Toddler Seat vs Combined Toddler / Child Seat

I'm looking for a new car seat for my daughter who is 17 months old. She is under the 2nd centile for weight and height so is still in her infant car seat. Can anyone advise if it's better to get a toddler seat that will last up until the age of 4, or if it would be bettet to get a combined toddler / child seat which will last for much longer. The latter sounds like a better long term investment but as my LO is on the smaller side I'm not sure if it's better / safer to go for a toddler seat. Also welcome any suggestions for recommended car seats as there are so many options to choose from! Thank you.

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Although the latter is more budget friendly, multi stage seats often score poorly as they are trying to do ‘too much’ as such. I personally would always get a ‘toddler’ seat and then a dedicated HBB if money is doable. What would your budget be? On the 2nd centile, you have the world of seats at your fingertips xx

Thanks so much Kiera, my budget is up to £400

That’s a great budget! Is space an issue in your car or any tall passenger frequently? Would she be in the front or back? Isofix preferred?

We drive a ford focus, which has decent space so this shouldn't be a big issue. She'll be in the back, rear facing and isofix is preferred.

Be safe izi twist (180 spin and SPT, I have this and love it) Britax swingfix M plus (180 spin) Axkid spinkid 2 (180 spin and SPT) Cybex sirona GI (360 spin) These are all under £400, SPT is Swedish plus tested, which means it’s RF only and has passed the toughest crash test in the world. If you want RF only and may be worried family may turn her FF without approval, I would opt for a RF only seat xx

Really appreciate this, thank you so much! Xx