A rear-facing car seat is a type of child safety seat designed to protect infants and toddlers during car travel. It is positioned to face the back of the vehicle, which helps absorb the impact in the event of a collision. This orientation supports the child's head, neck, and spine, reducing the risk of injury. Most experts recommend using a rear-facing car seat until the child reaches the maximum weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer. This typically occurs around the age of 2 or older, depending on the seat. Transitioning to a forward-facing car seat should only happen once the child outgrows the rear-facing model.