Pickup trucks are popular family vehicles, but transporting children safely in a truck can require a little extra planning. While many newer full-size pickups have spacious rear seats and modern child-restraint systems, smaller trucks and older models may have seating positions that aren’t appropriate for every type of car seat.
If you’re wondering how to transport children safely in a pickup truck, the most important rule is simple: use a seating position and child restraint that are specifically approved for your particular vehicle and car seat.
Always check both your vehicle owner’s manual and your child’s car seat manual before installing a car seat.
Rear Seat
Whenever possible, children should ride in an appropriate rear seating position.
Many modern full-size pickup trucks have rear seats equipped with lower anchors and other features designed to make installing child restraints easier. However, not every seating position is compatible with every car seat.
Before installing a car seat, check the vehicle owner’s manual to determine which seating positions are approved for child restraints. Then check the car seat manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the seat can be properly installed in that position.
Check the Fit
A car seat should fit securely in the vehicle according to both the car seat and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
This is particularly important in smaller or extended-cab pickup trucks, where rear seating areas may be smaller than in full-size trucks.
A rear-facing car seat also requires enough space to achieve the correct recline angle. If the car seat cannot be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, don’t use that seating position.
If you’re unsure whether your car seat fits correctly, have the installation checked by a certified child passenger safety technician.
Extended-Cab and Small Pickup Trucks
Small pickup trucks can present additional challenges when transporting children.
Some older or smaller models have rear seating areas that were not designed to accommodate modern child restraints. Others may have limited legroom or seating positions that don’t allow a particular car seat to be installed correctly.
Don’t assume that a small rear seat is safe simply because a seat belt is present.
Check your vehicle owner’s manual to find which seating positions are approved for child restraints, and follow the car seat manufacturer’s installation requirements.
If there isn’t an appropriate seating position for your child’s car seat, you may should use another vehicle.
Front Seat
The back seat is generally the preferred location for children when an appropriate seating position is available.
Putting a child in the front seat can expose them to additional risks from the vehicle’s front airbag and from the seat’s position.
Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active passenger airbag. A deploying airbag can cause serious injury or death to an infant or young child.
If your pickup truck does not have an appropriate rear seating position and you are considering using the front passenger seat, consult both the vehicle owner’s manual and the car seat manufacturer’s instructions first. Some vehicles and car seats may have specific requirements or restrictions.
Do not assume that simply turning off an airbag makes every front-seat car seat installation safe or acceptable.
Side-Facing or Jump Seats
Some older or smaller pickup trucks have side-facing or fold-down jump seats.
These seating positions may not be approved for use with child safety seats or booster seats. They can also provide substantially less protection than a conventional forward-facing vehicle seat.
Never install a child restraint in a side-facing or other unusual seating position unless both the vehicle manufacturer and the car seat manufacturer specifically allow it.
If the owner’s manual doesn’t clearly indicate that a seating position is approved for your child’s restraint, choose another seating position or another vehicle.
Check Your Car Seat Installation
Knowing how to transport children safely in a pickup truck is only part of the equation. Your child’s car seat also needs to be installed and used correctly.
After installing the seat:
- Make sure you’re using a seating position approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Follow the car seat manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- Use the LATCH system or vehicle seat belt as directed. Don’t assume both should be used together unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
- Make sure the car seat is installed tightly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check that the harness fits your child properly.
- Check the car seat’s height and weight limits.
- Make sure the car seat hasn’t expired or been recalled.
If you’re uncertain about the installation, have it checked by a certified child passenger safety technician.
Many communities offer car seat inspection services or appointments where a trained technician can help parents identify installation problems and learn how to use their child’s restraint correctly.
Don’t Put Children in the Truck Bed
Children should never ride in the open cargo bed of a pickup truck.
The truck bed doesn’t provide the protection offered by a properly equipped passenger seating position, seat belt, or child restraint. Children can be thrown from the vehicle or seriously injured in a collision or sudden stop.
A truck bed should be used for cargo—not passengers.
The Bottom Line
Pickup trucks can be practical family vehicles, but choosing the right seating position is an important part of how to transport children safely in a pickup truck.
Whenever possible, have children ride properly restrained in an appropriate rear seating position. Check your vehicle and car seat manuals carefully, don’t use seating positions that aren’t approved for child restraints, and never transport children in the open truck bed.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s car seat can be safely installed in your pickup, don’t guess. Have the installation checked by a certified child passenger safety technician, or consider using a vehicle with a seating position that properly accommodates the car seat.
A few extra minutes of research and a professional car seat check can help give you greater confidence that your child is properly protected every time you hit the road.
