Do You Need A Different Car When There Is A Baby Coming?
Planning for the arrival of a new baby is one of the most exciting times of our lives.
Not only are we a bag of nerves, especially if we are first time parents, but we are also full of anticipation about bringing a new family member into the world. But where to start with the planning?
It can be extremely daunting as there are so many things to think about, from designing a nursery to having the right number of nappies on hand, that often we overlook some of the basic things like transport. A newborn means an extra person, and this can play all sorts of havoc with sour driving arrangements.
So, do you need a bigger car when there is a baby on the way? Here we are going to find out.
Size
The first thing to consider about your vehicle when you have a new baby on the way is the size. There is going to be one more space needed, or maybe even more!
Not only is an extra seat required, but it needs room for a special baby chair as this is a legal requirement; you cannot just strap a newborn into a normal car seat. There must be ample room for this seat, so the very smallest cars aren’t very practical as maneuvering the seat in and out of the door can be a pain. It is also worth considering how many more children you are likely to have as there is no point on upgrading your car only to find out that you need to do the same a year later!
The moral here is to plan ahead, and cut future costs down, by being ready for an ever-expanding family in advance.
Reliability
Having a reliable car is paramount when you have a young family. You may be in love with the beaten up old wagon you’ve had for the last 20 years, but is it really appropriate to be carting around a young family in it?
When you are ready to welcome a new arrival into the world, think about selling your car and trading it in for a newer model that will not leave you feeling nervous every time you get in it. Imagine breaking down by the side of a road in a country lane at night with screaming young kids; it would be an absolute nightmare.
What you are looking for is a vehicle that has excellent service history, and that has no prospect of breaking down in the immediate future.
Adaptability
Children, and especially young kids, come with a lot of baggage. In the early years, there will be the aforementioned baby seat that is a legal requirement, but as they age, you will need to fit booster seats, and then have the worry of being able to fit a pushchair or perambulator in the boot of the car. As the children enter their teenage years, there will be bags of sports kit and school satchels to load into your vehicle.
You need a vehicle that is adaptable to your children’s needs, and car seats for babies are important to keep in mind. It is also worth bearing in mind the fact that your kids will have friends, so you may need even more space to fit them in so that you can take them to sports class or music lessons together.
Economy
Children are expensive and that is an undeniable fact. You will be spending thousands on childcare, clothes, food, entertainment, and education. So can you justify having that sports car to take them to and from school? Couple this with the fact that often, one parent isn’t working, which means that your real income has decreased, and often there isn’t much money left in the bank at the end of the month.
By changing your vehicle and downgrading in quality, not size, you can save a few pennies, and this may mean that that family holiday you have always dreamed of can become reality.
As we have learned, there are many things to consider regarding your car when you have a baby on the way. Having a reliable vehicle is crucial as you cannot afford any mishaps with a youngster on board and you need to ensure that it is of a suitable size for them to grow into, and also for the possibility of another child on the way. Make sure it is adaptable to all their needs, and think about downgrading in quality to save a few pounds.
If you follow this handy guide, you won’t go far wrong!
