Final answer:
A child weighing less than 20 pounds should face toward the rear of the vehicle in a car seat for maximum safety. This position supports the child's head, neck, and spine, and should be maintained as long as the car seat manufacturer allows.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direction a child weighing less than 20 pounds should face is toward the rear of the vehicle when seated in a car seat. This rear-facing position is the safest for young children, particularly infants, because it supports their head, neck, and spine more effectively in the event of a sudden stop or crash. It is recommended that infants and toddlers remain in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by their car seat's manufacturer, which often accommodates children beyond the age of 2.