Toddler Car Seat Buying Guide

Find out what you should look for when purchasing a toddler car seat. Plus, take a peek at our top picks for seats on the market.

By Tara Richards

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When to Switch a Car Seat
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Shannon Greer

Convertible Seat or Forward-Facing Seat

Convertible car seats are great for babies and toddlers because they can transition with your child as he grows. Install the seat rear-facing as long as possible. It is only safe to install your car seat forward-facing if your child is at least 2 years old or has reached the maximum height or weight capacity of the car seat. If your child meets these requirements already, invest in a forward-facing upright seat.

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Courtesy of Evenflo
5-Point Harness

A 5-point harness is a combination of safety belts that clip across your toddler's chest, over his thighs, and between his legs. This harness will restrain your child in the event of an accident and keep him snug and secure at all other times.

It's also a good idea to get a seat with an overhead shield -- the padded tray-like attachment that rests in front of his belly. This tray provides extra protection in the event of a crash and is a great table for toys and other objects while traveling.
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Courtesy of Edmunds.com

Tether Attachment is a Must

A tether is a strap that attaches the top of the car seat to an anchor in your vehicle. All new cars, minivans, and light trucks have been required to install tether anchors since September 2000, and almost all car seats come with tethers. If you have an older seat or an older car, it may be possible to purchase a tether kit from the car seat manufacturer. However, it is always best to purchase a new car seat to ensure your child's safety isn't compromised by an outdated or previously damaged chair.

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Courtesy of Britax
Adequate Padding

Your child will have a more comfortable riding experience if she's surrounded by soft, plush pads around her head and back. If there is extra space around her and she isn't snug in the chair, tuck rolled-up blankets around her (but never under or behind) for added support.
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Courtesy of Target.com
A Machine-Washable Cover

Toddlers are messy -- there's no way around it. Save yourself from hassle and frustration by selecting a car seat with a removable, machine-washable cover. Little spills and stains aren't such a big deal when they can be thoroughly washed away.
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Courtesy of Evenflo and Graco
Our Picks

Click through the following slides to see our top picks for the best toddler car seats.
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Courtesy of Chicco
KeyFit Strada Booster

Recommended for children: 38-57 inches tall, 33-100 pounds

This chair comes in two fun colors: Pearle, as shown here, and Fuego. It features a thickly cushioned seat, headrest, and sides, and energy absorbing foam provides enhanced impact protection. The fabric cover is machine washable as well.
- $169.99; Chicco; chiccousa.com
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Courtesy of Britax
Parkway SG Booster

Recommended for children: 38-63 inches tall, 40-120 pounds

This seat by Britax Child Safety, Inc., boasts the all-new Side Impact Cushion Technology, a feature that reduces side impact crash energy by 50 percent for the child in the seat. The back of this belt-positioning booster seat can be removed once your child is a little older.
- $119.99; Britax; britax.com
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Courtesy of Evenflo
Symphony 65 All-in-One Car Seat

Recommended for children: 5-100 pounds

This versatile car seat features SureLatch Technology, a system of anchors and tethers that makes installation easy and safe. It features a sliding 5-point harness and several cushioning pads that keep your child snug in his seat.
- $199.99; evenflo; evenflo.com
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Courtesy of Britax
Advocate CS Convertible Seat

Recommended for children: 5-35 pounds rear-facing; 1 year old and 20-65 pounds forward-facing

This Britax seat features the new Side Impact Cushion Technology, which reduces the energy of side impacts by 50 percent. It features a 5-point harness, rear- and forward-facing recline, and comes in two fun color patterns, including the pink option shown here.
- $369.99; Britax; britax.com
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Courtesy of Graco
Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

Recommended for children: 20-65 pounds, 5-point harness; 30-100 pounds, high-back booster; 40-100 pounds, backless booster

This convertible car seat adapts from a harness-protected car seat to a high-back or backless booster -- simply adjust the seat according to your child's weight. The Nautilus features a 5-point harness and a full-body pillow for comfort.
- $149.99; Graco; gracobaby.com
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Convertible Seat or Forward-Facing Seat

5-Point Harness

Tether Attachment is a Must

Adequate Padding

A Machine-Washable Cover

Our Picks

KeyFit Strada Booster

Parkway SG Booster

Symphony 65 All-in-One Car Seat

Advocate CS Convertible Seat

Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat

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