For a parent or grandparent, buying a toddler booster seat may seem a bit intimidating at first. The proper model car seat is critical to keeping a toddler safe while traveling. If you are looking for a booster seat, here are a few tips on what to look for before making your purchase.

Look for a design that is sturdy, yet light and easy to carry. Because younger children sleep a lot, especially when riding in the car, you want to select a model which is readily detachable. This way your toddler can continue sleeping when being moved from the car to the house, instead of you needing to wake them up.

Beware of any sizes based on age, as heights and weights of children can vary substantially. Instead look at models with sizes based on height and weight.

Forward facing car seats are designed and built for longer term use and your child should be able to use this style seat until he reaches a weight of forty pounds, or when his ears are inline with the top of the car seat. After that, it is time for you to move your child to a toddler booster seat secured with a seat belt.

Is it OK to purchase a second hand car seat?

That can be a tough question. A toddler booster seat is designed to prevent serious injuries in a car accident, so you should learn if the seat has previously been in an accident or otherwise damaged. If so, the frame may have gotten bent, which compromises the strength of the car seat and the safety of your child. Avoid any child seat that is more than two years old. Safety features change and improve all the time. Staying with a current model seat makes sure that your family is protected by the latest technology.

If you do choose a second hand seat, only accept a used seat from family, friends, or someone you trust will give you a full disclosure of any car accidents or possible damage. Also, carefully inspect the belts, padding, and fasteners. Make sure they are all in good condition. Car seats don't have many parts but those that they do have are important. If a used seat has any missing or broken parts this can present a danger to your child and is something you should avoid. If the owner's manual is not available, look for a label on the car seat itself. This should provide details on the correct use of the seat.

If the passenger side of your vehicle has a passenger side airbag, the child seat should go in the back seat, not in the front seat. If there is an accident and the booster seat is in the front seat, the inflating airbag may cause serious injuries to your child. To ensure the correct installation of the seat, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

There's nothing more important to a parent than their child's safety. That's why you must give a lot of thought to obtaining the best toddler booster seat for your child. There are so many different options when it comes to car seats and getting the best and safest one can be a challenge. So when your little one is moving up to a toddler booster seat, study the various options available. Check booster seat ratings. Talk to other parents about their experiences. Whichever toddler booster seat you choose, a little research makes your choice much easier and most importantly, will help to ensure your child's safety.