The car is one of the safest places for a toddler. If you are looking to buy a car, this article will help you find the best car for your toddler. You will learn about what to look for in order to be sure that the car is safe for your toddler and then be provided with some tips on how you can make it even safer.
Consider your child’s height and weight
Firstly, height and weight are important considerations when choosing the safest car for your toddler. As height is a big factor in determining how much of a crash force will be felt, taller children may require an extra level of safety like side-impact airbags or seat belt pre-tensioners. When it comes to weight, heavier toddlers need more protection because they have less muscle and height to absorb the force of a crash.
Children with less height and weight have less muscle mass, which means they can’t take as much impact from a collision as an adult would be able to. Height determines how much of a crash force will be felt by your child in case there was an accident so taller children may require extra protection such as side-impact airbags or seat belt pre-tensioners.
Lighter toddlers need more protection because their bones are not fully developed yet and if they were involved in a car accident it could cause serious damage that might even lead to death.
Choose a car with the best safety ratings
The safety rating is an important safety feature to consider when purchasing a new vehicle for your toddler. The safety rating is determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and will detail how safe the car is in things like frontal crash, side-impact, rollover, rear collision, etc.
The safest cars have five stars with airbags that cover both driver’s and passenger’s heads. The other safety ratings are four or three-star which can be good but also contain some safety issues. However, according to this dealer, you should always go for the highest rating. You can never be too careful.
Here are the factors that determine the safety rating:
- safety systems installed
- crash test ratings
- safety features and technologies
- vehicle crashworthiness
- brakes
- steering wheel
Ensure that the car is easy to get in and out of
It’s crucial for safety that you have a car for your toddler where they can get in and out easily. It’s important to make sure the front seat is low enough so even if there are no back seats, it’ll still be possible for them to get into the vehicle.
Lower seats will also help with handling the steering wheel better as well as being able to see over other objects when driving. It’s very easy for toddlers’ legs to get cramped up while sitting on their knees too long which leads to knee injuries or general discomfort, not to mention how uncomfortable it might be having those sharp edges of metal pressing against your child’s thighs all day!
Test drive as many vehicles as possible
You have to try out the car yourself to ensure that it’s comfortable for your needs. But, test driving the car is also a very important part of finding the safest vehicle for you and your toddler! Test drive as long as possible to simulate how an accident or crash would feel like. Try it out on different types of surfaces so that you can get a feeling if they are smooth enough.
Look into how it handles and how strong the brakes are
The way your car handles and brakes can make or break your child’s safety. Check out handling reviews and braking performance ratings before you buy, but also do your own testing in a parking lot to get an idea of what it will be like with your toddler-sized load in the backseat. This way, you’ll be sure to find the safest car for your toddler.
Look for cars with electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a system that monitors the way your car moves and automatically kicks in to help you regain control. It does this by braking individual wheels on an as-needed basis while also adjusting the power sent to them, all of which reduces understeer or oversteer. It’s important for parents to consider electronic stability control when shopping for their child’s first vehicle because it can reduce injury risk during collisions. Aside from that, it can also prevent rollovers by keeping tires from sliding off the edge of curves and Help reduce skidding risks near obstacles.
Choosing the safest car for your toddler can be a difficult decision. After reading this article, you should have more information to help guide your purchase decisions. Always look at safety ratings and reviews before buying. Also, try the car yourself to see how it feels when you’re at the steering wheel. Make sure it’s adjustable for your child’s weight and height, and that it can get out of it easily in cases of emergency. Drive safely!
