Having a new baby on board can be nerve-wracking, especially when you've just become a parent. Driving is always risky, and even if you're an utterly cautious motorist, you may run into some issues.
In this article, we'll go over some of the best practices in driving safety as well as tips for car maintenance that should help make this transition a little bit smoother.
Get to Know Your Vehicle
Look up some YouTube videos and get to know the bits that keep your car running. If you know the ins and outs, you'll be able to spot any potential problem areas that may present a risk to you and your passengers.
General information about specific car parts will be useful. Try to find resources that provide details on batteries, brake pads, windshield wipers, and tires. If they're damaged in the future, you'll be able to address the problem immediately.
Take Care of Your Car
Once you have an understanding of the workings of your car, you will be able to take care of essential upkeep and avoid costly mechanic visits. You'll be able to perform regular inspections on the vehicle and check your tire pressure, look out for corrosion on battery terminals, and measure coolant and oil levels,
Though you may think that you're keeping your car in tip-top shape, don't forget to attend your preventative maintenance appointments. This way, you won't find yourself stuck on the side of the road with the baby crying in the backseat due to some small mechanical error or typical wear and tear.
Minimize Distractions
Okay, Moms and Dads, you may be chuckling to yourselves thinking, 'yeah right.' Being a new parent can be flustering, and there are so many things that you have to focus on at once. When it comes to the driver's, the most crucial factor is concentration.
If you've got a very fussy baby in the back seat, find a safe spot and pull over. The best location for this little pit-stop is a parking lot. Take care of whatever is going on, and don't worry about being late.
As you know, it's often the other drivers that you have to keep an eye on. You want to be on the offense and make sure you avoid any situation that looks risky.
Check the Car Seat Carefully
When your child is rear-facing, have a mirror so that you can keep an eye on them. Shoulder straps should be on properly, and clips should be placed at armpit height. You'll want to invest in a good car seat and make sure it's no older than six years.
Many public safety departments, such as the police department, will offer free installation and safety checks on your car seat if you want to be extra secure.
Don't Give Your Baby Food or Toys
While you may think that the best thing to do is to keep your baby distracted, it's best to avoid having any loose toys in the cars. In the case of even a slight accident, toys can become dangerous. Food may also be a choking hazard.
Keep Your Phone in the Backseat
Please turn your phone on silent and stick it in the backseat in the diaper bag. This way, you won't be distracted to answer any calls, or worse, check any texts. Phones are becoming as dangerous as serious criminal driving acts such as a DUI. By stashing your mobile, you're decreasing the chances of running into any more distractions to your road trip.
Don't Drive When You're Very Sleepy
We know that right now, you always feel like you're exhausted. Even if you think, 'hey, my eyes are open', your reaction time is going to be slowed down, and you have the possibility to fall asleep without realizing it briefly.
These days, you can call any rideshare company to come to pick you up, if there's no one around to take over driver duties. It's better safe than sorry.
The Verdict
Your number one priority now is keeping your baby safe. You'll be carrying very precious cargo, and you'll want to make sure you treat every car-trip with care. Even if you're late for a meeting or doctor's appointment, everyone will understand and appreciate your cautious driving.
