From car seats to calm rides: what new parents need to know before driving home with a baby

According to research by Carwow, the online car-changing marketplace, 70% of drivers would consider switching cars when they’ve got a baby on the way. And when it comes to choosing a new set of wheels for your growing family, safety, space and sanity all matter.

Siobhan Doyle, Consumer Writer at Carwow, shares her expert advice for new or expectant parents – with legal must-knows, savvy car-buying tips and everyday hacks to make family life on the road that little bit easier.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Safety first – and it’s the law

Your baby’s first car journey is likely to be on the way home from the hospital.

UK law requires all children to use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first. Seats must be EU-approved (look for a label with an ‘E’) and matched to your child’s height and weight.

Rear-facing seats are mandatory for babies under 15 months, and strongly recommended for even longer. Their neck muscles simply aren’t developed enough for the impact forces of a crash in a forward-facing seat.

And if you’re placing a rear-facing seat in the front passenger seat? The airbag must be switched off. Our advice though is that it’s safer – and often simpler – to use the back seat instead.

Baby on board? Here’s what to expect in your next car:

1. Five doors make a big difference

No new parent needs the extra hassle of squeezing through a three-door just to strap in a wriggling baby. Add in the ISOFIX base eating up all back-seat legroom, and suddenly your front passenger’s knees are wedged against the glovebox. A bigger, five-door model makes day-to-day life much easier, especially during those early months when you’re juggling feeds, naps and nappy changes.

2. Boot space matters

Prams, travel cots, nappies, changing bags – babies might be small, but their travel gear isn’t. A generous boot isn’t just useful, it’s a must.

Pro tip: if you’re test-driving a car, bring your buggy and car seat along to see how well they fit. Real-life compatibility beats showroom promises every time.

3. Think spill-proof interiors

Baby wipes will become your best friend. Spilled milk, teething biscuit crumbs and rogue nappy cream are par for the course.

That’s why wipeable interiors – think leather or leather-look seats – are a smart option if your budget allows. Not only are they easier to clean, but they also help keep your car in better condition if you’re planning to resell in future.

Real-world hacks for driving with a baby

• Limit car seat time: The NHS recommends trying to keep seat time to a minimum during the first few months, so build up slowly to doing longer car trips.
• Keep a ‘car kit’: Spare muslins, nappies, wipes and a change of clothes in a bag in the back-seat will save you unpacking your boot by the side of the road mid-journey. As they get older, add in some black and white car toys or a mirror for a little entertainment.
• Master the car nap: Some babies sleep best in motion. Use window shades to block sunlight and keep the back seat calm and dim, pack their favourite blanket or a comforter for a soft snuggle if it’s not too hot and time your drives for their natural nap times.
• Map out breaks: On longer drives, plan in stops to feed, change and stretch. Some of the best-rated motorway service stations in the UK for families are Gloucester Services, Tebay Services, and Cairn Lodge Services, offering excellent facilities, cleanliness, farm shops and outdoor spaces. Also accept that you might have unscheduled nappy changes en-route, so give yourself loads of time to reach your destination so you’re not stressed about rushing.
• Get your baby playlist ready: From nursery rhymes, to white noise – sometimes it’s a soothing sound that can keep your little one from crying. Download their favourites in advance, so there’s no issue with dodgy wifi or lack of data on the road.

Carwow’s top family-friendly cars

If you’re ready to make the switch, here are three Carwow favourites to suit different budgets and needs:

• Skoda Superb – Huge boot, great value, ultra-practical.
• Citroen C5 Aircross – Comfortable, spacious and easy on running costs.
• Tesla Model 3 – One of the best electric family cars, with tech and efficiency rolled in.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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