Toddler Car Seat Buying Guide

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat's manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will permit children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more.

If you purchased a convertible car seat, keep the seat rear-facing as long as possible as the AAP notes, then re-install your car seat to face forward once your child has reached the maximum capacity of the car seat. If you purchased an infant-only car seat that can only be installed rear-facing, once your child meets the max safety requirements of that seat, it's time to invest in a forward-facing toddler car seat. Here's what to look for when you head out shopping.

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