A 1-year-old passenger, if they are the only passenger in the vehicle, should be seated in the center of the back seat in a properly installed rear- facing car seat. This position is considered the safest as it is the furthest from any potential impact in a crash, offering 43% more protection compared to other positions in the back seat. If the center seat cannot accommodate a car seat properly (due to space, installation difficulty, or medical reasons), then the next best option is the rear passenger side seat, especially if it allows the child to remain rear-facing. The front seat is generally not recommended for children under 4 years old, especially with active airbags present, as it can be dangerous for rear-facing seats. Key points:
- The center rear seat is safest for a 1-year-old in a proper rear-facing car seat.
- If center is not feasible, use the rear passenger side.
- Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.
- Children under 4 years should not sit in the front seat if other seating options are available.
- Rear-facing seats are safest up to at least age 2 or longer if possible.
This guidance aligns with traffic safety recommendations and research studies on child passenger safety.