Getting Your Car Ready for a New Baby

Welcoming a new baby to the family is an exciting and sometimes scary time. As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure your family’s safety, starting with the ride home from the hospital.

We’re pleased to share a guest blog post from auto blogger Matthew Young on how to prepare your vehicle for the arrival of a new baby.

Buying baby clothes, obtaining toys, and safeguarding the house are tasks that most couples complete before the arrival of their baby. But you don’t want to get so caught up in those tasks that you forget to prepare your car. Taking the right steps now will allow you to transform your vehicle into a safe and comfortable environment in which you will be able to transport your baby with peace of mind.

Car Seat

Although you will take many factors into consideration, choosing the right car seat is one of the most important jobs when it comes to the safety of your child.

Types of Seats:
Infant, convertible and booster are the main types of car seats that you will find on the market, and the one that you choose will depend on the age of your child. Infant car seats are designed for babies weighing up to 35 pounds and must always face the rear. If your child weighs between 35 and 70 pounds, then you will need a convertible car seat. Finally, children who are 4 years of age and who weigh at least 40 pounds can safely sit in a booster seat.

Always Buy a New Car Seat

A used car seat may be damaged, or may not function correctly and can therefore be unsafe. Car seats have expiration dates, so a used car seat won’t last as long as a new one. Also, you will have no way of knowing whether or not a used car seat has ever been involved in an auto collision.  These are just a few of the risks associated with buying a used car seat, and you don’t want to take unneeded chances when it comes to car safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Avoid Aftermarket Products and Car Seat Accessories

Wanting to help their baby get the most from the new car seat, many parents buy aftermarket products, such as mirrors, weather protection and attachable toys. These aftermarket products, however, have not been tested for safety or legal compliance. So making additions to the car seat could put your child in danger and should be avoided.

Installing the Car Seat

Properly installing and adjusting your baby’s car seat is vital for safety and comfort. In one study, 43 percent of car seats were found to be installed incorrectly. When your car seat is installed the right way, it should be reclined at a 45-degree angle. Tighten the belt until you can’t move the car seat more than an inch in any direction.

Car Seat Inspection Station

Reading guides can help you install a child safety seat, but it can’t replace the experience of a trained professional. If you want to ensure that you have followed each step effectively, then go to a car seat inspection station. An expert will inspect your seat and verify that, and the expert can also teach you how to install it yourself without making errors.

***

In addition to securing a safety seat, perform some routine maintenance to make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Check tire pressure and tread, oil and fluid levels, and have it looked at by a trusted mechanic.