The front seat is safer for the parent: it is properly profiled and secured with airbags. The parent, usually the mother sitting in the back, most often takes the middle seat, so that she can be as close to the child as possible or, in the case of two children, have equal access to them.

While it is not legally "mandatory" for an adult to sit in the back with a newborn in most jurisdictions, in 2026, it is strongly recommended for safety and monitoring. According to pediatric safety guidelines, a newborn must always ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat of the vehicle to protect their fragile head, neck, and spine. Sitting in the back with the baby allows you to monitor their breathing, ensure their head hasn't slumped forward (which can cause positional asphyxia), and provide immediate comfort. However, if you are driving alone, you should never attempt to tend to the baby while the car is in motion. A 2026 "pro-tip" is to use a secure, crash-tested car mirror attached to the rear headrest, which allows the driver to see the baby's face through the rearview mirror. This ensures you can maintain focus on the road while still having "visual contact" with your newborn, which is the safest configuration for a solo parent.