As parents prepare for the arrival of a baby, they naturally have numerous aspects to think about, arrange, and strategize. One key consideration is transportation. There will inevitably be times when you’ll need to have your child in a car with you.
How should you prepare your vehicle for an infant? What specific factors should parents consider to create a safe, comfortable, and appropriate setting for their child in the car? This guide provides several essential tips and advice to help you begin this process.
Opt for Keyless Ignition
Considering a retrofit might be worthwhile if your vehicle lacks this feature and you intend to keep it for a substantial period. Imagine this scenario: no more desperate rummaging for your keys in your handbag while your little one yells from the backseat.
The ignition can start with a button press, assuming the keys are somewhere on your person. Maintaining composure is key to safe driving, which could be a lifesaver. Now you must retrieve your coffee from the car roof before setting off.
Keep it Clean
We occasionally consume food in the vehicle, but the quantity of crumbs you’ll have to manage when you have children is unimaginable. An affordable plastic liner on the floor can simplify tidying up and safeguard the carpet from numerous beverage spills.
It’s easy to remove and shake off the debris. Additionally, the front seat’s kick mats or protective covers act as an initial barrier against the unavoidable marks from muddy shoes.
Invest in a Top-Quality Car Seat
Selecting the perfect car seat for a newborn is a paramount concern for parents. This necessity is underscored by safety specialists and enforced by law. In the event of a car accident, a baby that isn’t properly secured could face severe outcomes. Pick a top-tier, comfortable car seat for your baby, and not cut corners regarding this crucial investment.
Car seats come at various prices, but you should aim for a seat that suits your child, fits well in your vehicle, and can be correctly installed every time. Always know when to switch to front facing car seat. Avoid getting second-hand seats or accepting hand-me-downs.
Never Leave a Child Unattended
While there might be instances where leaving your children in the car may seem like an easy option, it’s a practice that should never be entertained. Each year, close to 40 children succumb to heat exhaustion as a result of being confined in a car in just the United States.
Some children were intentionally left behind, others were forgotten accidentally, and a few played in the car. An unattended child in a car could face serious risks such as becoming trapped in the trunk, accidentally driving the car, or even being kidnapped by a criminal.
Stay Organized
Regardless of age, children always seem to require many items while traveling. Though we can only wish for an in-built toy box feature in our cars, there are innovative solutions to prevent those Legos from perpetually vanishing into the abyss under the seats. Seek out products designed to latch onto the back of the seat and securely hold numerous items.
Preparing your vehicle for the arrival of your baby may seem like a daunting task. However, you can accomplish it swiftly by breaking it down and following the tips above. After acquiring and installing a car seat, relying on your intuition for the subsequent steps usually gets the job done.
Marissa is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist turned stay-at-home mom who loves sharing her tips, tricks, and ideas for navigating motherhood. Her days are filled starting tickle wars and dance parties with three energetic toddlers and wondering how long she can leave the house a mess until her husband notices. When she doesn’t have her hands full of children, she enjoys a glass (or 3) of wine, reality tv, and country music. In addition to blogging about all things motherhood, she sells printables on Etsy and has another website, teachinglittles.com, for kid’s activity ideas.
