What type of child seat must infants under 2 years of age use in a vehicle?

Infants under 2 years of age must use a rear-facing child seat in a vehicle for several safety reasons. A rear-facing child seat is designed to support the developing head, neck, and spine of young children. In the event of a collision, a rear-facing seat distributes the force of the impact more evenly across the child's body, minimizing the risk of serious injury. Studies have shown that rear-facing seats significantly reduce the risk of death and severe injury for infants compared to other seating arrangements.

The recommendation for using a rear-facing seat until the age of 2 is supported by pediatric health experts and safety organizations, as they recognize the importance of this positioning in protecting young children during travel. As children grow, they may transition to other types of seats, but for infants under 2 years, a rear-facing seat is the safest option.