How long should a child remain in a rear-facing car seat?

The recommendation that a child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until at least age 2 or until they exceed the height or weight limits is based on extensive research demonstrating the safety benefits of rear-facing positioning for young children. In a rear-facing seat, the child's head, neck, and spine are better supported during a crash, which helps reduce the risk of severe injury. Children develop at different rates, and by allowing them to remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer, caregivers can ensure that the child is as safe as possible.

Choosing just an age, such as 4 years old or specific weight limits like 30 pounds, does not take into account the individual growth patterns of children, which may vary significantly. Thus, the guidance encourages keeping children in a rear-facing car seat for as long as feasible, based on the parameters set by the manufacturer, rather than solely focusing on age milestones.