To reduce the risk of neck injury, the Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants ride in rear-facing safety seats until they are at least 20 pounds and 1 year old. The age at which children can begin using safety belts differs from state to state. Check with the state highway traffic safety program for details about the law in your state. Currently air bags inflate at speeds of up to 200 mph. The blast of energy can severely hurt or kill passengers who are too close to the air bag.
Children are more likely than adults to be too close to an air bag when it deploys.
Until passenger vehicles are equipped with air bags that are safe and effective for children, those younger than 13 years of age should not ride in a front passenger seat that is equipped with an air bag. 10 Recommendations for Preventing Injuries Associated with Air Bags to Infants and Children Infants in rear-facing child safety seats should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger air bag. Infants in rear-facing child safety seats always must ride in the back seat facing the rear of the car. All children aged 12 years or younger should be properly secured in the back seat whenever possible. Children who have outgrown child safety seats and booster seats must wear seat belts.