Whether you’re expecting for the very first time or already have your newborn in your arms, moms and dads are super busy all of the time. From preparing the baby’s room to making sure you have enough diapers and getting into a routine as new parents to childproofing the house for the day your newborn becomes a toddler, a lot is going on.
Now you need to purchase a new car and want to make sure that it’s safe and secure for your bundle of joy. Now that you have your credit union car loan in your hand, it’s time to determine what the safest car out there is for your family.
Check Safety Ratings
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to keep your child safe, in and out of the car. Make sure that you check car safety ratings through NHTSA and IIHS before deciding which is the best family car for you. These sites can help you compile a list of the safest vehicles on the market today, and then you can narrow it down and choose from that list. It’s also essential to determine which safety features are the most important for you, such as Onstar. Check the safety ratings of cars just as you check reviews and the durability of the car seat you choose to transport your child in; both are important.
Choose the Right Interior Design
When selecting a new or used car to drive your baby around town in, interior design is extremely important. For example, when you have a newborn, you need enough clearance between the front and back seats to install the rear-facing car seat that is required by law. It’s also important for whoever is riding in the backseat with your child to have enough room to maneuver and still be able to properly fasten and wear their seatbelt. In other words, a sports car and a baby really don’t mix if you want room and safety.
Always Check for Trunk Space
When you have a newborn, you have a ton of stuff to take with you everywhere you go. Whether you’re traveling to your parent’s house in another town or just going to the grocery store, babies need lots of things. That’s why it’s vital for any car you choose to have plenty of cargo and trunk space.
The last thing you want is to head out on a six-hour ride with everything crammed into the backseat of the car and a cranky newborn in tow. A good rule of thumb to follow is if the stroller refuses to fit in the trunk, it’s not the right family car for you and your expanding family. You don’t want to stack things in the car because it makes it hard to see out of the back window, and if something falls, it could easily injure your baby or cause an accident.
Overall Value
Of course, as a new parent, you have to purchase a car that fits into your budget. However, you don’t want to sacrifice safety for a lower price. Concentrate on safety first, then your budget afterward. Make sure to check the mileage on the car and determine if it’s good on gas or a gas hog to begin with, then go from there when making your final decision.
These are just a few tips to help you find the right vehicle for your family when you have a newborn or a baby on the way. Safety is a top priority, and then you can start looking for something you can drive for years to come.
