Each year, more than 272,000 children age 14 and younger are injured in traffic-related accidents in this country. Another 1,765 die. Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injury to children nationwide.

Seat belts and car seats save lives if they are used properly and at all times. Many states, including Wisconsin, have laws requiring everyone to wear a seat belt or be restrained in a car seat when riding in a vehicle. 

In Wisconsin, babies and toddlers must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least one year old and at least 20 pounds, but pediatricians recommend that they stay rear-facing until age two or longer. If you buy an "Infant-only" seat you may need to switch to a "Convertible" seat as the child grows. "Convertible" seats can be used rear-facing, to higher weights and heights than most infant seats and then can be turned around to face the front when children are over age two.

According to Wisconsin law, children must use a car seat with a harness until they are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds. Many forward facing car seats have higher weight limits for the harness of 50-80 pounds. If you have one of these seats and the child still within the weight and height recommendations of the seat, the child is safer in the harness than switching to a booster seat.

When children outgrow their car seats, the next step is a booster seat. In Wisconsin children need to use booster seats until they are 8 years old, or 80 lbs or 4'9" tall. Pediatricians recommend that children stay in booster seats until they reach 4'9". Booster seats must be used with the lap and shoulder belts. The booster raises the child so the lap and shoulder belts fits correctly. The lap belt should fits across the child's upper thighs or hips, and the shoulder belt lays across the center of the shoulder. Many booster seats have weight limits that allow children to stay in a booster beyond the minimum required by law.

Children are ready to ride with out a booster seat when they have reached 4'9" tall or when the lap belt fits across the child's upper thighs or hips, and the shoulder belt lays across the center of the shoulder and they can ride this way for the entire trip. Children should only ride in sitting position that have both a shoulder and lap belt, never a lap belt alone. Children should ride in the back seat until age 13.

Check the owner's manuals for the car and the car seat to install your child's seat correctly. When installed correctly, a car seat should move less than an inch where the seatbelt goes through the seat. For help installing your child's seat, attend a car seat event or make an appointment with a permanent fitting station (listed below).

As parents and caregivers, remember you set the example for your children. Buckle up every time you are in the car too.

To adjust the shoulder belt placement on your child, you can:

• Lower the belt height adjuster (built into newer vehicle models).
• Use a shoulder belt extender, available through auto dealers for various makes of cars.
• Use a belt-position adjuster to realign the shoulder belt.
• Adjust the seat forward or back, but do not recline it.
• Move the child closer to the center of the seat.
• Place the child in a booster seat.
• Never place the shoulder belt behind your child or under the child's arm.

Some children do not like to be restrained in a car. If they unbuckle the restraints, pull over immediately, stop the car and refasten the restraints. Many school buses are not equipped with seatbelts. Teach your children to always remain seated when riding in a school bus.

Remember to always buckle up when you are in the car, no matter how far you travel. You set the example for your children.

Back to top

Car seat check events

Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin Coalition, led by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, hosts free booster and car seat safety checks throughout the year. Certified car seat technicians assist families to ensure children are riding safely. At the safety check, trained child passenger safety specialists make certain seats are installed correctly and that they are appropriate for the age and size of the child. No appointments are necessary. 

Back to top

Fitting Stations

• Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Booster and Car Seat Clinic (PDF - 132 KB).
• Southeast Wisconsin Booster and Carseat Fitting Stations (PDF - 136 KB).
• To locate booster and car seat fitting stations throughout Wisconsin, visit safekidswi.org.
• To locate a booster and car seat fitting station throughout the United States, visit www.usa.safekids.org or wcpsa.com and click "Where to have seats checked."

Back to top

Kohl's Cares for Kids Safety 

Accidental injuries are the leading cause of death for Wisconsin children. To do something about it, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Community Health team, with the help of Kohl's Department Stores, created a website, www.BlueKids.org/KohlsCares. It's complete with interative games, mini-lessons and activity sheets focused on childhood injuries. Topics include: pedestrian, bike and vehicle safety. Parents and children are encouraged to check out the site together.

Back to top

Downloadable teaching sheets

• Keeping Safe Kids in Car Seats - A Car Seat Checklist (PDF - 296 KB).
• Motor Vehicle Teaching Sheet (PDF - 184 KB).
• Motor Vehicle Teaching Sheet - Spanish (PDF - 184 KB).

Back to top

Product recall links

• www.safercar.gov.
• www.usa.safekids.org.

Back to top