Which of the following statements reflects best practices for child passenger safety?

The statement that children should remain in rear-facing seats as long as possible reflects best practices for child passenger safety because it aligns with the latest recommendations from safety experts. Research indicates that rear-facing seats provide superior protection for young children, particularly in the event of a collision. This is due to the way the seat can absorb the crash forces and support the child’s head, neck, and spine.

Maintaining a rear-facing position allows the child's body to move more safely with the seat in the event of an accident, rather than being propelled forward. Generally, it is advised that children stay in rear-facing seats until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the seat manufacturer, which often allows for use beyond the age of two and sometimes up to four years old or longer, depending on the particular child’s size.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect current best practices. For instance, setting an age limit of eight years for booster seats is not comprehensive as it should depend on the child's weight and height rather than solely their age. Furthermore, suggesting that children can fit into seat belts at five years old does not take into account the individual child's size and development. Lastly, allowing newborns to travel without restraints, even for short trips, is