Car seat at the front ?

[Mum to cool dude]

DS is 3. We don't really want him to sleep in the car if possible as it interferes with night sleep. So DH was thinking of moving the car seat to the front when there is just one adult driving to try and keep an eye on DS when driving.

WE DON'T HAVE AIRBAGS at the front of the car. On the face of it, I would think that the back would be safer because of the front seat protecting from the windshield. What are your views ?

TIA

[em_here]

We have had ds in the front on many occasions (and DD), the general opinion (as I have been told) is that it is fine with no airbags...

[Samuel's mum]

Emma is right. The airbags are the real problem. However I think the back is generally considered safer because of the likelihood of frontal impacts and the proximity to the windscreen. If you are going to do it I would make sure the seat is absolutely as far back as it would go.
I'm in exactly your situation - Sam falls asleep in the car very easily and then doesn't go to sleep before 9pm even if he's only napped for 20 minutes. He's staying in the back though.

[Mum to cool dude]

I'm in exactly your situation - Sam falls asleep in the car very easily and then doesn't go to sleep before 9pm even if he's only napped for 20 minutes. He's staying in the back though.

I know what you're saying, I am not feeling too comfortable with the idea either.
Thank you both

[Jaime]

(just playing devil's advocate here)

to throw out another angle.... what are you going to do with him in the front seat that's different from what you would do with him while he's in the back seat?  you can talk to him in either position.  yes, you can reach him in the front seat, but if you are paying more attention to him than to the road, that could be an issue as well.

fwiw... luke has been known to stay awake until 10pm  with just a short mini-catnap.  he's not going anywhere near the front seat. 

good luck with your decision!!