How should a 3-year-old that weighs 36 lbs be seated in a vehicle?

The correct seating method for a 3-year-old weighing 36 pounds is in a forward-facing convertible seat. At this age, children are typically ready to transition from rear-facing seats to forward-facing seats as they have outgrown the height and weight limits for rear-facing seats. Forward-facing seats are designed to accommodate children of this weight and provide proper support and restraint in the event of a crash.

Forward-facing seats with a harness system offer enhanced safety features, allowing for the child to be securely restrained while still providing the necessary support for their developing bodies. It is essential for the seat to be installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions and the vehicle's guidelines to ensure maximum safety.

While booster seats are also an important stage in a child's car safety journey, they are typically recommended for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats and are generally over the weight and height limits for those seats. Standard adult seats are not suitable for young children as they lack the necessary restraints and can increase the risk of injury in an accident.