Is Your Car Safe for Kids? How to Make Your Vehicle Baby-Friendly on a Budget

Imagine this: You’re leaving the hospital with your newborn, but when you get to your car, you realize it’s nowhere near safe enough for your precious cargo. If you want to avoid major new parent guilt loading your baby into a car that’s unsafe, you need to get your vehicle baby-friendly before giving birth. Don’t worry — even if you don’t have a lot to spend, you can pull it off. Read on for ideas that will make your car safer.

Upgrade Your Car

Before welcoming your first child, take a look at your car. Is it in good condition with modern safety features and easy car seat access? If you’re driving a two-door car or a clunker constantly on the verge of a breakdown, trade it in for something better suited to family life. You don’t have to trade your coupe for a minivan, but you do need a vehicle with four doors, essential safety features, and no major mechanical problems.

Maintaining a road-worthy car doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Used cars are much more affordable than new, and as long as you do your homework when buying, you can avoid cars with major problems. If you learn how to do your own basic car maintenance, like changing automotive fluids and filters, you’ll spend a lot less maintaining your vehicle. Check major retailers like Walmart for deals on car parts and supplies. You can also save on repairs and maintenance by looking for Groupon coupon codes at places like Rakuten. You may find Groupon deals for local auto care centers, oil changes, batteries, and car tires.

Should You Splurge on Premium Features?

Kid-friendly features like infotainment systems, built-in sunshades, and integrated vacuums are hugely popular with parents, but are they worth paying thousands more for a car? For parents on a budget, there are cheaper ways to achieve the same amenities. Cordless hand vacuums start around $30 and are compact enough to store in the cargo area, while tablets and handheld toys do the job of headrest multimedia screens at a fraction of the price.

Even your phone can be a great tool in the car. While you shouldn’t talk or text behind the wheel, you can use free GPS apps to get around without paying for built-in navigation and soothe your baby with a Spotify playlist instead of splurging on an XM radio subscription. Most smartphones have the ability to sync with cars via Bluetooth or built-in smartphone integration for hands-free usage. Apple’s phones include a Do Not Disturb While Driving feature that ensures you won’t be tempted by notifications. Similarly, Android phones come equipped with Android Auto, which employs a simplified, voice-activated interface while driving.

Saving Money on Child Safety Restraints

Car seats are non-negotiable when driving with kids in the car. The new recommendation to keep children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible means you have more time before you have to worry about replacing your baby’s car seat, but still, car seat costs add up. To save, buy a convertible car seat that will grow with your child, or keep an eye out for car seat trade-in events at stores like Target, where you can get a coupon or gift card to use for your new car seat.

Most experts advise against buying used car seats because once a car seat expires or is in an accident, it’s no longer safe to use. If a used car seat is all you can afford, only buy a secondhand car seat that’s less than six years old and that you’re 100% certain has never been recalled.

You don’t need to rush out and buy a brand-new minivan with all the trimmings just because you’re expecting. However, there are some basic safety standards your car needs to meet before bringing your baby home. By taking these budget-friendly steps, you can make your first family drive knowing your precious cargo is safe as can be.

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