What is the law regarding carrying children in car seats? Is it legal to carry a toddler on your lap?
by 
Lisa Edwards
ANSWERS: 6
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It is NOT legal to carry a toddler in your lap, in ANY state or in Canada or the UK, and it is not safe! If there were an accident and you were thrown forward as the car came to a sudden stop, as often happens, the most likely thing to happen (assuming that you were wearing a seat belt) is that your skull would impact the child's skull -- resulting in death or brain damage to both of you. The law for use of car seats varies from state to state, but the rule of thumb is that children are safer in the back seat than the front, and should use a car seat or booster seat until they are tall enough that their legs bend over the edge of the regular car seat (or until they weigh about 80 pounds). For the law in your state, check http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm -- they have links to each state for specifics, and a quick visual guide for how long children should use car seats in each state.
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You cannot carry a child in your lap, while operating or a passenger, in a motor vehicle in any of the united states.
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In Canada it is very illegal! Forward-facing child car seats are required for children weighing between 9kg and 18 kg (20 to 40 lbs), children about one year of age. Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing more than 18 kg but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stands less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall. (Found on the Government of Canada Website)
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In the UK it is illegal any child must be in a properly fitted car seat. Suitable for the height and size of the child
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It is not legal in Australia to do this. All passengers of a car in Australia must have a seat restraint of some kind and if you are on a lap you have no opportunity to wear a seat belt or restraint. It is very dangerous as the toddler becomes a projectile in an accident and is more likely to be killed.
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I think in any developed country it would be illegal. The child would become a missile in a crash and no amount of arm strength would prevent it flying through the windscreen.
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