Driving with a baby: how to keep your baby safe and happy in the car
Driving with a baby is a challenge. If your baby cries while you're driving, it can significantly impair the parent's concentration, which jeopardises safety while driving. Baby crying can also become a dangerous distraction during a short journey - especially if one parent is driving alone with the baby.
Fortunately, there are some ways you can make driving as safe, enjoyable and relaxed as possible for you and your little one. For example, you can take a proactive approach to road safety. You can find out what you should look out for when driving with your baby in this guide.
Contents
- Well prepared for travelling by car together
- From when can the baby travel in the car?
- Safely and happily to your destination
- Conclusion
Well prepared for the car journey together
It's not always easy to meet the needs of your little one and concentrate on the journey at the same time. The good news is that you can do a lot in advance to ensure the best conditions during your journey together.
- If possible, adapt your journey to your baby's daily rhythm. Your little one's nap times are ideal for longer car journeys.
- A dry nappy will make your little one feel much more comfortable during the journey. Take the time to change him quickly before you set off.
- Driving hungry is no fun for adults or little ones. Feed your little darling in good time before the journey and don't forget to eat you too.
When can the baby start travelling in the car?
In principle, you can take your baby on car journeys right from the start. In the first few months, your baby sleeps a lot anyway, so it hardly notices anything of the car journey. However, doctors recommend avoiding long car journeys with your baby for the first three months. From the fourth month onwards, longer car journeys with your baby should be possible without any problems.
Travelling by car with a baby - safely and happily to your destination
To help you plan your journey with your baby, create a checklist of all the things you absolutely need to take with you on your trip. Things you should definitely think about:
- A suitable child seat or infant carrier so that your little one can travel safely
- A changing bag
- Sun protection for the rear side windows so that your baby is protected from unpleasant light
- A car safety mirror so that you can see your little one at all times, even in the back seat
- A blanket to keep your little one warm
- Toys and a favourite cuddly toy so that your baby doesn't get bored during the journey
- A dummy so that your baby can fall asleep better during the journey
More safety for your baby
Especially during the first car journeys, parents are often not only concerned about the well-being, but above all the safety of their little favourite. A safe and comfortable seat is the be-all and end-all when travelling by car with a baby.
In the first nine to twelve months, your baby is safest travelling in a rear-facing infant car seat. If your baby is too big for an infant car seat, a reboarder is a good and comfortable alternative. Your little one is too big for the infant car seat if there is less than two fingers between their head and the edge of the seat. You should also switch from an infant car seat to a reboarder if the straps have become too tight or the baby has exceeded the weight and height limits of the car seat. A reboarder can generally be used up to the age of 4.
According to experts, the classic forward-facing child seat should only be used from the age of two, as it would put a strain on the baby's weak muscles. When buying a car seat, make sure that it fulfils the test standard UN ECE Reg. 44/03 or UN ECE 44/04 or the newer directive UN ECE Reg. 129 ("i-Size").
Tips:
When buckling your baby in, make sure that the harness is correctly adjusted and not twisted. Ideally, there should be a maximum of 1 cm (about a finger) between the belt and your baby's chest. It is better to take off the thick jacket and use it as a blanket instead. This way, the belt offers your baby optimum safety during your car journey together.
If you are travelling alone with your baby and want to place the child seat in the front passenger seat, make sure you deactivate the front passenger airbag beforehand. This will ensure that the airbag does not deploy against your little one's seat in the event of a collision. If you are not at the wheel yourself, take a seat next to your baby in the back seat. Then you can keep your baby entertained during the journey and calm them down if necessary.
If in doubt, take a break if your baby is hungry or their nappy is full. Especially on long car journeys, a short break not only gives your little one a little breather, but also you. If you are travelling outside your local area, it is best to check a map beforehand to see where you can easily stop if in doubt.
What to do if your baby cries during the journey?
It's heartbreaking for parents when their little one cries during the journey and they can't get them to calm down. The following can help you to see your baby smile again.
This will make your baby feel completely at ease.
Dress your baby so that you can dress or undress them quickly if they are sweating or cold in the car. Many babies find strong sunlight uncomfortable. Protect them with a sunshade on the rear side windows or another device.
Don't give boredom a chance.
Your favourite cuddly toy and a dummy are already on your checklist. But there are also special toys that you can attach to the handle of the infant carrier or child seat. To make your little one feel safe and secure during the journey, you can also give them an item of clothing that you are wearing, such as a scarf. Mummy scent has a very calming effect.
Conclusion: Good preparation, relaxed journey
The most important thing when travelling by car with a baby is good preparation and safety. Use a good car seat and pack everything your baby needs to feel comfortable. A checklist will help you with this. Plan enough breaks: they are not only important for your concentration, but also for your baby. If your little one gets restless during the journey despite everything: Take a deep breath and stop to calm him down, if possible. Safety? Check! Comfort? Check! You're sure to have a good journey!
