You've agonised over the stroller, now it's time to figure out which car is going to fit you, your new baby, other children and stroller with ease, style and safety.
For many mums, safety is paramount when choosing a new family car. Knowing how well your car will protect you and your family in a crash is a really important consideration once you have baby on board. Whether you are buying a new or used car, you can compare the 'crashworthiness' ratings of different makes and models at www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au This website provides information for around 80 per cent of cars on Australian roads built after 1990. The site is updated as new safety data becomes available.
Choosing a child restraint
You might think you can protect your unrestrained baby in your arms but in a crash at 60 kilometres per hour research shows the child's weight can be increased up to 20 times, making holding onto baby impossible. And let's not even begin to think what would happen if the airbag was activated. For a simple guide to child restraints contact the Australian Transport Safety Bureau ph:1800 621 372 or take a look at this handy guide.
After you have chosen your car you will need to choose a suitable child restraint and make sure it fits in your new car. By law, every child restraint sold in Australia must adhere to strict safety regulations but it will be useless if it is not fitted correctly or worse, is not suitable for your new car.
Your baby must be properly restrained in a suitable car seat for the very first journey from the hospital so don't leave it till the last minute to get the restraint fitted. Authorised fitting stations can be found at many maternity hospitals or your local baby store will be able to direct you to a fitting station near you.
Choosing a 4WD
4WD vehicles spark plenty of safety debates but there is no denying their popularity as family transport. One of the big reasons 4WD's are so popular is that they are generally value for money, and most makes and models offer more space, versatility and features than a conventional sedan at the same price.
When it comes to babies and young families, space is up there with safety as a selling feature. Do your research. Websites such as www.autochic.com.au, and manufacturers' websites provide information, reviews and price guides for new models.
Shop around
Be sure to try before you buy. Once you have narrowed down your selection, it's time to visit the car showroom. Take along your pram, baby capsule, toddler car seat, travel cot, nappy bag and anything else you will be carrying around with your baby.
It's important to check if your pram will fit in the boot and also to take into consideration how easy it is to get it in and out. Try with one hand as well as both, you will often have baby or a bag in the other. If the pram fits, does anything else? You are likely to need to do grocery shopping from time to time and you really don't want to have to install roof racks to cater for the weekly
supermarket shop! Next, check that the baby capsule or toddler car seat fits in
the back seat and that you can access the seat to get baby in and out of the car. If this is your first baby and you are planning to have one or two more children make sure you can get two or three children and their restraints in the back. Again, you will also do well to consider if you can fit anything else in other than baby or babies and the nappy bag.
As well as doing your research ask other mums what vehicle they drive. Ask them what they love and loathe about their choice, and why.
How reliable is your choice?
Many consumers rely on a car's reputation for quality and reliability - which is not always easy to judge in a test drive. American firm JD Power surveys car owners in many countries to see which brands and models have the best quality and reliability records by asking car owners to report problems experienced in the first 90 days (Initial Quality Study) and problems that arise in the first three years of ownership (Vehicle Dependability Study). Visit the JD Power website for more information.
Don't forget the interior
Consider the practicality of the interior and finishes. Leather may cost a little more but being able to wipe it down after sticky fingers have given it the once over could prove a godsend. Also look for darker, stain-camouflaging colours or upholstery designs. Consider picking up a set of stylish car seat covers, like the ones found at www.autochic.com.au/, these too will save your precious upholstery from those baby spills.
Fuel efficiency
With fuel now becoming a luxury item, a fuel-efficient vehicle is on every list. Websites such as www.autochic.com.au (there is a section on fuel in the tool kit section!) and the NRMA website mynrma.com.au often review the most fuel-efficient cars on the market and offer tips on fuel-saving motoring.
You can reduce your car's penchant for guzzling fuel and save money by making sure you choose the right type of fuel, keeping your car in shape with regular car servicing and adopting smooth driving techniques especially in frustrating stop-start city driving.
Environmental considerations
Choosing a 'green' vehicle can make a real difference to the kind of future your child (and their children) will experience. Visit www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au which rates new Australian vehicles based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions. Ratings are calculated from data provided by manufacturers and testing the vehicle against Australian standards.
So there you go. Plenty of things to consider. Now, once you've weighed it all up, sit in the driver's seat of your chosen vehicle you can look at your reflection in the shiny car dealership's window knowing you've done your homework.
Related links
Visit www.autochic.com.au or find out more from the Road and Traffic Authority in your state.
NSW: NSW Road & Traffic Authority
SA: Transport SA
VIC: Vic Roads
Check out Kidsafe for information on car safety for babies and children. You'll find a Fact Sheet from Kidsafe Victoria titled Kidsafe Now and the Family Car at WA Kidsafe
