Infants under 20 pounds should be secured in which way?

Infants under 20 pounds should be secured in the backseat in a rear-facing car seat because this position provides the best protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision. Rear-facing seats are designed to absorb the impact of a crash, cushioning the infant's body and distributing the force more evenly across the back of the seat. This orientation supports the child's developing muscles and skeletal structure, which are particularly vulnerable during the first year of life.

Moreover, placing infants in the backseat rather than the front seat is crucial due to the risks posed by airbags, which can cause serious injury or death to young children seated in the front. The backseat is statistically the safest place for children in the event of a crash, making it the recommended choice for securing infants. This approach aligns with the guidelines established by safety organizations and child passenger safety experts, emphasizing the importance of proper seating arrangements based on a child’s weight and developmental stage.