In 2019, more than 600 kid passengers aged 12 and below lost their lives, and an additional 91,000 were injured in car accidents, according to data from CDC. Driving with a baby on board can be nerve-wracking for a new parent. Naturally, you want to ensure that your child stays safe throughout your journey. However, nothing can prepare you for the situations you might find yourself in when behind the wheel. Fortunately, like everything else you’ll learn to do, from changing diapers to ways to help your child sleep, driving with a baby will become second nature to you. Below are a few child car safety tips for new parents to ensure you feel less anxious when driving with your little one.
Invest In The Right Car Seat
Based on a CDC report, car seats prevent lower risks of children getting injured in vehicle accidents by 71-82%. With this in mind, make sure to use a child safety seat when driving with a kid. As a general rule of thumb, infants should use a rear-facing car seat until they reach two years. However, be cautious about size, age, and weight when choosing a car seat because a one-size-fits-all option isn’t advisable. Make sure the seat fits your child and install it at the back seat according to NHTSA requirements. Since a rear-facing car seat is designed to support your child’s neck and head during a crash, you’ll have peace of mind that your child stays safe in the car.
Prepare For Roadside Emergencies
Before hitting the road with your baby, take time to evaluate the steps to take when the vehicle breaks down. Traffic experts suggest purchasing an emergency traveling bag that allows you to add your baby’s essentials. Most importantly, find a reliable towing company that will come to your aid quickly when your car breaks down. The last thing you want is to stay stranded on the roadside with your newborn or toddler. Also, make sure you get in touch with a professional car accident attorney to be on the safe side. You may schedule a free consultation with an attorney and learn about your rights on the road so that if you ever meet with an accident, you know what to do next.
When choosing a local towing company, make sure they are available 24 hours every day, and their vehicles accommodate your kids’ car seats. Also, find out the cost of towing your vehicle and whether your insurance policy will cover the expense. In most cases, towing companies charge rates based on distance and the roadside emergency you might encounter. For example, most towing companies charge $600 to tow a car for a distance of 100 miles.
Plan Your Trips
Planning your family road trips is essential if you want to enjoy a less stressful journey with your little one. To ensure you plan your trip right, monitor your child’s sleep schedule. Knowing when your child sleeps can help you choose the best time to travel. Ideally, driving with a child who falls fast asleep in their safety seat can make you a safer driver because you don’t have to worry about them screaming while you’re busy driving. Also, decide how long you’ll be driving and plan for multiple stops if you’re traveling long distances. This trick provides room for you to change the baby’s diaper or feed them.
Nothing is as stressful for new parents as driving with a baby in the car. Fortunately, you can enhance vehicle safety and reduce the stress of worrying about your little one by planning your trip. Also, make sure to prepare for roadside emergencies, use the right car seat, and buckle your child’s toys.
Comments are closed.