When shopping for a car seat there are several factors that need to be considered. They must always be used in a rear-facing position, preferably in the back seat. In the forward-facing mode, this seat should be used until your child weighs about 40 pounds and is close to 43 inches in height. A toddler seat is always used in the forward-facing position and is appropriate for children one year of age and older AND weighing between 20 and 40 pounds. A booster seat is meant to be used for children too large to safely fit in a toddler safety seat.
Many children are eager to move out of their toddler seat and into a booster seat.
Don't rush the progression. The full-size car seat provides more protection for your young child than a booster seat. Children can safely remain in a booster seat until they weigh between 60 and 70 pounds. You might be considering the purchase of a used car seat. Car seats manufactured after that date are required to meet stringent federal safety standards.