There’s no doubt about it – becoming a parent is a major lifestyle change. For new mums and dads everywhere, there are so many things to think about. One of your top priorities should be to find a baby-friendly car that’s safe, secure and spacious. Sadly, that 2-seat sports car no longer fits the bill.
But what should you be looking for in your next car if you’re soon to be welcoming a new addition? Well, it needs to keep your family safe and have plenty of space and wide-opening doors for your child’s car seat – even better if Isofix attachment points are fitted. It’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll likely want Isofix attachment points for an infant carrier/child seat too.
Oh, and don’t forget the importance of a big boot because you’ll need to fit that buggy or pram in.
But you can still find a baby-friendly car that combines substance with a touch of style. AA Cars CEO James Fairclough explains: “It doesn’t mean you have to go for something that’s predictable or uninspiring. Some top baby-friendly cars are very appealing to parents, while still being practical.”
To help you weigh up all the various baby-friendly options out there, here are 6 of the best cars for new parents. Each of the cars included come with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and models produced after 2015, which means they’ll have the Isofix attachment points fitted as standard.
Hyundai i30 Tourer
With its incredibly spacious interior, affordable price and low running costs, there’s no doubting the Hyundai i30 Tourer’s baby-friendly credentials.
It comes with 2 standard Isofix child seat mounts in the back, while its 602-litre boot (1,650 litres if the rear seats are folded down) is perfect for fitting in cots, pushchairs and other baby essentials.
This medium family estate can do up to 67mpg and has an 84 per cent child occupant safety rating, with safety features including automatic emergency braking and a front collision warning.
Skoda Superb
This Skoda is not only superb by name when it comes to its child-friendly features. Available as an estate or a hatchback, the 2015 edition of the Skoda Superb offers wonderful value for money in a family car.
It has an 86% child occupant rating for drivers and passengers alike, and comes with an outstanding amount of space. The hatchback has a 625-litre boot that extends to 1,760 with the back seats down, while the estate version goes bigger with a 660-litre boot (1,950 litres when the back seats are folded).
The Superb rides low to the ground, which makes it feel much smoother to drive. And it’s quiet too – a couple of very handy characteristics if you don’t want to disturb a sleeping child (or tired adult).
Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 has long been a favourite option with families, but the 2018 edition takes things to the next level with a 91% child safety rating. It’s a feature that few rivals can match, but safety isn’t the only string to its bow.
Wide-opening doors mean you won’t have to struggle getting your young ones in and out of the car, while Mazda’s work to reduce interior noise levels has paid off to ensure valuable peace and quiet.
The boot space isn’t the largest on the market, but a 480-litre capacity should be more than capable of holding a pram or buggy with relative ease. Meanwhile, a combination of good fuel economy and low emissions make this an affordable baby-friendly car to run.
VW Touran
It’s no surprise the VW Touran is up there with the best cars for new parents. With 7 seats, it’s well worth checking out – especially if the latest addition to your family is child number 2 or 3.
Features of this SUV include its 89% child safety rating and 40+ cubby compartments for food, drink, toys and other baby essentials.
You certainly won’t be short of space either. With 5 seats in place, the boot has a huge capacity of 917 litres. If you fold both rows of rear seats flat, that grows to an astounding 1,857 litres.
The Touran lets you fit 3 Isofix car seats next to each other in its second row too, while its back row comes with 2 mounts. It’s one less thing to fret about if travelling with more than one baby.
Audi A6
Buying a baby-friendly car with all the necessary safety and security features doesn’t have to mean compromising on luxury. The Audi 6 proves that point perfectly as a stunning child-friendly option.
It’s packed full of the latest tech, which might not be a priority for new parents but could at least go some way to keeping the kids entertained.
The A6 has an 85% child occupant safety rating, a 530-litre boot and a ‘pre sense’ collision avoidance system. It’s quiet and comfortable too, which means long-distance driving won’t feel like much of a chore.
Volvo V60
Safe, practical and convenient – the Volvo V60 is an excellent choice for any new parents looking to buy the best baby-friendly car for their family.
It posted an 84% child safety rating in its 2018 Euro NCAP test, while its City Safety Autobrake technology helps avoid accidents. Other safety features include a Pilot Assist cruise control system.
When it comes to space, the 529-litre boot is an obvious selling point for anyone with a cot, buggy or pram to get from A to B. That spacious feeling is mirrored throughout the car, so fitting your car seat and getting your child in and out won’t be much of a hassle at all.
And if you want your family to do its bit for the environment, there’s a plug-in hybrid version.
The V60 is an appealing child-friendly car in so many ways. With its smart cabin, focus on safety and practical features, Volvo has put a lot of effort into making the V60 not just a baby-friendly car, but an adult-friendly one too.
The shopping list of items needed for a newborn seems like a never-ending one. Thankfully, a baby-friendly car doesn’t have to break the bank with the great deals available on our used cars for sale. You can even see if you’re eligible for car finance and spread the cost – so you’ll have plenty left over for everything else on your to-buy list.
Image courtesy of iStock.
