Baby on Board – 6 Factors to Consider When Buying a Family Car

For most of us, buying a car as a single adult was based on a search for the brightest, sexiest machine on the market.  By the time we have placed our foot on the road to parenthood however, that zippy little sports car that went from 0 to 60 in five seconds, may not be the ideal carrier of our new precious cargo. But having a baby doesn’t have to break the bank.

Preparing a list of key criteria is a great way to begin your move to a safe and suitable family car.

Loan Star

Few of us have the ready cash on hand to buy a car without some kind of financial assistance.  Loans through car yards can be expensive so look for affordable, established car loan providers, such as Latitude Finance, who offer the advantages of:

  • Secured and unsecured loans
  • Flexible payment periods
  • Cheaper interest rates compared to the big banks

Safety smarts

One of the most important issues surrounding a family car is safety.  Safety features are not always obvious to the uninitiated when inspecting a prospective vehicle.  Fortunately independent companies such as ANCAP can offer valuable insights into the safety of a wide range of vehicles on the road today.

Vehicles are rated in a number of key areas including:

  • Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
  • Child Occupant Protection (COP)
  • Pedestrian Protection (PP)
  • Safety Assist (SA)

Vehicles are scored through a rating system and their safety features outlined clearly.  The final star rating provides prospective buyers with a clear and concise way of appreciating the safety of the vehicle for both occupants and pedestrians.

Size Wise

The move to SUV’s by many parents, has been propelled in part by the ability to store large items such as prams, baby bags and fold-up cots easily in the sizeable boot.  They also provide a flexibility with many having the ability to remove or flatten rear seats.

Look for substantial interior space. Reverse facing seats require considerable room between the back and front seat.  Note how wide the doors open to make access to the baby capsule or seat, easier.

Easy access

A parent with bags of groceries under one arm and a baby under the other, needs a car which is easy to access – enter keyless entry.

Many vehicles now have foot activated lift gates which provide the capacity to open the boot simply by waving a foot under the rear bumper.  This marvellous technology has been a boon to parents everywhere.  Do your research and read online reviews as not all ‘kick open’ boot access operates to the same level.

Fit for purpose

Unless absolutely necessary, it is advisable to invest in a four door car or SUV, with a young family.  Access to minivans, trucks, utes and sports cars is usually limited and the safe installation of car seats make most of these vehicles inappropriate for carrying children.

In situations where a car only has a front seat, never use a rearward-facing baby seat when there is an airbag installed.  There is risk associated with the powerful release of the airbag causing fatal head and neck injuries in infants whose heads are immediately in line with the airbag.

Extra mile

While the above strictures have narrowed down the field somewhat, it still leaves a wide range of vehicle options to choose from.  Look for cars which carry extra features such:

  • Rear reversing cameras as a safety precaution when baby gets bigger
  • Parabolic mirrors to keep an eye on baby in rearward-facing position
  • Air conditioning
  • Adjustable speakers from rear to front to avoid loud music affecting baby’s hearing
  • Window tinting with high UV protection

The new car market has evolved over the years to provide parents with a range of technological features which raise them to a new level of efficiency and safety.  Investing in a car which will carry your family through every stage of life and grow with them, is money well spent.

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