Wisconsin Child Safety Seat Laws & Safety Tips

Child seats are absolutely essential for protecting your child while you drive. In this blog from Natasha Misra Law, we’ll look at the laws around child safety seats in Wisconsin, and provide some tips on proper baby seat installation.

Wisconsin Law Requires Children To Be Safely Seated In Child Seats 

Wisconsin law is very clear about safety requirements for kids: 

• Babies less than one year old or 20 lbs in weight must be in a rear-facing child seat in the back seat.
• Children who are under 4 years old or under 40 pounds must be in a car seat in the back seat.
• Kids under 8 years of age or who are under 4 feet, 9 inches in height or 80 pounds must use a booster seat, again in the back seat.
• Children who exceed these requirements may sit without a child seat.
  

Wisconsin does not have an explicit law about what age a child may be before they ride in the front passenger seat, but experts recommend that kids be at least 13 years old before riding in the front seat.

Tips For Installing Baby Seats In Your Car 

Wondering how to keep your child safe when purchasing and installing a child seat? Here are a few recommendations that will help.

• Choose the right seat – Make sure to choose the right seat based on the Wisconsin laws outlined above. You can refer to the NHTSA’s car seat recommendations to make sure you get the right type of seat for your child. 
• Read the installation instructions – More than half of all car seats are not installed properly. Each seat is different, so read the installation instructions closely to confirm that you’ve installed it safely and correctly. 
• Double-check your child before you drive – Always make sure your child is properly buckled and secured. Double-check the car seat to ensure it’s installed correctly. 
• Keep the car seat in place – Avoid constantly removing and replacing the car seat. Ideally, you should anchor it securely and leave it in place. This reduces the risk of accidentally installing it improperly. 
  

What To Do If Your Child Is Injured In A Car Accident

An injury to your child in a car accident can be devastating. If your child is injured, you may be able to pursue the negligent driver for damages including medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other such damages. Your car seat might also be damaged in an accident, making the insurance company of the person who caused for the accident responsible for replacing the car seat. The first step is an initial consultation with an experienced Milwaukee car accident attorney.

Keep Your Children Safe With These Child Seat Safety Tips

Remember, child safety when driving starts with you. Always choose a reputable car seat, secure it safely, and buckle your child in properly. This will provide maximum protection in case of an accident.

And if you and your child are involved in an accident, get in touch with Natasha Misraw Law for a consultation with a Milwaukee car accident attorney. Contact us online or call at 414-635-2858 to get the help you need.