At what age must a child be rear-facing in a child seat until?

The correct answer is that a child must be rear-facing in a child seat until age 2. This recommendation is based on safety guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other safety organizations. Research has shown that children are significantly safer when they are positioned rear-facing, as this orientation provides better support for their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

Keeping a child rear-facing until at least age 2 helps to minimize the risk of serious injury during an accident. The child’s body is still developing in the early years, and the rear-facing position offers increased protection for vulnerable areas of the child's body, particularly in younger children whose bones and muscles are not yet fully developed to handle the forces experienced in a collision.

While some may believe that older children can transition to forward-facing seats before the age of 2, following the guideline to remain rear-facing until at least this age is crucial for ensuring a child’s safety in a vehicle.