Best Car Seats for Toddler

Once your baby turns 1 and weighs at least 20 pounds, he or she can graduate from a rear-facing baby seat to a front-facing toddler seat. Many seats are convertible and can be used by both infants and toddlers, usually up to 30 or 40 pounds. There are car seats that convert from rear facing to front facing to take your child from infant to toddler, car seats that convert to booster seats as your child grows and toddler seats designed especially for toddlers from 20-40 pounds. After your child reaches 40 pounds, he or she can switch to a booster seat, which must be used until he or she is 80 pounds and 4 ft 9 inches tall.

While there are many different styles of car seats to choose from, be sure to keep your child’s comfort – as well as yours – in mind. Features to look for include padded head rests, reclining angles for maximum comfort, pivoting arm rests, cup holders and storage spaces for small toys or road snacks. Look for car seats with removable padding – toddlers can be messy! Also, be sure to think about how easy it is to get your child in and out of each car seat.

Whichever car seat you pick, remember that the safety of your child is your main priority. Check for the 5-point harness system, which is required by law for all toddler car seats manufactured after 2002.