Am I putting my children in danger sitting in the front seat?

[hotpotmama]

One of my DS's ages 5 and 4 usually sits in the front seat of my Scenic on a booster as its easier than struggling to fit 3 in boosters/ car seats in the back.

I thought this was ok until I read something about airbags being dangerous for children.

Do I need to get the airbag disconnected? Am I putting my children in danger letting them sit in the front whilst the airbag is operational if we crash?

Advice gladly received.

The short answer is it is legal but less than ideal safety wise. An airbag is designed to cushion an adult's weight so could potentially damage a child as the speed of it infalting and position isnlt suited to them. Advice is to push the seat as far back as possible if it is required to carry a child there but the safest place is the rear seat.

Either disconnect the airbag (which then puts adult front seat passengers at risk) or put the children in the back. The impact of an inflating airbag can kill a child apparently.

The other option is to push the front seat back as far as possible which reduces the impact but it still isn't the best bet.

This explains it quite well

I too have a scenic - and I think your best option for now is to use 3 car seats in the back. I know it's a pain to get the seatbelts done up, but I really do think it's your safest option.

Airbags are designed with adults in mind, not children which is why under-14's are better off in the back of a car.

my friend always puts her dd1 (3.5) in the front seat in her booster seat. I have always refused lifts where it meant my dd1 going in the front. Should i email that link to her or would that be too pushy? (not sure whether i should consider it none of my business or i should let her know about somethign she might not know anything about?) She drives a 4x4 and might have switched off her airbag for all i know but somehow i think she thinks it is ok if the child isnt in a rear facing seat.

Ok thanks everyone, am normally exremely health and safety conscious so cant believe I have been doing this. They will all be going in the back now. Am going to be moaned at for weeks I know as they take it in turns to sit in the front and see it as a treat.

Don't care tho would rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks again, appreciate all the replies.

i know i shamelessly hijacked this thread but anyone any advice on whether i should advise my friend on what she is doing with her dd or just leave her to it as it is her own business not mine?

I had buckle crunch with my scenic with three in the back so did turn off the airbag and put the oldest child in the front on a high backed booster.
I guess it depends hhow your friend will take the advice nwaf
I have seen some shocking car seats or lack of goings on at our school, however most of them won't have an accident and will get away with it so what can you do ?