Congratulations! There’s a new baby in the house. 
By now, you’ve probably made all the necessary adjustments to the interior of your home. But, there’s another important thing you have to consider: the safety of your vehicle. Here’s how to make your ride suitable for the transportation of your little one:
Safety
Not only do want your newborn to be as comfortable as possible on the ride, but you also want him to be safe. The car may be the only place your new bundle of joy will be able to nap comfortably.
Purchase an Approved Child Safety Seat: While you have the option of buying used, keep in mind the seat may have expired or been recalled for safety reasons. It’s best to conduct research, both online and through your pediatrician, to learn about car seats that are recommended before you make a decision. Also, ensure your selection follows the law and practice proper installation before the baby arrives. Don’t forget the headrest to stabilize his tiny head.
Replace Those Worn Tires: There are several reasons why you should refrain from operating a motor vehicle with worn tires; safety being the primary concern. You definitely wouldn’t want to put the new baby at risk, so swap your treads out for high-traction tires like Continental’s ExtremeContact model. Not only do they facilitate a smoother ride, but they’re more functional when it comes to handling dangerous roadway conditions.
Shade
What’s the first item you reach for when the sun is beaming in your eyes? Sunglasses! But your new baby — what’s he supposed to do? Shield his eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by having your windows tinted or purchasingwindow shades that temporarily adhere to the window.
Sanitation
Unless you want the interior of your vehicle to be littered with germs in the next few years as your new baby grows, you’ll need to start by taking small measures. A few items to consider:
Rubber Mats: These should be placed throughout the vehicle and in the trunk to eliminate dirt and liquids from settling into the carpet. They’re much easier to clean than the car’s carpet and they’ll stay in place. All you have to do is spray it with a water hose and you’re all set.
Stain Guard: Even if you have dark-colored carpet and seats in your car, it’s still possible for staining to occur. Consider a stain guard for your seats and carpets. At some point, your little one will be holding his own bottles and milk spills are likely to occur. Also, a stain guard will help with tracking dirt into the vehicle.
Cleaning Kit: This kit should include paper towels, sanitizing wipes and plastic bags to clean up small messes that may surface from eating in the car.
Entertainment
Whether it’s a portable DVD player that can be affixed to the back of the seat or a collection of plush toys, you’ll want to designate an area in the vehicle to store the entertainment bag. For the first few months, a bulk of the car rides may be spent napping. But longer rides may call for distractions.