If you have a little one, you know car seats are a controversial topic. Having a car seat is not only essential for your child's safety, it's the law. However, there are vague points and confusion on exactly what car seat you should have. A lot of it comes down to personal preference, but at the same time, there are definite outliers when it comes to the best car seats out there for toddlers. Check out some of the top rated and most popular car seat options.

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

While the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat isn't one of the most affordable options out there, it is one of the safest. When you choose the Boulevard for your toddler, you're getting a steel frame, side-impact protection, and enough padding to keep your child safe and comfortable without it being too much. The harness is adjustable and gives an audible click when you have adjusted it to the right tightness for your child. This is important since the tightness of the harness is crucial in the event of an accident. This car seat is perfect for five to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall.

Evenflow SureRide/Titan 65

If you're looking for an affordable yet highly rated toddler car seat, make sure to check out the Evenflow SureRide/Titan 65. In simulated crash tests performed by Consumer Reports, the SureRide showed the least amount of potential injury to a child. The car seat is easy to install, lightweight and convenient, and it's a convertible seat, allowing it to grow and change with your child. The car seat can be installed forward or rear facing. The Evenflow SureRide/Titan 65 has a weight limit of five to 65 pounds and a height limit of up to 54 inches.

Graco 4Ever All-in-One Car Seat

When you choose the Graco 4Ever All-in-One Car Seat, you're getting everything you need for your child from birth on up. This car seat offers infant rear facing, toddler front facing chair, high-back booster, and a backless booster seat all in the same item. On top of this, the car seat has great safety ratings on all levels. One downside is that many parents find the Graco 4Ever a little difficult to install or to change out to the different styles. However, unlike many other car seats, this one offers a huge range in weight and height. You can use it for children weighing four to 120 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. When you're buying a car seat for your child, there are a lot of options out there. You can easily spend hours comparing the pros and cons of each car seat. The important things to consider are how the seat will fit in your car, the safety ratings of the car seat, and how long it will be safe for your child to use. While many of the top-rated car seats are also the most expensive on the market, keep in mind that there are outstanding options in the lower price tiers, as well.