Getting Your Car Baby-Ready: A Guide for New Parents
Congratulations! The day you've been eagerly anticipating is drawing near—bringing your precious bundle of joy home from the hospital. As you embark on this exciting journey, it's important to ensure that your car is ready to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your newborn. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps of preparing your car for baby, so you can have peace of mind as you drive your little one home.
Cleanliness and Organization: Start by giving your car a thorough cleaning. Vacuum the seats and floors to remove any dirt or debris. Pay extra attention to the area where the car seat will be placed and surrounding areas, ensuring it's free from crumbs or loose objects. Organize the essentials, such as wipes, diapers, and a spare change of baby clothes, in a designated spot to access them easily during your travels.
Install a Rear-Facing Car Seat: Invest in a reliable, rear-facing car seat. It's essential to install it correctly, as even the best car seat won't offer sufficient protection if not properly secured. It's very important to familiarize yourself with your infant seat a few weeks before the baby comes! I would start this process around 6-8 weeks prior to your due date. Take this time to read your car seat and your vehicle manual child restraint section.
Think about what seating position you want the car seat in and how that could affect the rest of the passengers in your car. Will the passenger have enough room with a car seat behind them? Is there enough room in the garage to open the door wide enough to remove the car seat? If you're unsure, consider seeking help from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who can inspect and guide you through the installation process. Practice taking the infant seat in and out of the car so you are confident in handling once baby is here!
Think through a typical day with your new addition. I think reaching out to a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to ensure a proper installation is always a good idea. Check out some of these online resources like The Car Seat Lady, Safe in the Seat and Safe Kids Worldwide for additional assistance.
Not sure where to start on infant carseats? Here are some popular options!
Test Drive to Hospital: In case you haven’t already, take a test drive from your home to the hospital so you know exactly how long it will take to get there when its time! Be aware of good alternative routes in case of traffic or road closures.
Stock Up on Essentials: Pack a dedicated baby bag for the car, stocked with essentials such as diapers, wipes, a changing pad, blankets and extra clothes. Having these items readily available will save you from scrambling during unexpected situations. Additionally, keep a first-aid kit in your car to address minor emergencies promptly. I personally like the Redi Emergency Car Kit! (use code CARMOM15 for 15% off)
Test the Temperature: Ensure that the car's climate control system is functioning properly and that you can regulate the temperature effectively. Maintaining a comfortable and consistent temperature is crucial for your baby's well-being during the journey. And if this is your first child, you may have never had to play around with rear climate control so make sure you know exactly how it functions in your specific vehicle.
Get in the Habit of Checking GPS Before Leaving: Sitting in traffic is frustrating enough without a baby… so get in the habit of typing your destination in the GPS before every drive (even if its your daily route!). That way you can reroute your route if possible to decrease your chances of getting stuck in traffic.
Get Your Vehicle Serviced: I suggest getting your vehicle serviced as up to date as possible before the baby comes! Whether that be a regularly scheduled oil change, new tires or a recall, taking care of this prior will make your vehicle safer and more reliable. Plus, scheduling service appointments with a newborn at home is not ideal. So if you can, check this off your list prior!
Consider a Roadside Assistance Service: When it comes to car drives with a baby, peace of mind is everything! So if you have never looked into roadside assistance before this might be the perfect time.
Projectiles: Once you bring home that new baby, “precious cargo” takes on a whole new meaning. This is why it's so important to pay attention to any potential projectiles in your vehicle. In the event of a collision anything that is not restrained could pose risk to your or your new baby. So just be mindful of any items in the cabin and if possible store them or remove them. As far as “projectile storage products” I don’t really recommend most aftermarket products as they are not properly crash tested and often give families false feeling of safety thinking projectiles are stored properly. So instead of spending money I just really try to keep my car as minimalist as possible and practice the art of “one degree safer.” Every item you remove or store in your vehicle makes it safer- focus on progress over perfection.
Practice Safe Driving Habits: Always prioritize safe driving habits when your newborn is in the car. Avoid distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone, and obey traffic laws. Remember that your precious cargo is relying on you to keep them safe.
As you eagerly anticipate the arrival of your newborn, preparing your car for the journey home is an essential step in ensuring their safety and comfort. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to provide a secure and enjoyable ride for your little one. Cherish these precious moments and enjoy the first of many memorable car rides with your growing family. Safe travels!
