Best baby car safety products

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The newest member of your family requires the most protection when you go out in the car.

They're not able to prevent themselves from being thrown around if you need to swerve to avoid a collision, and they're much more susceptible to temperature fluctuations within your vehicle. While having a safe car does help, the good news is that there are plenty of products available designed specifically to help protect your little one while in the car.

We've rounded up a list of some of the best baby car safety products into an easy quick reference guide.

Car seats

Arguably the most important safeguard you can put in place for your baby while travelling is to select an appropriate car seat or booster seat for them. The best option for your little one will depend on factors such as their age and size, so it's important to do your research before making your selection. 

We won't get too in-depth in this piece about which options are best, as it would take over the entire article, but if you'd like some help choosing, check out our list of the best and safest baby car seats.

Harness and seat belt protectors

Seat belt protector

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While all baby car seats approved for use in Australia will have harnesses and straps that are able to keep your little one safe, they may not always be the most comfortable.

Babies are far more sensitive to irritants than adults (and even we like to make use of seat belt protectors) so it makes sense to fit your baby's harness with one as well.

Having said that, it is vital that you ensure that whichever option you have selected doesn't interfere with the safety benefits that your child's car seat provides.

Headrests and neck supports

Head support

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When your baby is an infant, there will probably be headrests and neck supports built into their car seat. As they get older, however, you may find that these inbuilt safety functions are no longer suitable or available depending on the age of your child.

The good news is that it's entirely possible to purchase separate accessories that provide head and neck support for little ones.

When buying these kinds of items it is important to ensure that they are not too restrictive, and they do not inhibit your child's ability to move naturally.

Sun shades

Sun shade

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The Aussie sun can be incredibly dangerous even for adults, so it stands to reason that it poses even more of a risk to babies. Because of this, it is vital that you find ways to protect your little one from harmful UV rays.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to do this is to install a sun shade for them. Not only will this help prevent sunburn and other issues that can arise from direct light, but it can also help keep your little one cooler on hot days.

Cooling mats

Speaking of staying cool on hot days, while the use of sun shades and running the car's air-conditioning can help, sometimes your baby will need a little extra assistance staying cool.

Babies can't regulate their body temperature as well as adults, and are therefore more susceptible to sudden changes in environment or overheating in the car. Cooling mats can assist with this, as, like the name suggests, they work to cool your little one down.

You may also be able to take your cooling mat with you when exiting the vehicle depending on the type that you have chosen which makes them a particularly useful Summer accessory.

Mirrors

Baby mirror

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Depending on where they're placed, mirrors within your vehicle can keep your baby safe in multiple ways.

The first and most important function that internal mirrors can offer is the ability to easily keep an eye on your child while driving. Not only does this mean you'll be able to react in a shorter timeframe if anything goes wrong, but it also makes you a safer driver, as you're not constantly turning around to check on your little one every time they make a noise that might be a bit concerning.

The installation of internal mirrors can also help keep your baby entertained looking at themselves. This makes them less likely to try to escape their car seat and therefore safer overall.

Travel trays

Travel trays may seem like they fall more under the entertainment category than the safety one (especially when you're getting your car set up for your nearest family member), but they're actually important for both.

If your little one has all of their belongings easily accessible, they're far less likely to try to lean out of or escape their car seat. This means that restraints will stay in the right place and helps prevent them from digging in.

It also means that your baby will be in the best position possible if you do end up in an accident.

The caveat to this one is that you want to select a soft, safe, travel tray and keep hard or sharp items well away from both your little one and their tray. You'll also need to ensure that their travel tray doesn't interfere with the functionality of their car seat.

Baby on board signs

Baby on board signs

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While a sign in and of itself doesn't really provide a practical safety measure, the impact of displaying a baby on board sign can.

People tend to automatically be more careful when they know that small children are around, and this type of signage also highlights your vehicle as one they need to be particularly well aware of.

Spare clothes and blankets

Little ones have accidents, it's a fact of life. Perhaps your baby has spilt their drink everywhere, or maybe their nappy couldn't withstand the mess they just made.

Regardless of why your little one is messy, leaving them like that isn't a good idea.

While you'll usually have everything your little one needs in a baby bag that you carry everywhere with you, it's important to be extra prepared when travelling. For this reason, we recommend keeping at least some spare blankets and a fresh change of clothes in the car for your baby.

You can take this a step further by having spare cushions or car seat covers if you'd like to be particularly prepared.

Car first aid kit

Finally, although not directly linked to the safety of your little one, having a fully stocked first aid kit in your car at all times is strongly advisable.

Remember that you will need baby specific inclusions now you have a little one, so it may be worth carrying a baby first aid kit in addition to your standard one.

Final word

Babies aren't able to protect themselves from the world in the same way that adults can, so it's our job to keep them safe - wherever they may be.

These products are designed to make car rides safer, and we strongly recommend looking into whether they're right for your little one's needs. 

For more information about general car safety, click the link to head over the category on our site. Or, if you're after more safety tips for the newest member of your family, have a look at the below articles:


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Jessica Jones
Written by
Jessica Jones
Jess has been writing educational content for almost ten years with a focus on lifestyle content. She loves coffee, dogs and all things fitness, and can often be found with her nose buried in a book and her music blaring through her earphones.

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