What type of car seat is recommended for infants in Virginia?

In Virginia, a rear-facing car seat is recommended for infants because it provides the best protection for their developing bodies. This type of car seat is designed to support the head, neck, and spine of infants during a crash, as it cradles them and distributes crash forces more evenly across their bodies.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to injury, as their heads are proportionally larger and heavier compared to their bodies, and their neck muscles are not fully developed. Rear-facing seats allow for better absorption of crash forces, which significantly reduces the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a collision.

While booster seats and convertible seats may also be used for children as they grow, they are not suitable for infants who must be seated in a rear-facing position until they reach the specified weight and height limits usually outlined by the seat manufacturer. Front-facing seats, on the other hand, are meant for older children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats; thus, they are not appropriate for infants.