Safe Ride News asked the Global Automakers and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (auto industry groups that, between the two, represent the U.S. divisions of every major vehicle brand) about the safety of children seated near side air bags in the rear seating area, including torso air bags.

Can Seat Belts That Inflate Coexist With Child Restraints?
As of March 2011, the touted inflatable seat belt becomes available as a $195 option for rear-seat positions in the 2011 Ford Explorer.  Ford has expressed much enthusiasm for this technology, which has been in development for many years.

Question: Why do some vehicle manuals warn that nothing should press against the back of the front passenger seat or be placed under that seat? 

Airbag dangers for younger children include mishaps that occur in parked vehicles.