When I first got my sons car seat, it was a infant car seat that my job provided for me when I was pregnant. By the time that he was 5 months old, he was already 26 1/2 inches long, and weighed 16 1/2 pounds. I knew that he was going to need something that would fit his needs, and my budget. When it came down to it, I could either buy a car seat that went up to 40 pounds, and then buy another, until he reached 65 pounds, with both seats at $150.00 a piece, or I could spend the money now, and the next car seat that I would be getting would be the booster seat for $25.00 . With all that, what sold me was the amount of padding and safety that this seat holds. Since I wont be driving on the Autobon any time soon, I was thinking well that might be a little much, but then I weighed the possiblity of a car accident. I new that there was a chance for that and I know that my child will be safe. He is growing everyday, and it is nice to know that even when I am trying to keep up with clothes, I dont have to worry about his safety when I travel. I highly reccomend this car seat, it is the best investment you could make for you little one…..by the time you have another, you still dont have to buy the car seat. 5***** Stars from me.