What is the recommended seating position for children under 12 months while traveling in a vehicle?

The recommended seating position for children under 12 months is in a rear-facing car seat. This position is crucial for the safety of infants because it provides the best support for their head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision. In a rear-facing seat, the forces of a crash are absorbed by the back of the seat, reducing the risk of serious injury to delicate developing body structures.

Health and safety organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly advocate for keeping infants in rear-facing car seats until they reach the maximum height and weight limit specified by the seat's manufacturer. This ensures that the seat continues to provide optimal protection throughout the early stages of the child's life, making it the safest option for traveling with young children.

For children in this age group, using a different seating arrangement, such as a regular seatbelt, could lead to improper restraint and increased risk of injury. Similarly, placing them in the front seat or in a booster seat does not provide the necessary support and protection that a rear-facing car seat offers for infants.