At what age should a rear-facing car seat be used for an infant?

Using a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2 years is recommended based on current safety guidelines and research. The primary reason for this recommendation is that in the event of a collision, a rear-facing seat supports the child's head, neck, and spine more effectively than a forward-facing seat. This positioning helps distribute the crash forces across the entire body, providing better protection for the child.

In the early stages of a child's life, their bodies are still developing and are more vulnerable to injury during a crash. Keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible—up to the age of 2 and beyond if they haven't yet reached the maximum weight or height limit for the seat—significantly reduces the risk of severe injury.

Many safety organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, support this guideline, emphasizing the importance of extended rear-facing use. By following this recommendation, caregivers can help ensure the safety and well-being of their children while traveling in vehicles.