what type of vehicle do you really want and need?

Whether you are pregnant with your first child or you already have a few little ones running around, the life of a new parent can be hectic. From childproofing the home to fixing up your baby's bedroom, you have so much preparation to do. If your family has outgrown your current vehicle, buying a new or used car may even be on the list. The question is – how can you be sure you purchase a baby-friendly vehicle?

Does The Vehicle Have a Child-Friendly Interior?

As you are selecting a new or used vehicle for your family, the interior design of the vehicle matters. When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, a reverse-facing car seat must fit in the back of the car. It has to be properly installed via Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) safety restraints. Unfortunately, a rear-facing car seat will require more clearance between the front seat and the back seat. It is vital to take the time to make sure the car seat is going to fit properly in the back of the car. Otherwise, how will you get the baby home?

Some automobiles feature a parabolic mirror. This mirror allows you to keep an eye on your child while sitting in the front seat. It is also a good idea to think about how the sunlight is going to affect your baby riding in the back seat. Does the rear window of the vehicle offer a dark tint to cut out the glare? Does the rear side windows have a shade to them? If not, you will want to consider installing aftermarket sunshades or select a different vehicle that offers these features.

Eventually, your precious baby will evolve into a toddler. This is when you get to ditch the reverse-facing car seat and embrace the little feet kicking you in the back as you drive. Again, the clearance between your seat and the back seat will help with this problem. The more space between you and the back seat, the less kicking your back has to deal with.

Finally, you need to think about whether or not you want a vehicle with a third row of seating. A third row of seating is great if you have more than one child as it allows you to put significant space between them. It, however, will usually compromise the amount of cargo space you have as well as the amount of legroom your passengers have.

As you can see, you have a lot to consider when trying to purchase a baby-friendly and child-friendly vehicle. 

For more information and options, consider talking with a professional at your local dealership, such as those at Canyon Honda.