Driving with kids can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be dangerous. Learn how to keep your kids safe in the car with these expert tips by Mike Ford Shop in Ham Lake.

As parents, we truly enjoy driving with our kids. So much so that we see family car rides as a chance to sing, play, and create memories with them. Still, carrying children in the backseat can be stressful at times. And, understandably so, since our little ones can be a major distraction source on the road. Of course, we want to keep our children safe at all times, and driving is no exception. That's why this post has gathered a few tips to make driving with kids safer and stress-free. That said, buckle up, and let's start making your next car rides with the kids smoother!

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How to Make Driving with Kids Safer

Keep Your Car Well-Maintained

Keeping your vehicle in optimal working order is crucial to ensure safe rides with your kids. Don't wait until you notice vibrations or strange engine noises to take your car to the workshop. Instead, make an effort to follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. By servicing your car in time, you'll reduce the possibility of having a breakdown or incident on the road. Plus, you'll be able to haul your kids everywhere with the peace of mind of knowing that the car is reliable.

Use a Suitable Child Car Seat

Child car seats are essential for ensuring the safety of youngsters in the car. One thing to note about these restraint systems is that they come in different sizes, from rear-facing restraints to booster seats. Thus, be sure to choose an adequate seat for each kid. For that, you must consider their age, weight, height, and the type of car you drive. Also, install each seat correctly by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Set Rules

There's no denying that carrying children in the car requires patience. As a parent, you know how stressful it is to merge into traffic while your little ones cry in the back seat. Likewise, you know what it's like to maneuver the car out of a tight parking space while your kids nag you with questions, etc. Fortunately, you can teach your kids good habits and behaviors in the car. All you have to do is set some rules for them. These may include staying seated, not yelling, not opening doors or windows, and more. Make sure to explain the rules to them and reinforce them regularly. And most importantly, reward them whenever they behave safely in the car.

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Keep Them Entertained

Children can become bored and restless during long drives. Luckily, you can do a few things to keep them busy and entertained when leaving the house. These include playing games that are age-appropriate and suitable for the car, such as "I Spy." As for road trips, consider bringing new toys and books to keep things fresh and exciting.

Bring Everything Your Child May Need

Small children always need a few things to feel comfortable and happy when out and about. That is why you should prepare a bag with everything they might come to need during long drives or road trips. Here are some essentials to pack:

• Bring plenty of snacks and drinks.
• Pack a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
• Pack blankets and pillows to keep your children comfortable during the trip.
• Bring wet wipes and tissues to clean up spills, and handle other messes that may occur in the backseat.

Tint Car Windows

Lastly, tint your car's windows, especially when driving during the summer months. Doing so can keep the car's interior cooler and protect your kids from UV rays. Especially if you have a baby, tinting can prevent them from being dazzled by reducing the sun's glare. Before taking this step, check local laws and regulations on tinting. In Minnesota, cars can't have any tint on the front windshield and are limited to 50% tint on their side, back, and rearview windows.

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