Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they areat least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds to decreasethe risk of cervical spine injury in the event of a crash. Infantswho weigh 20 pounds before 1 year of age should ride rear facingin a convertible seat or infant seat approved for higher weightsuntil at least 1 year of age. If a car safety seat accommodateschildren rear facing to higher weights, for optimal protection,the child should remain rear facing until reaching the maximumweight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the headis below the top of the seat back.
Kansas law has not changed, but these recommendations are based on safety data that shows children under 24 months are safest facing backwards in the car seat.
