Your first, compact car was a dream on the road, but now you have kids along for the ride. That tiny interior doesn’t work for your family so it’s time to find a kid-friendly car. As you shop around to different dealerships, keep these four tips in mind as car technology and kid needs collide. Your road trip will be a spectacular success with these features at your fingertips.
Add Those Invisible Access Points
A kid-friendly feature that’s more akin to parent comforts is the invisible hatch release. Wave your foot underneath the car when you’re carrying a heavy load. The hatch or door immediately opens so that you can unload those items with ease. This feature is kid-friendly because it allows you to hold a child’s hand along with cradling a baby with the other arm. There’s no need to let go of anyone’s hand as you open the car and get everyone settled.
Look for Ample Pockets
According to Consumer Reports, pockets throughout the backseat are critical to a kid-friendly interior. These pockets can be along the backseats, side walls or across the ceiling. They should have various sizes and securing straps so that their use is relatively intuitive. Slide a book into one pocket as you secure a pen to another area. The vehicle’s floor will always be clear as you haul around the family.
Include Electronic Perks
You may not believe that the kids need any more electronics, but you’ll change your mind on that first road trip. Always pick a vehicle with ample electronics embedded into the rear compartment, states Autotrader. They normally fold up into the car’s ceiling so that they’re safe from view during a long parking session. The little ones will keep busy with a favorite movie as you quietly make your way to a destination.
Consider the Kids’ Perspectives
Get down to your children’s eye levels when you’re shopping for a car. Look out the window from the backseat, and verify that your toddler can actually see out above the door’s shape. If your kids can’t see easily out of the window, they won’t enjoy any road trips. Considering their view will help you decide on the best model.
It’s not unusual to visit several different dealerships, including Young Automotive Group, before you find the perfect vehicle. Remain patient, and keep your options open to different makes and models. At the end of your car-hunting experience, a kid-friendly vehicle will make itself known while you negotiate a great price on it.