How to prepare your car as new parents

Getting out and about is a blessing for new parents. Being stuck inside for long periods can be hard and affect your mental health and leave you feeling cut off from the outside world. With a car, you’re never too far from friends and family or pretty outdoor spots and while I would love to eventually be car free, having a car keeps me connected to my family in West Wales. Driving around is also a great way to soothe babies and inspire some nap time!

However, before you jump into your vehicle, you’ll need to prepare your car for safe baby transportation. Follow this guide to find out how.

Install the correct car seat

Prioritise finding and fitting a car seat. This should be the correct size for your baby and vehicle and provide the support necessary for their age. Adjustable options are a cost-effective option as they can grow with your children, ensuring their safety and comfort for longer.

Whichever style you opt for, ensure it meets government guidelines for child car seats and is manufactured by an approved company.

Conduct a maintenance check

Regular services are essential to ensuring car safety, so if it’s been a while since your last time at the garage conduct a maintenance check.

Assess your brakes, lights and wipers, fill up with fluids like screenwash and oil and look for signs of wear and tear in your tyres such as rips and bulges and shallow tread. If any tyres need replacing, those in the Surrey area will find reliable tyre fitters in Epsom, highly recommended for their expertise and quality products.

Baby-proof the interiors

Even if your baby cannot crawl yet, take measures to make the interiors safe. Remember to put child locks on the back doors and windows while you’re driving, and always take your keys with you when you leave the car.

Consider fitting a mirror to the backseat so you can glance at your baby while on the road. Until a child is over 15 months old car seats must be rear-facing, so having a mirror is a simple way to keep them in sight at all times.

Create a comfortable environment

Prioritise comfort as well as safety so your child is content as you drive. Add sunshades on the rear windows so they’re protected from heat and harsh rays and use your cooling fan to regulate the inside temperature.

Don’t forget to give your car interior a good clean before installing the car seat, to remove any dirt and lingering odours that they might find unpleasant.

Prepare for emergencies

Ensure you’re ready for anything that could occur while you’re on the road.

Always carry a first-aid kit with all the essentials in case of injury. Prepare for potential breakdowns with a warning triangle and breakdown bag containing warm clothes, food and water, a shovel and a torch. Keep a record of your breakdown cover and insurance in the glove compartment so it’s easy to get help when you need it.

Remember to pack for baby-related emergencies too! Spare nappies and wet wipes are a must, as are your carrier and clean clothes.