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

The recommendation for children to remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach age 2 or until they hit the maximum weight or height limit for the seat is based on safety guidelines established by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Rear-facing car seats provide better support for a child's head, neck, and spine during a collision, as they are designed to distribute the force of a crash across the entire body rather than just the head and neck.

Research has shown that children are significantly safer when they remain in a rear-facing position for as long as possible. This is due to the fact that their bones and joints are still developing; the rear-facing position helps to protect vulnerable areas of a young child's body. Once they exceed the height or weight limits specified by the car seat manufacturer or reach the age of 2, they can transition to a forward-facing car seat. Therefore, the answer aligns with the most current recommendations, emphasizing the importance of prolonged rear-facing travel for enhanced safety.

The other options suggest either earlier transitions than recommended or do not emphasize the importance of adhering to the specific height and weight limits, which is crucial for ensuring a child's safety while traveling in a vehicle.