when my son hit 22 pd at about 8 mo , I start research several convertible car seat and do many check on the NHTSA -lrb- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -rrb- website , finally to have decide on this seat . here be my finding . - it rank very high with the NHTSA -lrb- REAR FACING - 5 star for eval of label , eval of instruction , secure the child & overall ease of use and 3 star for installation feature ; forward face - 5 star for all of the above -rrb- . - it be very roomy ; however , do not take up too much space in the back of my Nissan Xterra -lrb- which actually have a pretty tight back seat -rrb- . - the 5-point harness system be very easy to clasp together -lrb- much easier than my son 's Baby Trend infant car seat -rrb- . - I take it to my local fire station to install and it be the first one of its kind the fireman have install and it take he all of about 5 minute to install after read the manual . he do cut a large pool noodle into 3 short piece and put underneath the front of the seat , rear face , to secure the accurate position . I feel very confident I could install it on my own if I need to move it -lrb- which I have not yet -rrb- . - my son seem to love he new seat ! he have fall asleep in it a few time and have not slump over , like I read about with other convertible car seat . - the fabric and cushioning be very nice . I do not want the fabric that be too soft because it can get very hot in summer month , so I go with this kind that be more like a soft , yet heavy material . I really like it ! I be nervous it would not be soft enough , but I have no complaint . - overall - great value , great car seat , great look , great safety rating ! I 'll try to take some photo and post also .