Planning a self-drive family vacation with a new baby requires careful consideration of your vehicle. Safety is paramount, so choosing a car with ample space, four doors, and robust safety features is crucial.
Prioritizing Safety
When selecting a car for a trip with your baby, prioritize safety features such as:
- Multiple airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This helps control slippery roads.
- Reinforced roof
- Driver’s knee airbag
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS): Prevent wheel lockup during emergency braking.
- Side-curtain airbags: These offer added protection in side impacts.
Most modern family cars include these basic safety features. If your budget allows, consider these additional features for enhanced safety.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
A vehicle with a rear-facing car seat is essential for traveling with a baby. SUVs are often preferred due to their spaciousness, higher rooflines, and easier access. A Land Cruiser Prado or a Toyota Rav4 is a good example; its rear seats slide and fold, maximizing passenger or cargo space. Electronic rear-door child locks, activated by a dashboard switch, provide an extra layer of safety.
Land Cruiser Prado
While SUVs offer significant advantages, when you are not planning to travel to remote areas where a strong 4×4 vehicle will be needed, smaller vehicles like the Kia Soul or Nissan Cube might suit some families better. The best choice depends on your family’s needs, preferences, and the destinations you plan to visit.
Remember to always ensure the car seat is correctly installed and your baby is securely fastened before starting your journey.
Cargo space is also important for your baby’s safety.
You’ll need a large cargo area to accommodate baby essentials like a stroller, diapers, clothes, baby wipes, and more. Some vehicles—especially SUVs—often have cargo stacked up to the roof, which can be hazardous if the driver has to brake suddenly in an emergency. Therefore, it’s important to check whether the car rental company has installed a cargo divider to help secure your belongings.
After evaluating the key safety features, you should also consider your budget and personal preferences before choosing the best car for traveling with a baby. If you’re on a tighter budget and prefer not to drive a large vehicle, a smaller sedan like the Toyota Yaris might be a practical choice. It has a decently sized back seat and comes equipped with 7 airbags for enhanced safety.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a combination of style and functionality, the Honda CR-V and Volvo XC60 are excellent options. Both vehicles feature sleek, modern designs that are especially popular among young parents.
