From installing baby gates to getting padded floors, there’s nothing a parent won’t do to make sure their kids are safe, happy, and comfortable. But how many of these babyproofing principles are also applied to their cars? People often overlook just how much time children spend in vehicles. Kids spend so much more time in vehicles than most people think, whether it be for trips to the pediatrician, family vacations, going to play dates, and more.
The next time you travel with your little ones, consider investing in these car accessories that can turn your vehicle into the ultimate babyproof car:
Child Car Seat Protector
Babies are undeniably cute, but their messes? Not so much. Luckily, child car seat protectors offer an easy solution to this issue. Child car seat protectors keep your seats safe from spilled milk, crumbs, and other messes you can think of. They also protect your car seat cushions from dents and scratches that may be caused by the child seats being in place for a significant amount of time.
Our Top Picks:
- Weathertech® 81CSP01BK Black Child Car Seat Protector
- Weathertech® 81CSP02SGY Gray Child Car Seat Protector
- Weathertech® 81CSP01CO Brown Child Car Seat Protector
Seat Protector
If you’re looking for something that covers a wider surface area than a child car seat protector, then a regular seat protector should do the trick. Car seat protectors typically cover the entire second row, leaving no room for spilled milk or other messes to damage your car seats. Most seat protectors feature slip-on and slip-off designs for quick and easy cleanup.
Our Top Picks:
- Weathertech® DE2011TN Seat Protector
- Weathertech® SBP003TN Seat Protector
- Aries® 3146-09 Seat Protector
Seat Cover
If your car comes with standard leather seats, you might want to consider getting waterproof seat covers. Cleaning seat covers is a lot easier than cleaning fancy leather seats. As a busy parent, you won’t have a lot of time to deep clean your car. Luckily, some car seat covers are machine washable, so you can cut back on chores and have more time with your little one.
Our Top Picks:
- Covercraft GTD1371ABCABN Carhartt PrecisionFit Series Front Row Seat Cover
- Seat Designs K301-A1-1KSW Camo Series Second Row Seat Cover
- Weathertech DE2011CHBX Second Row Seat Cover
Seat Belt Pad
Children can get fussy during long rides, but they must wear their seat belts at all times. One way to stop them from removing their seat belts is to get them a seat belt pad. Cushioned seat belt pads will not only help make children more comfortable, they’re also a great way to customize your car’s interiors. Why not get a seat belt pad in their favorite color? It might convince them to keep it on without complaining.
Our Top Picks:
- Dash Designs® 3061FTN Tan Seat Belt Pad
- Dash Designs® 3061FGY Gray Seat Belt Pad
- Dash Designs® 3061FBK Black Seat Belt Pad
First Aid Kit
If there’s one thing you should always bring, it’s a first aid kit. Kids will be kids, and we can’t always stop them from running around at the park. While it’s their job to have fun, it’s the parent’s job to be prepared for anything. Keeping a first aid kit in your car ensures you’re ready for whatever bruises, bumps, or cuts they might get while playing.
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Under Seat Storage
At a certain age, kids will grab just about anything they can get their hands on. In a small vehicle, it can be hard to keep important items out of their reach. This is where under seat storage comes in handy. Place first aid kits, tire repair kits, and other emergency supplies in a storage box that fits under your car seats. It’s a great way of maximizing space and keeping them out of children’s reach.
Our Top Picks:
- Weathertech® 4S009 Under Seat Storage
- Weathertech® 4S003 Under Seat Storage
- Weathertech® 4S004 Under Seat Storage
Car Wipes
There’s no point crying over spilled milk, especially now with the convenience of car wipes. Car wipes are great for cleaning up messes on your dashboard, navigation screens, and seats. Some even have powerful ultraviolet (UV) blockers that prevent fading, aging, and cracking. Just be sure to buy one that’s specifically designed for your interior’s material.
Our Top Picks:
Air Freshener
When babies go potty, an unpleasant smell can linger in the air. Unfortunately, accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, including the car ride home. Luckily, there are plenty of air fresheners in the market that can help you get rid of foul odors. They come in different shapes, sizes, and scents, so you can easily find one that fits your preference.
Our Top Picks:
- Little Trees® U3S-32001 Royal Pine Air Freshener
- Chemical Guys® AIR23116 Vanilla Bean Scent Air Freshener And Odor Eliminator
- Meguiars® G16402 Air Freshener
Sun Shade
With such delicate skin, babies are also more likely to get sunburned from too much UV exposure. Investing in a mesh-type sun shade can fix this issue. Designed to fit the vehicle’s windows, sun shades block the sun’s glare, protecting passengers from harmful UV rays.
Another type of sun shade is the reflective silver type, which is great for keeping the cabin cool while you’re out and about with your kids.
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USB Power Cable
A universal serial bus (USB) power cable is a must for every parent on the go. You can use it to power a backseat camera to help you monitor your kids in the backseat. If your children love to play with their tablets, you can also use power cables to charge their electronics and keep them entertained during long drives.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.