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Car seats and booster seats are labeled with the age, weight and height that is appropriate for that particular seat.

The first car seat that a child will use is a backward facing one that can hold up to 20 lbs. It has a 5 point safety harness; many come with bases that anchor to either the floor or the seat. The car seat is designed so that the child is actually laying back in it. There is usually an additional piece placed across the stomach to prevent child from going too far forward in the event of a crash. Usually a u-shaped pillow like head support is used for newborns but is no longer needed when child gets head control. This car seat is good for the first 3-5 months depending on the size of the child.

The second level of car seats are designed for children from 20-40 lbs. They can face forward or backward. They also have adjustable positioning from leaning back to sitting up. They have the 5 point harness but usually don't have that extra middle shield of the newborn car seats. Some models come with cup holders.

The last type of car seat is a booster seat. These seats can hold a child who weighs up to 80 lbs and is less than 40". These seats use the shoulder-harness and lap belts instead of having their own buckle set up. The booster seat assures the proper positioning of the shoulder strap. Many states have passed laws that make using a booster mandatory until the child exceeds the height/weight capabilities of the booster or until they reach the age of 8

By paying attention to the information provided on the car seat and your own child's growth pattern; you should be able to decide when they have outgrown the one they're in.

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Harlan.
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