In general, air bags in cars are dangerous to small children.
Air bags pose a danger to small children in car seats that are designed to save adults.
A small child cannot take the impact of an air bag. When a front air bag is deployed, it travels approximately 200 miles per hour. The force will often kill or severely injure a child.
The safest place for your child to sit in a car seat is in the middle of the back seat. Additionally, all children under the age of 12 should sit in the back seat. Never place a car seat in the front seat, especially a rear facing car seat. This position places a baby’s head so close to the airbag that the force would be horrific.
Side air bags have also been found to be dangerous to small children. If your car has side air bags, always make sure that your child is seated in the centre of the backseat.
Automobiles newer than 2006 have smart air bags that can sense a person’s weight. When the system senses a child, the air bag will deploy with less force or not deploy at all. Still, this new technology does not make them safe for children. The centre of the back seat is still the best place to put your child.
