Health Tip: Air Bags Can Harm Children

(HealthDay News) -- Although air bags are extremely effective in saving adult lives, they often do not have the same effect for children.

If it''s necessary for your child to ride in the front seat of a car with a passenger air bag, follow these tips to prevent injuries, courtesy of the Children''s Hospital of Pennsylvania:

• Secure the child in a restraint system that is correct for his size.
• Move the front seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
• Do not allow the child to lean forward toward the dashboard.
• Never allow a rear-facing infant to ride in front of a passenger air bag.

To ensure utmost safety, however, children should be seated in the back seat of the car, protected by safety seats.

-- Kimberly Sferruzzo

Last Updated: Nov. 8, 2005