Which statement about infant safety seating is correct for a newborn?

Which statement about infant safety seating is correct for a newborn?

• A. The infant should be seated rear-facing in a car seat.
• B. The infant should be seated forward-facing once able to hold their head up.
• C. A booster seat is appropriate after 12 months.
• D. The car seat can be placed in the front seat if airbags are present.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that newborns must ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. This position provides the most protection because the car seat cradles the head, neck, and spine and distributes crash forces along the back of the infant rather than concentrating them on the neck. Newborns lack the neck strength to withstand sudden forces, so the rear-facing angle supports their developing spine and airway, helping keep the airway open and reducing injury risk. Install the seat at the recommended recline angle so the baby isn’t slumped and the harness is snug with the chest clip at armpit level. In practice, keep the infant in rear-facing mode until they reach the seat’s height or weight limit, which is typically well beyond the first few months. A booster seat is not appropriate for a newborn, as it’s designed for older children who can sit upright and have adequate head and neck control. And avoid placing any car seat in the front seat if airbags are present, since airbags can cause serious injury to a small infant. The back seat, rear-facing setup is the safest choice.

The main idea is that newborns must ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. This position provides the most protection because the car seat cradles the head, neck, and spine and distributes crash forces along the back of the infant rather than concentrating them on the neck. Newborns lack the neck strength to withstand sudden forces, so the rear-facing angle supports their developing spine and airway, helping keep the airway open and reducing injury risk. Install the seat at the recommended recline angle so the baby isn’t slumped and the harness is snug with the chest clip at armpit level. In practice, keep the infant in rear-facing mode until they reach the seat’s height or weight limit, which is typically well beyond the first few months. A booster seat is not appropriate for a newborn, as it’s designed for older children who can sit upright and have adequate head and neck control. And avoid placing any car seat in the front seat if airbags are present, since airbags can cause serious injury to a small infant. The back seat, rear-facing setup is the safest choice.