For parents struggling to find car seats to suit growing toddlers, the burgeoning toddler-to-booster car seat category is a stroke of good fortune. Most toddler-to-booster car seats function as forward-facing car seats and convert to booster car seats once a child reaches the appropriate height, weight and age. While many toddler-to-booster car seats now feature EPS foam lining and additional side impact protection, one thing is sure to vary: price. Our cream of the crop selections range in price from nearly $300 to less than $80, yet have many of similar features and benefits.

Britax Regent in Onyx E9L3969

The Britax Regent in Onyx is a safety-minded toddler-to-booster car seat. The Britax Regent (about $269) is designed for children weighing 22 to 80 pounds, and converts from a forward-facing car seat to a belt-positioning booster. One of this car seat's best features is a five-point harness that can be used up to 80 pounds. This is an uncommon feature, and we like the ability to secure children with a five-point harness until they outgrow the need for a car seat altogether. The Britax Regent in Onyx features an EPS foam lining topped with cushy padding and a removable cover. Although it is heavier than some car seats (it weighs in at 31 pounds), the Britax Regent is very easy to install. It has plenty of custom-fit features, including several shoulder height positions and recline positions. If one's budget allows, this car seat's a sure bet for both comfort and safety.

Britax Regent in Onyx E9L3969

Combi Kobuk in Black 8970

For just $80, the Combi Kobuk in Black is a forward-facing car seat that combines safety and convenience features. The Combi Kobuk in Black has EPS foam lining in the head area, converts to a backless booster and has an innovative belt-positioning system. It is designed for children weighing 33 to 100 pounds, and it converts from a car seat to a belt-positioning high-back booster car seat. In addition, the back can be removed to use the Combi Kobuk as a backless booster car seat. We like its enhanced side impact protection, with "wings" surrounding the head, shoulder and hip areas. Plus, the headrest adjusts vertically and the seat belt guides adjust horizontally for a customized fit. The Combi Kobuk weighs only 10 pounds. We appreciate this car seat for its price and easy-to-use features.

Graco Toddler SafeSeat (Step 2) in Samba 8B02SMB

With a price tag of about $170, the Graco Toddler SafeSeat (Step 2) in Samba offers plenty of features. It has EPS foam lining (few previous models had this energy-absorbing foam), and it can be used as a forward-facing car seat for children weighing 20 to 40 pounds. It's as if this car seat is custom-made to snugly fit children during that in-between stage: too big for an infant car seat, and too small to safely sit in a booster car seat. The Graco Toddler SafeSeat (Step 2) in Samba is simple to install and has a host of other user-friendly features, including a no-tangle five-point harness, up-front harness adjustment and cushy GracoPedic foam. One of the things we like most about this car seat is the EZ Wash cover, which can is easy to remove and machine wash.

Safety 1st Summit Deluxe High-Back Booster Car Seat 22565

The Safety 1st Summit Deluxe High-Back Booster Car Seat can be used as a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness or as a belt-positioning booster car seat. It is designed for children weighing 22 to 100 pounds. This car seat costs about $100, isn't as easy to install as some, but has plenty of winsome features. The Safety 1st Summit Deluxe has easy-to-use belt-positioning guides, several shoulder-height adjustments, belt-positioning guides on each side, and an EPS foam lining. It has plenty of convenience items, including a four-position headrest and pivoting armrests. We give the Safety 1st Summit Deluxe High-Back Booster high marks for offering similar features for a better price than many of its competitors.

Cosco Ventura DX High Back Booster Car Seat 22248

At $60, the Cosco Ventura DX High Back Booster Car Seat is a user-friendly contender in the toddler-to-booster car seat category. The Ventura DX High Back Booster is designed for children weighing 22 to 80 pounds. It functions as a forward-facing car seat and a high-back belt-positioning booster a streamlined design. The Cosco Ventura DX High Back Booster Car Seat has plenty of extras, like a cup holder, storage space and cushy padding.