What types of car seats are appropriate for young children?

The most appropriate answer is that car seats should be selected based on a child's weight, height, and age. This approach ensures that children are secured in a manner that maximizes their safety during travel. Different stages of child development require specific types of car seats:

1. Infant seats are designed for infants from birth to around 1 year old or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat. These seats often face the rear, providing the best protection for a baby's head and neck.

2. Convertible seats can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing, accommodating children as they grow. They typically cater to children from around 5 to 40 pounds and beyond.

3. Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats but still need to be elevated so that the vehicle's seat belt fits correctly over their shoulders and hips.

Choosing a car seat based on these factors provides the necessary support and protection based on the child's current size and developmental stage, making it the safest option for transporting young children in vehicles.