Buying a family car isn’t as straightforward as it should be. There is a lot to consider if you want to find the right vehicle that will keep your new family safe, and meet your needs as a driver and parent. In today’s guide, however,. We’re going to make it easy for you, so read on to find out how new dads can find the perfect ride.

The budget

First of all, establish how much you can afford to spend on the car. Now, buying a vehicle is likely to be the second biggest purchase you will make after your home. But, the expenditure is worth it if it makes you feel safe when out driving with your family. The usual lines of financing are open to most people if you can’t afford to pay cash – and you can even get car loans for bad credit ratings these days. Bear in mind that the cost of buying the car is not your only expense. There are insurance, maintenance, equipment such as baby seats, and fuel costs to consider in your budget, too – so don’t overstretch yourself.

Safety first

Guys, it’s time to put those sports car dreams to one side for the moment. Now you have a family, you need to start thinking safety first, and that means paying attention to crash test results – you can find out the safest cars at the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) website. You’ll find safety results for all car makes going all the way back to 1990. For further information on protection in cars, take a look at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website.

Generous back seats

The more room there is in the backseat, the more flexible you can be with baby seats and child seats. And believe us, you will need flexibility, given the amount of times you will be hauling that seat in and out of the car on a regular basis! And bear in mind that if you are planning on having more kids, space on your back seat will be at even more of a premium. If you can find a car that comfortably fits three child seats, you are probably heading in the right direction.

Big trunks

Don’t underestimate the sheer amount of stuff you will be hauling around in the car when you have kids. It’s not just a case of fitting a child seat, you’ll also need a huge trunk to accommodate buggies, strollers, ginormous bags of diapers, favorite toys, bottles for milk, and just about every other thing it is possible to buy for a baby. Even a 10-minute trip to the shops can turn into a 3-hour long expedition when you have kids, such is the volume of stuff you need to pack. And you will need a lot of space to keep it, so always – always – go for a car with big trunk space.

Child-friendly features

There are a few other things you will need if you want a more comfortable driving experience in a family car. Window tints are perfect for keeping the sun out of your little one’s eyes, and dark- interiors are better at hiding stains and spills – which will happen. Finally, consider getting a car with a DVD player in the backseat, too – particularly if you get out and about a lot. Good luck with the family – and the new car!