Becoming a parent for the first time is definitely one of the biggest milestones you’ll reach in your life. There’s so much to prepare for, from the nursery to babyproofing the house, but most people skip over one huge step. Don’t forget to make sure your car is baby proofed and ready for your newest addition. Here are the top four tips to babyproof your car.
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Block Dangerous UV Rays
We’ve all seen those window clings that are used to block babies from the sun’s UV rays. You wouldn’t take your newborn out in the sun without putting on sunscreen; this is the same concept. Modern cars have treatments on windshields to protect from UV rays already but side and back windows don’t. You can get your windows tinted or purchase window clings to help protect your kids. On extremely sunny days, you can apply sunscreen as well.
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Choose the Right Car Seat and Install it Correctly
There are more car seat options available than ever before, and choosing the right one can be daunting. Choosing the right car seat is important. Your baby needs to be rear-facing for at least one to two years, depending on the type of car seat and state law.
There are convertible seats that are made for rear-facing and can be changed to forward-facing when your baby is the right age and height. You can also opt for a rear-facing only seat that can be removed to easily transport your newborn. Just as important as the car seat itself is installing and latching your baby in properly. Verify you’re installing correctly by reading instructions and using the correct hook-ups in the car. Take it to a certified technician or fire station to ensure it is installed properly before your baby arrives.
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Get Organized
Getting your car clean and organized can make any ride much more enjoyable with a newborn, really it makes a ride with any child better. Babies need a lot of equipment. Extra clothes, bottles if you aren’t nursing, diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. Once they get a little older, you’ll need toys to entertain them and safe snacks. There are lots of options that you can check out to help organize these items to make your life easier.
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Invest in a Car with Top Safety Features
While this might not be possible for every new parent, it will definitely prove itself useful if you can invest in a car with top safety features. If you are looking to upgrade your vehicle, then here are some features to look for. A LATCH system for car seats, child safety locks for rear doors, automatic door locks, and window locks. You can also check for additional features such as added safety technology. A lot of newer cars have features such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, and adaptive cruise control.
We hope that these tips help you to better prepare for your new bundle of joy. Follow these steps and you will have a car safe for everyone in no time. Congratulations!
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