New dads need to be prepared for many new, exciting—and not so exciting—challenges. One of the most nerve-wracking experiences is driving home with your baby for the first time. We tend to forget just how vital car safety is—especially when we grow numb to the routine daily commute.

But when a new life enters the mix, we have to reevaluate our car safety habits. Gunning it to work when we are late might seem okay when driving solo, but fatherhood changes the equation. This post will explore the items you’ll need and the driving practices you’ll want to incorporate to baby-proof your car (and give you peace of mind).

Items You’ll Need to Baby-Proof Your Car

Emergencies happen, and you don’t want to be unprepared, especially as a new father. You’ll want to be sure your car has the following items. Some of them are legally required, like the car seat, while others will make your life much easier if something goes wrong.

The Right Kind Of Car Seat

Obviously, you need a car seat for your child, but not all car seats are made equal. In fact, there are many different types of child car seats designed for infants and toddlers alike. You need to match the car seat to your child based on age, weight, and height. You must follow the suggestions to the letter.

Baby car seats need to be rear-facing and have a five-point harness. Not only does the car seat need to be appropriate for your child, but you have to install it correctly for it to protect your child.

The takeaway is that car seats are no joke—take them seriously.

Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit is simply good practice. You never know if you’ll be stranded in your vehicle for an extended period of time. Recently in Georgia, a snowstorm stranded people for over 24 hours on I-95. You should

What Should Be In Your Car Emergency Kit?

● Water for drinking and water for sanitation—usually one gallon per day per person

● Several day supplies of baby food and adult food

● Manually powered (hand-cranked) flashlight; battery alternative

● Manually powered (hand-cranked) radio; battery alternative

● Standard issue first aid kit

● Extra batteries

● COVID-19 preparedness kits

● Road flares

● Duct tape (never leave home without it)

● Emergency cell phone power packs

● Emergency portable Wi-Fi

● Paper towels

● Garbage bags

● Manual can opener

● Extra blankets

● Thermal blankets

● Spare formula

● Spare Diapers

Car Organizer

A high-quality car organizer will help you store and manage all the items you’ll need to be prepared in an emergency and keep your baby safe.

Safe Driving Tips For New Dads

Items can only take you so far—you’ll probably have to make some behavioral changes as well. Here are some safe driving tips for new dads:

Don’t Drive Distracted

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving kills over 3,000 people per year. This does not include statistics on impaired driving—like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Instead, distracted driving involves texting, eating, or even talking while driving. By not driving distracted, you avoid a conversation with a lawyer for car accidents.

Don’t Drive With Your Emotions

Road rage is also a dangerous factor you need to eliminate from your driving habits. Aggressive driving is a factor in 54% of all fatal car accidents. You can’t control the emotions of other drivers, but you can regulate your own emotions with practice and a little effort.

If you feel aggravated on the road, just remember what’s at stake. It’s not just your life but your newborn’s life, too.

Stay Up To Date With Vehicle Maintenence

You also want to keep your car healthy to prevent any tragic accidents. Make sure you get your vehicle inspected—even if you live in a state where an inspection is not required. Aside from getting your car inspected, you can also do the following to keep your vehicle properly maintained:

● Check your tires—including the spare

● Check your oil

● Replace wiper fluid

● Pay attention to check engine lights or other maintenance warnings

General Car Safety Tips For New Dads

Make sure you invest in top safety features. Your car should have the latest in airbag safety technology, backup cameras, and child safety locks.

Never leave your baby in your car unattended. Not even for a minute. It’s always a tragic story when an overworked or otherwise distracted parent leaves their baby in a hot car for too long. 38 children die every year on average from being left in a vehicle either by a parent or a caretaker.

Set reminders on your phone or otherwise do what it takes to remind yourself to check on your child. A better way to avoid this kind of tragedy is to simply never leave your child unattended in your vehicle.

When It Comes To Being A Dad, Don’t Be a Back Seat Driver

Take a proactive, preventative approach to driving with your baby. Have all the safety measures and protective gear in place to be ready in case of an emergency. And, finally, drive defensively!

About the Author

Roni Davis is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.

Tips For New Dads: How To Baby-Proof Your Car