How long should a child’s car seat remain rear-facing?

The recommendation for children to remain in a rear-facing car seat is based on safety considerations and the developmental needs of young children. Keeping a child rear-facing until at least 1 year of age helps protect their head, neck, and spine during a collision, as this position provides better support and protection in the event of an impact.

Research indicates that children are significantly safer in a rear-facing seat compared to a forward-facing seat during the first years of life. While many parents believe that once a child reaches their first birthday, it's safe to switch to a forward-facing seat, safety experts recommend extending the rear-facing position for as long as possible, ideally until at least 2 years of age. This guideline has been established to further reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash.

While other options suggest earlier transitions based on age or weight limits, the safest practice is to prioritize the age of at least 2 years or the maximum height and weight limits specified by the car seat manufacturer, rather than focusing solely on age milestones or weight thresholds, which may not offer the same level of protection.