What is the appropriate action when a child under one is not yet 20 pounds?

Keeping a child under one year old in a rear-facing seat until they weigh 20 pounds aligns with safety guidelines recommended by pediatricians and safety organizations. Rear-facing seats provide crucial support for a child's head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash, as they help distribute the forces of a collision more evenly across the back of the seat. This position is safer for younger children since their bodies are still developing and are more vulnerable to injuries.

Children who are not yet 20 pounds should not transition to a booster seat or a forward-facing seat, as these options do not offer the same level of protection for infants. Additionally, using a regular seat belt is inappropriate for an infant due to their small size and lack of development, which could lead to serious injuries if involved in a crash. Therefore, maintaining a rear-facing position is the best practice until they reach the required weight and developmental milestones.