The AAP updates child passenger safety policy. Infants and toddlers should be seated in a rear-facing car seat for "as long as possible"; that is, until they reach the maximum height or weight specified by the seat's manufacturer, according to revised recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (The AAP's previous recommendation was to switch from a rear-facing car seat at age two years.) A forward-facing car seat should then be used until children reach the seat's maximum height or weight, followed by a booster seat until lap and shoulder seat belts fit well (usually by ages eight through 12 years, or when the child is 4 feet, 9 inches). "For optimal protection," all children should sit in the back seats, using lap and shoulder belts, through age 12 years, the AAP says.