What must caregivers ensure regarding children under 12 months in a car?

Children under 12 months must be secured in a rear-facing car seat because this positioning provides optimal protection for their developing bodies in the event of a crash. Rear-facing seats support the head, neck, and spine of an infant, reducing the risk of serious injury. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in rear-facing seats until they reach the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer, which often extends beyond the first year. This rule emphasizes the importance of proper car seat use to enhance safety for young passengers.

The other options suggest unsafe practices regarding child passenger safety that do not adhere to current safety guidelines. For example, riding without a car seat or in the front seat is not safe for a child under 12 months. Additionally, even if a seatbelt is used, it is not appropriate for infants to be placed in the front seat where airbags can pose a significant risk.