The best protection for your child in a vehicle crash is a properly secured child safety seat. However, buying and installing the correct seat for your child can be confusing. Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death in children, and four out of five car seats are not properly installed.

Watch videos about proper car seat installation and safety:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration SaferCarTV 
• Safe Kids Worldwide

Here are general car seat safety resources and state guidelines:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Iowa Car Seat Safety
• Minnesota Car Seat Safety
• Minnesota Department of Public Safety
• Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety (search by ZIP code)
• SafeKids Wisconsin
• Safercar.gov (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
• Wisconsin Car Seat Safety

Organizations such as local health departments, family resource centers and car dealerships may offer free car seat checks by trained technicians. Call a location near you for more information.