Summer is here. And for many of us, that means a summer holiday. Yay! If you’re holidaying in the UK or perhaps getting the ferry and driving in France or elsewhere in mainland Europe, you’ll need to get your car ready. Even more so if you have a baby in tow.
Here we’re looking at the little things you can do to make your car summer ready. We’ll focus on some simple but effective equipment and run through your must-have travel checklist.
Essential equipment for your car
Let’s start with the small upgrades you can make to your car for those long car journeys. These are your absolute go-to items for a safe and enjoyable driving holiday with your baby in the back.
Car seat
You’ll no doubt already have a car seat installed in your car. For a baby under 15 months old, you’ll likely still have them in a rear-facing car seat. To check the exact rules around rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, head to the Government website. The same rules should apply in the EU too.
Travel car mirror
Asking yourself, “do I need a car mirror”? We can unequivocally answer yes you do!
If your little one is in a rear-facing car seat, you still want to see what they’re up to and if they’re comfortable during the journey. A Dual Sight mirror is a fantastic piece of kit. The suction on the bottom enables you to place it on your back window when the baby is in a rear-facing seat. Then it’s just a case of getting the angle right with your rearview mirror so you can see them whilst you drive.
For bigger kids in forward-facing car seats, you can put the mirror in the front to easily see them in the back without having to turn around. So, are baby car mirrors safe? Absolutely, they make the driving experience even safer. There’s no need to try and look behind you while you drive or for the front passenger to crane their neck back. With a baby car mirror, you can see exactly what’s going on in the back with a simple flick of your eyes. Just like when you look in your rearview or wing mirrors.
Car sun shades
Car sun shades are an important piece of equipment for summer car journeys. If the sun is streaming in through the window, it can significantly raise the baby’s temperature. This can make them uncomfortable, and it can be dangerous too.
A car sun shade will block this and stop the sun coming in. But do car sun shades work? Yes, they do. Car sun shades protect against both UVA and UVB rays in a way that even tinted windows can’t. A good car sun shade will also protect your baby’s eyes from glare and help regulate their temperature. They are a must-have when driving in the heat.
Checklist for summer driving with baby
So, that’s your equipment for your car sorted. Now let’s look at those essential supplies to make summer driving smooth and comfortable for everyone, especially your baby. Don’t leave home or set off on the next leg of your journey without the following items:
- Travel changing mat
- Lots of nappies and wipes
- Nappy bags (who knows where the next bin will be)
- Plenty of milk – if you’re using formula, pre-make a number of bottles before you set off
- Travel steriliser – this will keep everything clean on the go
- Extra change of clothes at hand – you never know when an accident can escape their nappy
- Snacks – if they’re onto solid foods, make sure you have all their favourite snacks at hand. This handy lunch box will help with your storage
- Baby-friendly playlist loaded and ready to go on Spotify
- Their favourite cuddly toy
- Car first aid kit
Once you’ve checked all these items off your list, all you need to do is focus on your driving and the navigation. You’ll be fine!
Enjoying an amazing driving holiday with the whole family
Exploring the UK or further afield as a family in the car can be an unforgettable experience for all of you. Just make sure you get the car set up first and pack plenty of essential items. Then you can concentrate on having the best time possible.
If you’re after more baby advice, simply head to our blog or check out our StrollerCoaster podcast.
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