Driving with a baby or toddler in the car is an entirely different experience than driving alone, and it brings its own unique challenges.
Whether you’re making a quick trip for groceries or a longer road trip to visit family, you’ll want to take some extra precautions when your little one is in the car with you.
Follow these safety tips for driving with babies and toddlers to make sure you and your baby reach your destination safely and happily!
Properly Install Car Seats
There are many different car seats for babies and toddlers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
But there is one universal truth about all of them…proper installation is essential for the seat to protect your little one as it should.
Many cities offer free clinics to ensure that car seats are installed correctly. If you’re not confident about your ability to install the car seat correctly, look for a clinic near you to assist with the process.
When buckling your baby into the seat, the straps should be snug and bulky clothing should be avoided.
Face Your Child to the Rear
It is significantly safer for a baby or toddler’s car seat to face the vehicle’s rear for as long as possible. In fact, facing the rear reduces the risk of death by 71%.
Frontal crashes are the most common type of car accident, and facing your child to the rear allows the entire back of the car seat to absorb the impact of a crash.
Front-facing car seats put more pressure and force on a child’s neck, spine, and head, which are not strong enough to withstand the impact of a crash.
Check the Temperature
Don’t forget about your baby when adjusting the heat or air conditioning in your vehicle.
Check the temperature in the back seat to ensure that your little one isn’t too hot or too cold.
In general, a temperature of 68-72 degrees is considered the optimal temperature for a baby.
No Riding Up Front
It’s very unsafe for a baby or toddler to ride up front, especially in a car seat.
The front airbags can cause significant injury or death to a child due to the force with which they deploy.
Front airbags are also designed for adults, and will not provide proper protection to anyone that’s under approximately 5 feet and 150 pounds.
In general, it is recommended that children ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old, and possibly longer depending on their size.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Texting, making phone calls, eating, or fiddling with the radio are all examples of distracted driving and should be avoided at all times, but especially when driving with babies.
Ensure your phone is set to silent, or consider placing it out of reach so you’re not tempted to pick it up if you get a call.
If you need to tend to your little one, whether to retrieve a dropped toy, change a diaper, or simply deal with a tantrum, pulling over to the side of the road is always the safest option.
Know What to Do During an Accident
While nobody likes thinking about it, knowing what to do in case of an accident is essential for minimizing any potential injuries.
Start by checking yourself and your child for any injuries, and calling emergency services if needed. Then, if possible, get yourself and your child to safety.
You will likely need to file both a police report and an insurance claim after the accident.
If you live in an at-fault area, you will file with the liable party’s insurance. If it is a no-fault state or province, you will file with your insurance. Fault policies will vary from place to place.
If you’re struggling with getting appropriate compensation for your accident, consider consulting a car accident attorney for assistance and advice.
Bring a Helper
If you’re taking a particularly long trip, consider bringing a friend, family member, or partner to sit in the backseat with your baby.
Having someone monitor the baby while you focus on driving can make the trip safer for everyone in the vehicle.
Take Breaks
Even short trips can be tiring when you’re balancing monitoring your baby and driving safely.
Taking a break will give you a chance to check a diaper, feed your baby, or stretch your legs before continuing on your way.
Babies are life-changing, so it’s only natural that they may change how you drive, too.
Bring a Supply Bag
Even if you’re just making a quick trip to the store for groceries, you’ll want to have a bag of emergency supplies to bring with you!
You’ll want to include diapers, wet wipes, food, a change of clothes, and favorite toys, so you’re ready to handle anything from a diaper blowout to a cranky toddler.
And don’t forget a vehicle emergency kit! Keep a basic emergency kit in the trunk permanently, and replace any items you use as needed.
Conclusion
As with so many things in your life, the way you drive once you have a baby will likely change in a variety of ways.
It can take a little more planning and preparation to ensure that you’re able to travel with your little one in safety and comfort.
But, you’ll soon find the methods that work best for you, so that you’re able to travel with your baby with the peace-of-mind that you’re keeping them safe on the road.