How to child-proof your car

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Our kids are arguably the most important things in the world, so keeping them safe is always a priority. Driving them to school, playdates, afterschool clubs and family visits means they often spend a lot of time in the car.

Having a vehicle that is as safe as possible is key to keeping your precious cargo safe. Here are some tips on how to ensure your car is properly child-proofed and comfortable for little travellers.

Choosing the right vehicle

What you require from a car changes greatly from when you are single and childfree to when you have a wonderful family in tow. When you are shopping around for a new car, you need to bear this in mind.

First, consider your budget. Bigger, family-friendly cars can be expensive if bought new, so it’s worth considering a used vehicle equipped with all the necessary features instead. Used cars are ideal for families as there is a higher risk that they will get damaged so the financial impact will be smaller.

Think about space and storage as well. Kids come with a heap of accessories such as buggies and change bags so make sure everything can fit comfortably.

Child seats

It is the law in the UK that a child under 135cm tall or younger than 12 years old must use an appropriate car or booster seat. It’s important to figure out which seat is best suited for your child’s height and weight, so make sure you do your research before making a decision.

If you have existing car seats, keep an eye on the manufacturer recommendations that will be stated in the guide that comes with the seat. This will guide you on when you size up or turn the seat around.

Child locks

Child locks on car doors and windows should be considered an essential feature when looking at upgrading your car.

There have always been horror stories about children managing to open car doors or windows and sticking limbs or their heads out and getting hurt. Often, there is a child lock button on the centre console or the driver’s door which locks windows and doors automatically, keeping them safe.

Protect against mess

Childproofing isn’t just about keeping your kids safe – it is also about keeping your car safe from the kids!

There is no escaping that kids are messy, so your car may get a bit crumby and muddy after days of adventuring. To combat this, or at least make it easier to clean up, get some suitable seat protectors and waterproof floor mats.

These are particularly useful for rainy days or beach days where shoes may be quite dirty. To be extra prepared, have a cleaning kit permanently in the car. This could include bin bags (which make great temporary seat covers), wipes and tissues. You may also want to store a spare set of clothes for each child. Just remember to change them as your child grows.