What is the correct position for securing an infant car seat in a vehicle?

Securing an infant car seat that faces the rear is essential for the safety of the infant. This rear-facing position is designed to protect the child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision. Infants have underdeveloped neck muscles and a larger head compared to their body size; thus, a rear-facing car seat provides support and helps absorb the impact, redistributing the force away from the child's vulnerable areas.

Additionally, vehicle safety guidelines and recommendations from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize that infants should remain in a rear-facing position for as long as possible, typically until they reach the maximum weight or height limits set by the car seat manufacturer. This practice significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries, as rear-facing seats better shield infants from the forces experienced during a crash.

In contrast, forward-facing seats, while appropriate for older children, do not provide the same level of protection for infants. Other options such as positioning a car seat in the front seat or securing it in the trunk compromise the safety standards established for car seat use, leading to increased risk for the child. Thus, the proper choice to ensure an infant's safety during travel is a rear-facing car seat.