand the importance of sitting back and staying in position the entire ride.

And yes, even at 13+, the front seat is still riskier than the back. So when there’s no real reason for them to ride up front, it’s always a good idea to keep them in the back—more space, more comfort, and more peace of mind.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Rush It!

Riding in the front seat might feel like a milestone, but it’s one that’s worth waiting for. Even if your child meets the age recommendation, the back seat is still the safest place for them—plain and simple. It’s not just about their size; it’s about making sure they can sit properly so the seatbelt and safety features work as intended.

If you have younger kids still in earlier car seat stages, I’ve got you covered too. Way before your child moves to the front seat, it’s important to know when to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing. For all the details, check out my post: Here’s When To Move Your Car Seat Forward Facing.

Still unsure about timing or what’s safest for your kiddo? Chat with a CPST to get one-on-one advice that’s specific to your child and your car.

Do you have questions about when it’s time to move to the front seat? Drop them below—I’m happy to help! And to keep up with the latest safety tips, check out my recent posts:

Featured