American Academy of Pediatrics now advises to keep toddlers in rear - facing car seats until adulthood . Children under five are 50 % less likely to die or to be injured in a crash if they are rear - faced . Squished legs ? There may have been some confusion with the message , with many parents mistaking the minimum for the ideal age to make the switch . Kids who have only been rear - faced will most likely not be injured .
American Academy of Pediatrics now advises to keep toddlers in rear - facing car seats until adulthood . Children under five are 50 % less likely to die or to be injured in a crash if they are rear - faced . Squished legs ? Kids who have only been rear - faced will most likely not be injured .