Quick question. I'm not sure if this is somewhere else in the forum (and I don't have my operator's manual) but in regards to the side curtain airbag, are they able to be turned off? Are they safe for infants and children? I have a child on the way and this is a concern of mine. Any insight would be most appreciative.

 

Cannot be turned off. They are inflated with CO2, so not inherently dangerous like a front airbag. They are designed to inflate downward along the door to block an occupant from impacting the glass and/or being impacted by whatever may come through the glass. Manufacturers take into account that car seats can be installed in those positions. As you will have a newborn, I would suggest mounting the car seat/carrier in the center position of the 2nd row seat. We did that with our son. It may be a bit more difficult to get the baby in or out, but if you should have an accident, there is that much more space to buffer your baby. As an added bonus, the carry handle of the infant carrier (which usually folds over the back and would be against the back of your seat) would now rest between the seats allowing you a bit more room to be comfortable.