According to the American Academy of Pediatrics parents should now keep their children in rear-facing car seats until the age of two. The AAP has previously recommended that parents keep their kids in rear-facing car seats as long as possible, but the minimum had been set until the age of one or 20 pounds, which many parents and pediatricians interpreted as the guideline as the best time to make the switch.

The new policy clarifies the AAP’s recommendation, making age 2 the new guideline. The AAP hopes that with the announcement of the new guideline it will be less confusing for parents and for pediatricians. Studies have shown that children under age 2 are 75 percent less likely to die or to be injured in a car accident if they are in a rear-facing car seat. Studies have also shown that the rear-facing car seats are five times safer than the forward-facing car seats.

Parents tend to be excited about changing their toddler into a forward-facing car seat because it seems like a milestone for their child’s development and it is easier and less awkward to get them into their seat. But while it may be easier for the parent, this does not make it safer for the child. Rear-facing car seats are better at supporting the head, neck and spine of infants. During a crash the force is distributed over the entire body instead of at just one area.

Parents should keep their children rear-facing if their child turns two before they reach the height or weight limit for the seat. The safest decision is to keep him rear-facing until he reaches the height or weight limit for the seat.