8 Car Safety Tips for Kids During Summer You Should Know

Summer is probably one of the most favoured seasons of the year. Families have the chance to spend time together, children get a break from school, and everyone gets to enjoy the sunshine. Whilst it’s likely you’ll be keen to make the most of it, there are some important car safety tips that you need to keep in mind when traveling with kids:

1. Adjust seatbelts

Many parents don’t understand what is meant by a correctly adjusted seatbelt. Check how tight the seatbelt is and adjust it so that you can only fit one finger underneath. Compared to the winter where your child is likely to wear bulkier clothing, in the summer, it is necessary to perform these checks all over again.

2. Add a car seat

Make sure you have the correct booster or car seat for your child’s age and height. With so many car seats not installed correctly, this puts your child at risk in the event that there is a collision and so it’s vital to ensure this is checked by a certified professional.

3. Check your tyres

The combination of hot weather and more time spent in the car going places could lead to a puncture or blowout. Especially when the car is fully loaded, the additional pressure could turn a fun day out into a disaster. Regularly check your tyre pressure throughout the summer months to avoid this.

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4. Use a back seat mirror

Multi-tasking is something every parent needs to learn to do, but being able to keep a watchful eye on your child whilst driving is one of the most challenging. Install a back seat mirror that allows you to see their face. This will reassure you they’re okay and allow you to stay focused on the road.

5. Prevent your child from overheating

Ensuring your child is warm enough is one thing, but during the hot summer months, ensuring they don’t overheat is a more difficult challenge. Avoid covering your child with a blanket whilst in the car, no matter how thin – the temperature under a blanket can get very hot very quickly.

6. Secure loose items

In the event of a collision, you want to minimise the amount of damage that could be caused. Any loose items could become projectiles if not secured correctly. This can include items such as;

Unoccupied booster seats
Strollers
Large bags

7. Pack a drink

Dehydration can often creep up on you, so always make sure you’ve packed an extra drink. Keep bottles of breastmilk or formula in a cooler or with some ice packs, and always pack some extra bottles of juice or water for those with toddlers or older children. Remember to include a drink for yourself as well.

8. Never leave your child alone

It may seem the more sensible option to leave your child for a few minutes if they’re asleep and you just need to run a quick errand, but a child’s temperature can heat up much quicker than an adult’s. Overheating in a car on their own can be incredibly dangerous, so take the time to wake them up and take them with you.

Resources:
http://redtri.com/bump-baby/summer-car-safety-tips-for-babies/
https://www.parenting.com/child/safety/summer-car-safety-tips-entire-family