Question about backseat side airbags

ADS

itzmeigh

New member
no.

the simple answer is that side impact airbags work different then front air bags. Side air bags deploy softer in a more downward motion more like a wall to protect you from flying glass, where front air bags deploy fast and outward to keep your face from hitting the dash board.

You need to be sure that your car seat (Front or Rear facing) doesn't touch where the air bags come from (You have to read your car's manual) but otherwise it doesn't matter about center only. Otherwise families with more then one child would be up the creek...
 

::er!ca::

Member
Ok thanks!

This question was asked on a parenting forum I host and I wasn't quiet sure... but I knew someone here would have the answer for me :)
 

henrietta

Well-known member
If a car has side airbags in the back seat, should a rear facing car seat go in the middle and only the middle?

Side curtain airbags and side impact airbags are two different types of "side" airbags. Side curtains are VERY common these days, and they are the ones that come *down* from above the windows on the sides of the car. They deploy slowly and help protect passengers from flying glass, etc. These are totally safe for car seats. Side impact airbags actually usually come from the seams on the side of the seats next to the doors. They are slower than the airbags from the dash, but not quite the same as the side curtain airbags. They are more "narrow" and deploy forward, not in towards the center of the car. It used to be thought that these were never safe for a child in a car seat to sit next to, but in recent years, there has been some real evaluation of this. Most car manufacturers now say that it's fine, so check your car's manual AND your car seat manual. They are mostly considered dangerous for a child (or even an adult) who is sitting out of position, leaning against the car door over the seam where the air bag deploys from.

We had to figure all this out a few years ago, b/c dh's older VW Passat is a basically a special edition and it came w/side impact airbags in the backseat.

The short answer is generally no, the child can be seated in an outboard seating position, but read the manual.

hths

henrietta
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,655
Messages
2,196,895
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top