Preparing Your Car for Your New Baby
Having a baby is a life-changing and wonderful experience. However, with it comes a lot of change. Your sleep schedules will likely be interrupted, and you’ll probably be shocked at how much you spend on diapers. One of the most important things, however, is to ensure that your new baby is properly secured in your vehicle when you bring them home, as well as any trips that follow.
Find the Right Car Seat
Your first step is to find the right seat. Just like you may have researched your car when you first saw your new Toyota for sale, you may have to research this. Read reviews, check specifications, and measure your back seat to ensure the seat will safely fit in your car. Ensure your child is within the range of height and weight on the seat so they are as safe as possible.
Install Car Seat Properly
Installing the car seat is just as important. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The seat should move no more than one inch from side to side or back to front once you install it. This ensures a tight fit and limited movement in an accident. Consider having a car seat technician install it. They have the knowledge and expertise that will ensure it is correctly installed.
Clean and Organize the Vehicle
Having your car clean and organized is also essential. Unsecured objects can become projectiles in an accident. In addition, as the child gets older, you don’t want items within their reach that can be a choking hazard or otherwise dangerous. Clean out your vehicle so there are no unsecured objects or hazardous items within the baby’s reach. While you’re at it, give it a nice vacuum and organize whatever you keep in your car at all times.
Send Car in for Maintenance Regularly
Cars need routine maintenance, and sending them to the mechanic for regular maintenance will lower the chances of them breaking down on the side of the road or performing unpredictably. Follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule and find a trustworthy mechanic. Your mechanic can also tell you when to replace certain things in the car. Staying on top of car maintenance not only keeps the vehicle safe but will likely lead to a longer life for your car.
Add Comfort Items
There are a few other things you can do to ensure your baby’s comfort in the first few months of life. For example, consider installing sun shades to keep the sun from getting in their sensitive eyes. Install a baby mirror in the car so you can see your baby while you are in the front seat, even when they are rear-facing. Use the pads and other items that came with your child’s car seat to ensure that the straps aren’t digging into their skin. However, you must never use padding or accessories that did not come with the seat, as they are not crash-tested.
Conclusion
Having a new baby is such an exciting time, and you want to do everything in your power to keep your sweet bundle of joy safe. These steps will help you get your car ready for your new baby. Remember to ensure everything is installed properly and that the child is safe above all else.
