Parents are often given conflicting advice about where their child should sit, and one statement that comes up time and time again is:

“The middle seat is always the safest.”

However, real-life car safety isn’t that simple. There is no single universally safest spot in every vehicle for every child. The safest position is the one furthest from the point of impact, and since no one can predict where a collision will happen, we focus on what can be controlled:

The safest place for your child is wherever their car seat installs correctly and securely, every single time.

Why the Middle Seat Isn’t Always the Best Choice

While the rear centre seat is theoretically furthest from a side impact, it’s simply not practical - or even allowed - in many cars. Common reasons include:

• The vehicle manual does not permit a car seat in the centre.

• Support-leg seats are not allowed in that position.

• The space is too narrow, or the belt/buckle layout doesn’t allow a safe install.

• There’s no ISOFIX available.

• You have multiple children, and only one centre position - so fairness aside, it’s not workable to place one child there and the others outboard.

Because of these normal, everyday limitations, most families correctly use one of the two outer rear seats. When installed properly, outboard positions offer excellent protection.

Why Many Parents Choose Behind the Passenger Seat

In the UK, most families naturally load children from the pavement side. This makes the rear passenger-side seat a popular choice because it keeps little ones away from traffic.

But this is a matter of practicality, not safety. Your usual parking routine - at home, nursery, work, or on the school run - may mean that another seat offers safer, easier access.

Always choose the position that allows:

• A secure, correct installation

• Safe loading and unloading

• Minimal driver distraction

Is It Safe to Use a Rear-Facing Seat in the Front?

Yes, if the airbag is fully deactivated and your vehicle manual allows it. A rear-facing seat in the front can be a safe option when:

• The airbag is switched off

• The car manufacturer permits front-seat installation

• The seat can be installed securely with minimal movement

In fact, it is safer to have a calm, supervised child rear-facing in the front than a distressed child rear-facing in the back if this causes the driver to become distracted. Driver distraction is a major risk factor in real-world crashes.

It’s important to understand the warning symbols in your car:

You must never use a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.

But once the airbag is properly deactivated, front-seat rear-facing is safe and allowed.