My neighbor down the street asked me a question and I didn't know the answer, so I am asking you. She has a 2 year old and one on the way. She wanted to know where the safest place to put her daughters carseat would be. She has a Nissan Armada and it has three rows. She wanted to know if it would be safe to put both kids in the same row. Basically both carseats would be by a door and there are side airbags there. Is this ok or should she put one in the middle row behind her and then her 2 year old in the third row seat in the middle? TIA

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 07:54 am:

Rayanne, just wanted to let you know I saw this. I have to get my kids off to school, but I'll reply later when I have more time.

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 10:19 am:

Car Safety.Org - FAQ

"There is little information on the interaction of side airbags and child passengers. Currently, side airbags are not typically considered a significant risk to children in harnessed carseats. A possible risk is to child passengers seated out of position; leaning on the door, face on the window, head sleeping on a pillow, etc. This would be most relevant to children in boosters who are not seated properly, and to children not using any type of seatbelt or restraint. Side curtain airbags should be even less risk, as they are higher and inflate with somewhat less force. In general, it should be OK to place a child in a harnessed carseat (front or rear facing) in a rear seat position with an active side airbag, as long as the owner's manuals for the carseat and vehicle do not prohibit such placement."

To find a CPS Tech in your area:
SeatCheck.Org

SafeKids.Org
In the "CPS Certification" section.

HTH!