That front seat looks mighty tempting, doesn't it? But when it comes to kids riding shotgun, safety should always come first! So, when *can* a child legally and safely sit in the front seat?
Generally, the consensus is to wait until a child is at least **13 years old**. This is because front airbags are designed for adults, and deploying on a smaller child can cause serious injury.
Beyond age, also consider **height and weight**. Many safety experts recommend waiting until a child reaches at least **4'9" (57 inches) tall** and weighs over **80 pounds**. These benchmarks help ensure the seatbelt fits properly, providing optimal protection in a crash.
**Remember:** Airbags save lives, but they need space to deploy correctly. Back seats are statistically safer for children. Always check your local laws and your vehicle's owner's manual for specific guidelines. Prioritize safety and delay the front seat privilege until your child meets all the necessary criteria!
