What is the required seating method for a child less than a year old?

For a child less than a year old, the required seating method is a rear-facing car seat. This is based on safety guidelines that emphasize that infants should be placed in a rear-facing position to provide optimal protection during a crash. Research indicates that rear-facing car seats distribute the force of a collision more evenly over the child's body and support the head, neck, and spine, which are still developing in infants.

Using a rear-facing car seat significantly reduces the risk of injury from an accident because it keeps the child secure and allows for better support of their head and neck, which is particularly vulnerable in younger children. Regulatory bodies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend children remain in rear-facing seats for as long as possible, until they reach the weight or height limit set by the car seat manufacturer. This aligns with safety practices aimed at reducing injury and enhancing the well-being of young passengers in vehicles.