How to baby-ready your car in six steps
If you’re getting ready to welcome a new addition to your family, the to-do lists may seem never-ending so don't forget your car essentials.And one of the most important jobs is getting your car ready for a baby. That drive home from the hospital will probably be the most nerve-racking one of your life!
So follow these six steps to ensure your car is as safe and comfortable as possible for your precious cargo and the proceeding years ahead.
1. Check your car safety
Make sure your car is up to date with its service and maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle won’t break down and may be less likely to be involved in an accident. Pump your tyres, fix any little issues, and give it a good clean and tidy to get rid of any nasty germs.
If you’re looking to upgrade to a bigger car, make sure you start the process early, so you get used to driving and parking a bigger car well before bub comes. Check out the carsales Family Hub to discover which car might suit your changing needs.
2. Buy a car seat
With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to know which seat to choose. Start by narrowing it down to a capsule (suitable for 0-6 month olds) or car seat (suitable for 0-4 years old), set a budget, and something that fits in your car.
Some car seats are substantially larger both in width and length than others, so depending on how big your car is, you might be limited in choices. While it’s not recommended, if you do use a second-hand seat, make sure it is less than 10 years old and has no damage.
3. Install the seat professionally
The most important thing is to get the car seat fitted correctly. Reports estimate that up to 70% of baby seats are fitted incorrectly. Many retailers offer professional fitting services if you purchase through them, and many states offer free car seat fitting services organised through KidSafe. You should get it installed well before your due date, as we know babies don’t always come on time!
RELATED: How to correctly install a baby seat
4. Think about other accessories
There are a few extra accessories you may want to think about to make things extra safe and comfortable for bub. These include window shades, an adjustable car seat mirror and car-friendly toys. A car seat protector to lay under the car seat and a good quality rubber mat can help protect the car from damage and help the overall resale value down the track.
5. Make a playlist
Now’s not the time to be blasting your favourite hard rock classics. If your baby is a fussy traveller, a playlist of soothing lullabies can be just the trick to calm them down. Simply connect your phone to Bluetooth or plug in a USB and hit play and let the music work its magic.
6. Pack a baby survival kit
Babies are messy. So leaving a baby survival kit in the boot will come in handy more than you think. Pack some wet wipes, extra nappies, a change mat, hat and sunscreen, extra clothes, bin bags and snacks.
7. Give it a test run
You’ve got the car seat installed, the pram stowed in the boot, and the window shades up. Why not take everything for a test run, so you know how everything works before you’re sleep-deprived and exhausted. Practice taking out the capsule, setting up the pram, and clipping it back in the car again. You could even do a test drive to the hospital and time how long it takes and where to park so there are no surprises on the big day!
Related: New limited-edition AMG GT pram puts your baby in the fast lane
related: Children and car safety: Everything you should know
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