Preparing for a new baby is exciting, but there’s also an immense amount of pressure to get everything right. And this includes making sure your car is ready for a new baby.
Get your car safe, comfortable, and baby-ready with these 10 easy tips.
10 Tips to Prepare a Car for a New Baby
- Buy the Right Car Seat and Install It Correctly
- Make Sure Your Car’s Maintenance Is Up to Date
- Secure Any Loose Items
- Stay Cool
- Install a Headrest Mount Mirror
- Stock a Baby Survival Kit
- Give it a Deep Clean
- Check the Car Seat Regularly
- Consider Adding Seat Covers
- Buy an After-Market Car Seat Protector
1. Buy the Right Car Seat and Install It Correctly
Our number one recommendation is getting the right car seat and installing it correctly. We recommend doing this at least a month before your baby’s due date. Saving this step to the last minute can be stressful, and it’s not something you want to rush.
Australia requires a baby capsule or rear-facing car seat for all children under the age of six months. Children under seven must be in a child restraint.
Here are some important steps to ensure car seat safety and proper preparation:
- Practice taking the car seat in and out of the car
- Get your car seat professionally installed to make sure you aren’t one of the 9 out of 10 incorrectly installed car seats!
- Research sizing to make sure you find a car seat with a width and length that fits your car
- Make sure the car seat meets the Australian Safety Standard AS/NZS 1754
2. Make Sure Your Car’s Maintenance Is Up to Date
With a new baby, safety will be at the top of your mind. Make sure your car is as safe as possible by getting it serviced. A properly maintained vehicle will be safer and more reliable.
Here are some of the important car maintenance tasks:
- Take Care of the Tyres: Make sure tyres are properly inflated, watch for signs of damage, ensure proper tread depth, and rotate tyres regularly
- Oil Changes: Change the oil regularly
- Check Fluid Levels: Ensure your vehicle has proper fluid levels, such as transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
- Perform Regular Checks: Check the battery, brakes, belts, hoses, wipe blades, headlights, turn signals, and taillights regularly
- Replace Air Filters: Replace air filters as recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Pack a Safety Kit: Keep a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and other basic safety items in your car.
- Don’t Wait for Problems to Arise: Warning lights or odd noises should be addressed right away.
3. Secure Any Loose Items
Unsecured items can be extremely dangerous while travelling. Secure any loose items, such as groceries, or store them safely out of the way in the boot. A variety of harnesses are available for safely securing shopping bags or pets while travelling.
4. Stay Cool
Protection from the sun is vital for babies and their sensitive skin. Our Mobi-Shade range provides sun protection and cooling shade.
The UV resistant mesh blocks out harsh rays while still enabling cooling air flow. Along with protecting your child and keeping them comfortable, the Mobi-Shade range also protects plastic from sun damage.
5. Install a Headrest Mount Mirror
Being able to see your baby’s face when they are in a rear-facing position is better for your peace of mind. Your baby will appreciate it too! A head-rest mounted mirror allows you to maintain a constant view of your little one while travelling.
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6. Stock a Baby Survival Kit
Babies are sweet, cuddly, and innocent. But they are also incredibly unpredictable! Be prepared for any situation with a well-stocked baby survival kit for your car.
We like to keep these baby essentials for the car on hand:
- Extra nappies!
- Baby wipes (this is our #1 must-have… perfect for cleaning up sticky faces or hands, spills, or unexpected messes)
- Rubbish bags
- Sun hats
- Changing pad
- Spare blankets
- spare clothes
- Sunscreen
- Diaper rash creams
7. Give it a Deep Clean
Now is a great time to give your car a deep clean before your baby arrives. Along with looking great, you’ll feel better knowing your car is hygienic for your child.
Deep clean your car with these tasks:
- Vacuum all upholstery and mats
- Wipe down the dash, door handles, and the steering wheel with a non-lint microfibre cloth
- Consider steam cleaning the upholstery to kill germs
- Take it through the car wash
- Wash out the cupholders (these get surprisingly dirty!)
- Get rid of any rubbish
- Dust any crevices or cracks
- Replace the floor mats if needed
For more tips on how to keep your vehicle tidy, see our guide here: 10 Easy Tips to Keep Your Car Clean – Shevron Auto Accessories.
8. Check the Car Seat Regularly
Check your child’s car seat frequently to ensure it is still functioning safely.
Along with making sure make sure the restraint’s latching mechanism is in good shape and working properly, look for:
- Any twisted straps
- Signs of wear
- Worn out straps
- Loose car seat straps
9. Consider Adding Seat Covers
Babies and kids can do a number on car seats. Protect your car and keep it looking new with high-quality seat covers.
Seat covers are effective at preventing fading from UV exposure and protecting seats from damage against spills.
You May Also Like: Tips to Make Your Old Car Look New Again – Shevron
10. Buy an After-Market Car Seat Protector
Along with using car seat covers, we also suggest a seat protector for your baby’s car seat. Although car seats come with protectors, we recommend upgrading to a higher-quality option made from rubber or silicone.
After-market car seat covers are typically higher quality, easier to clean, and longer-lasting. They can also provide more stability and grip to keep the car seat secure and safer.
Ride in Style and Comfort with Our Range of Baby Products
At Shevron, we’re all about comfort. And that includes keeping your baby safe and comfortable! We stock a large range of Baby Days products dedicated to protecting your child, car seats, and strollers from harsh UV rays.
Our popular range of Baby Days products offers function, convenience, and comfort. From seat back organisers and under mats to pram shades, we’ve got your little one covered! Contact our team for personalised product advice to make the most of your ride.