Which statement by a parent indicates proper understanding of car seat safety for a newborn?

The statement about using a rolled towel on each side of a newborn's head until they can hold their head up demonstrates an understanding of car seat safety for a newborn. Proper car seat usage emphasizes the importance of head and neck support for infants, particularly since they have not yet developed the strength to support their own heads. Using rolled towels or specially designed inserts ensures that the infant is properly secured and supported within the car seat, reducing the risk of injury.

The other options reflect misunderstandings regarding car seat safety. For instance, placing a car seat facing forward is not advised for infants, as they should remain rear-facing for the first year or longer, depending on weight and height limits. The use of booster seats is only appropriate for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats, typically around 4 years of age, and not immediately for newborns. Lastly, sitting in the front seat is not safe for young children, even at one year, due to safety risks associated with airbags and their need for appropriate restraint systems.