What position should a child in a car seat be facing if they are under 1 year old and weigh less than 20 pounds?

A child who is under 1 year old and weighs less than 20 pounds should be placed in a car seat that is facing backward. This orientation provides the best protection for the child in case of a crash. Rear-facing car seats support the head, neck, and spine of an infant, spreading the force of a collision over the entire body rather than concentrating it on a single area, which is crucial for the safety of young children.

Most safety organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, advocate for keeping children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, ideally until they exceed the weight and height limits set by the car seat manufacturer. This ensures maximum safety and minimizes the risk of injury in the event of an accident.