At what age can children typically be safely placed in forward-facing car seats?

Car seat recommendations (AAP and NHTSA): (1) Rear-Facing: as long as possible; until the child reaches the rear-facing seat's maximum height or weight limit (typically 40-50 pounds in convertible seats); minimum until age 2; rear-facing significantly reduces injury in crashes by 5x compared to forward-facing in young children; (2) Forward-Facing with Harness: when the child outgrows rear-facing limits; use until reaching the harness seat's maximum height or weight (often 65-80 pounds); (3) Belt-Positioning Booster: when the child outgrows the harness; use until the seat belt fits properly without the booster (typically 4'9' tall, age 8-12); (4) Seat Belt Alone: when the child can sit with back against the seat, knees bend at the seat edge, lap belt low across thighs, shoulder belt across chest (not neck), and stay this way for the entire ride. Back seat until age 13 — front airbags are dangerous to children. Booster seats are commonly skipped — they significantly reduce injury and should be used until belt fits properly. Properly used car seats can reduce death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Nurses in pediatric, emergency, and well-child settings should reinforce proper use; many hospitals have car seat clinics for installation checks.