gunnewbie Safety

For responsible gun owners, safety is always the top priority—especially when children are involved. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who regularly drives with small children in the vehicle, it’s natural to ask: Is it safe to carry a firearm on your person while your kids are in the car? The short answer is yes, it can be—if you follow strict safety practices and remain constantly aware.

This article covers important considerations for safely carrying a firearm with children in the car, helping you make informed, responsible decisions.

Before anything else, understand your local and state laws regarding firearms in vehicles, concealed carry, and the presence of minors. Some jurisdictions have specific rules about storing firearms in vehicles, carrying in school zones, and even requirements about how guns must be secured when children are present. Ignorance of the law can lead to serious legal consequences—even if your intent is to protect your family.

If you're legally carrying a firearm, on-body carry is widely considered the safest option—especially around children. A firearm securely holstered on your person is under your direct control at all times. This greatly reduces the chance of unauthorized access, accidental discharge, or loss of situational awareness.

Avoid leaving a firearm in a purse, backpack, center console, or diaper bag. Children are curious and quick, and even very young kids can unzip, reach, and grab before you notice. Off-body carry around children carries significantly higher risks.

When carrying in a vehicle with children, a high-quality holster with strong trigger protection and retention is essential. Choose one that:

• Fully covers the trigger guard
• Holds the gun securely (even if jostled or bumped)
• Is comfortable enough for you to wear without removing or adjusting it frequently
   

Never compromise on holster safety—your child's life and yours may depend on it.

This is where things get tricky. Loading small children into car seats often requires leaning, twisting, or lifting. If your firearm is on your waistband, particularly at your 3 o’clock or appendix position, you risk it becoming exposed, bumped, or even accidentally dislodged.

To avoid this, some carriers shift their firearm temporarily to a holster-mounted system secured within reach (such as a vehicle-mounted holster) only if it's legal and safe to do so. Others prefer carrying in a less intrusive body position, like behind the hip. Whatever method you use, the gun must stay inaccessible to the child and under your control at all times.

One of the most dangerous moments is when you leave the vehicle for a moment—like running into a store while your child stays buckled in. Never leave a firearm unattended in a vehicle—especially with a child inside. If you're stepping away from the car, the gun must go with you.

If you must remove your firearm (e.g., to enter a gun-free zone), you should secure it in a locked, car-mounted safe that is inaccessible to children. Hiding it under the seat is not safe and not responsible.

While toddlers obviously won’t understand, young children can be taught that firearms are not toys and must never be touched. As your children grow, introduce simple, clear rules: “Stop, don’t touch, leave the area, and tell an adult” (as taught by the NRA’s Eddie Eagle program and other safety models). Ongoing, age-appropriate conversations are key to long-term safety.

Yes, you can safely carry a gun while driving with small children—but only if you're fully committed to the responsibilities that come with it. That includes legal awareness, secure carry practices, constant attention to your firearm’s location, and a long-term plan for educating your children on gun safety.

The gun is there to protect your family, not endanger them. With the right mindset, the right gear, and a disciplined routine, it’s possible to balance everyday carry and parenting safely and responsibly.