Air bags and car seats

[Jmom1010]

Many of the cars I am looking at have side airbags in the back seat. How would this effect carseats? Right now DS is in the middle but if there ever is to be another little bundle he will have to move to the side. Is it still safe? Do they come out with as much force as the dash board airbags come out?

[RedheadbyChoice]

Good question----I'll be anxious to see Chicka and Gypsy reply to this.

I would venture to say, though, that they don't have nearly the impact as the dash ones do, or no one with small children in car seats would buy those vehicles.

[lbreengoad]

I believe that the side airbags come down like curtains, inflating from the top down instead of shooting out like the front ones do. We have a mini van and this is how they work. I hope this helps.

[Jmom1010]

Thanks. It is another question for the salesperson I guess LOL

[_Gypsy_]

I'm not aware of any vehicles that forbid carseats from being installed next to side curtain airbags.

Side Air Bags don't pose nearly the same risk as frontal airbags to children - especially rear facing children who can be decapitated if placed rear facing in front of a front air bag.

My own vehicle has Side Curtain Air Bags and both of my children ride in captains chairs. In fact, all the LATCH sets are in outboard positions - next to the side air bags.

[Jmom1010]

Thanks Gypsy. I just want to cover all my bases when I go looking at cars. As far as you know most cars have LATCH in the middle position? I'm looking at Subaru Imprezas mostly. Both the sedan and hatch back model.

[_Gypsy_]

Most cars do NOT have LATCH in the center position.

You will need to read the owners manual for each car you look at.

Here is a quick reference, but most don't allow it.

http://www.saferidenews.com/pdfs/pg_126_max_wt_07.pdf

[Jmom1010]

OMG all this time I have had DS in the middle on my civic and it is not allowed. Yikes