Final answer:
Infants and toddlers should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old or until they reach the maximum height or weight limits set by the car seat manufacturer. A rear-facing seat provides the best support for the child's head, neck, and spine in case of an accident.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants and toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, at least until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer. It is generally advised that babies remain in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years old. This is crucial for their safety because infants and toddlers have large heads and small necks, which means in the event of a crash, a rear-facing seat will better support their head, neck, and spine.
Developmentally, children go through various milestones that reflect their growing strength and coordination. While parents may note that their child can sit up unassisted around the age of 7 months, this doesn't necessarily mean they are ready to face forward in a car seat. The transition from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat is not just about age or size; it also has to do with the child's developmental readiness to withstand the forces of a crash in a forward-facing position, and this readiness typically develops closer to 2 years of age or above.