Safe and Comfortable Traveling with a Baby in the Car: Tips and Tricks

Babies are a bundle of joy that bring positivity around them. Babies somehow make people forget their tension and stress for a moment. If you are a parent of a new-born baby, it is natural to be on cloud nine. You plan on taking your baby on its first car ride, say, to a relative’s place which is a bit far away. You might think it is going to be an easy journey. However, if you are travelling with a baby, there are precautions which you need to take not just as a parent, but also as a car owner. Something as simple as buying car insurance online. Let’s look at the other precautions which you can take when driving with a baby.

Precautions when having a baby onboard

These tips can help your baby have an enjoyable first car ride and lessen your hassles as well:

1. Get your car fitted with a baby seat

You must have seen in numerous movies and shows how the baby has its own personalised seat in the back row. You can purchase a baby seat online or from a car accessories shop near you. Once you have purchased the seat, you can either fit it by yourself with the help of the instructions. Or you can take it to a garage and get it fitted by a professional. This seat helps the baby rest comfortably during the car ride. Do remember to fit it in the middle seat and not by the window seat. 

2. Routinely get the car serviced

As a car owner, it is your responsibility to get the car serviced from time to time to ensure its smooth functioning. However, if you plan on travelling with your baby frequently, it is important to get it checked before each long trip that you are planning. Check the engine oil, the brake oil, and the brake’s functioning. Check if the gearbox is working properly. Maintain proper tyre pressure at all times. Your comprehensive motor insurance does allow you to get emergency roadside assistance. But keeping your car maintained can help avoid such hassles. *

3. Pack all the essentials

As adults, when we go on a long ride, we may not need much other water and food for the journey. Although, this isn’t the case when it comes to babies. Your baby might not be able to sit still continuously. Packing their favourite toys might come in handy to keep them engaged. There are chances that they might need to change their diapers frequently. Make sure you pack enough diapers, wipes, and additional clothes for such situations. Also, carry their food and medicines as well to avoid any unpleasant situations.

4. Try leaving early

If your destination is about 3-4 hours away by road, the smart thing to do is to try leaving early. Driving during rush hour can be hectic not just for you, but for your baby as well. There’s commotion and noise in traffic which can disturb the baby continuously. This can cause inconvenience to you as well. This could cause you to lose your concentration and cause damage to a third-party vehicle.

5. Opt for smoother roads

Going to another city means having to drive on roads which may not be in a good condition. Not only does this cause wear and tear to the car, but it also makes the ride less pleasant for the baby. Before the start of the journey, check the route which you are planning to take. Avoid taking routes which might pass through remote locations as the roads may not always be in the best shape. Also, look for roads which are closer to vicinities that have all the necessary amenities such as shops and clinics.

Additional tips that you can take

Apart from the tips mentioned above, you can consider these additional tips:

1. Make sure someone is sitting next to the baby to look after it. This could be your partner, your parent, or a nanny.
2. Use stickers on your car which indicate that there is a baby onboard. This will ensure those driving around are more cautious.
3. Set the air conditioner to a pleasant temperature.
4. If your baby does not feel well, stop the car on the side and check its condition. Call for medical help if necessary.

Conclusion

With these precautions, your baby might have a memorable car ride. To ensure maximum safety for you and your loved ones during long journeys, purchase car insurance. If you are looking to purchase one, make sure to use the online car insurance calculator before you purchase your policy. While there are different plans to choose from, select a policy that fits you right based on your requirements. It can be third-party car insurance. * * Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.