This year, it’s your turn to revel in being a mother on Mother’s Day. Congratulations! That new baby in your arms has changed you from being the one buying the gifts and cards into the one receiving them. Of course, being a mother isn’t all about sweetly sentimental presents. In fact, there’s a lot of stress involved in your new role, too! That’s why I’ve rounded up five tips to make life with a new baby in the car safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
1.) Practice car seat safety
Even something as simple as driving with your new baby can be fraught with difficulty and worry. Is the car seat installed correctly and safely? How do you know? And even if it’s installed correctly, will it protect your precious baby in case of an accident?
The best way to ensure your baby’s safety in the car is by having your baby’s car seat inspected by a Child Passenger Safety Technician. These car seat experts will ensure that your car seat is safe, installed properly, and is being used correctly.
Find a car seat inspector in Kansas City here. If you aren’t from Kansas City, this search field will help you find qualified technicians in your area.
2.) Embrace those grocery delivery apps & services
Grocery pick-up and delivery services are a lifesaver for new moms. Instead of hauling your new baby to the store and exposing them to all sorts of weather, prying fingers, and germs (eww!), you can order groceries from the comfort and convenience of your home. These handy apps and services even let you stay on top of your grocery budget by avoiding trips to the store when you’re starving or feeling pressured to make quick, on-the-fly decisions.
Try providers like instacart, Shipt, Peapod, or Imperfect Produce. You can also check your local grocers to see if they have delivery options.
3.) Be prepared for on-the-go diaper changes
Now that you’ve changed that dirty diaper, what do you do with it? Some people seem to think it’s okay to just leave it lying in the parking lot; I beg to disagree! Not only is that unsightly and disgusting, but it’s also very unhygienic! One easy solution is to carry a roll of ‘doggy-doo’ bags with you. They work just as well for dirty newborn diapers as they do for doggie deposits.
Since your baby’s diapers will grow as the baby gets older, you may want to swap out the doggie-doo bags for a roll of the smallest-size trash bags a few months down the road. Or you can stash a bunch of plastic grocery bags inside your spare tire as a recycling option.
4.) Organize your baby supplies
I’m talking about rolls of bags, diapers, wipes, a changing pad, hand sanitizer, and all of the other items that make caring for your baby easier when you’re on the road. Of course, you probably already carry a diaper bag loaded with all the essentials. However, having a second set easily available makes caring for your baby in the car super easy. I highly recommend it.
A simple hanging shower or shoe organizer works almost as well as a bespoke car organizer, as it offers just as much if not more storage for bulky items. However, this seat back organizer incorporates an insulated cooler compartment to keep extra bottles handy yet chilled. There are even options available for in-car warming bottles.
You won’t have to worry about fumbling around in your diaper bag or trying to remember to put everything back in the bag when you’re done. Just reach for the car supplies when you’re in the car and the diaper bag when you’re leaving the car. That way, you’ll have everything you need when and wherever you need it!
As always, I suggest having a handy diaper-changing station in the car, too. Here’s a great option if you need ideas.
5.) Keep track of that binky!
A dropped binky (or pacifier) often results in a crying, distraught infant. Attaching a binky strap will at least keep it off dirty car seats or the floor until you can get it back to your baby. Once your baby is a little older, they’ll learn the finer points of reeling it in and putting it back where it goes.
Well, I’ve hopefully offered a little inspiration for keeping your stress levels low and your enjoyment levels high as you approach your first Mother’s Day of your very own. If you have other new-mom tips or car accessory suggestions, let me know! I’d love to talk shop, so to speak.
Sources:
Saferideforkids
https://ssl06.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/tool?pToolCode=TAB9&pCategory1=TAB9_CERTSEARCH&Webid=SAFEKIDSCERTSQL
http://emcx3.blogspot.com/2012/06/junk-in-trunk-per-request.html
https://www.amazon.com/AUTOARK-Organizer-Multi-Pocket-Heat-Preservation-AK-002/dp/B00XR36WVI
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=baby+bottle+car+warmer&ref=nb_sb_noss
https://www.instacart.com/grocery-delivery/
Shipt
https://www.peapod.com/
https://www.imperfectproduce.com/
Beanko
https://www.amazon.com/binky-strap/s?k=binky+strap
One Crazy House
