What instruction regarding car seat safety should be given to parents of an infant?

Keeping the car seat rear-facing until at least 2 years old is crucial for an infant's safety while traveling. This position significantly reduces the risk of severe head and neck injuries in the event of a collision. Infants have relatively large heads compared to their bodies, and a rear-facing seat provides better support for their head, neck, and spine. The rear-facing position absorbs force in a crash and allows the seat to cradle the child's body, reducing the likelihood of injury.

The recommendation aligns with guidelines from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, which emphasize that children should remain in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, with most seats designed to accommodate children up to the maximum weight or height limits specified by the manufacturer. This ensures that transitions to forward-facing seats occur only when children are developmentally ready and able to be safely positioned.