Is your baby ready to make the transition from a baby car seat to a toddler car seat? Choosing the best toddler car seats will be an easy job if you know what to look for.

First of all, a toddler should be in a forward facing car seat with harnesses. There are five basic types of forward-facing car seats. There are 5 types of car safety restraints that can be used forward-facing.

1. Convertible Car Seats that "convert" from rear-facing to forward-facing seats and usually accomodate children up to around 40-pounds, although some convertible car seats can go a little larger.
2. Forward Facing Only Car Seats. These are usually considered true todder car seats. These car seats are meant to be installed in your vehicle forward-facing only and normally attach via the LATCH system and use a harness to restrain your child. Your child's weight for this type of car seat is usually from 40 to 80-lbs.
3. Combo-Car Seat with Harness -These car seats are much like forward-facing only car seats but they offer another perk. The harness can be removed and the seat used as a booster seat with the seat belt. Most of these seats can be used with children from 40 to 80-lbs in car seat mode and usually 80-100-lbs as a booster.
4. Build-in Car Seats - Many newer model vehicles come with built-in car seats. The height and weight limits will vary, be sure to read your owner's manual for the specs on the car seat.
5. Child Travel Vests - If you have a large child and fitting into a traditional toddler car seat can be an issue, child travel vests can be a safe alternative when a vehicle has lap-only seatbelts or your child has exceeded the weight for a forward facing car seat. The vests may require the use of a top tether and often attach using the LATCH system.

Use these tips to find the best type of toddler car seat for your child and also now your child's height and weight before you buy a toddler car seat, it will go a long way to getting the safest car seat for your growing child.