The Habitat
Home
Share to PinterestMake Sure Your Next Vehicle is Kid-Friendly
How-toYour Vehicle

Make Sure Your Next Vehicle is Kid-Friendly

By Staff Writer
Share to PinterestMake Sure Your Next Vehicle is Kid-Friendly
Advertisement

Family-friendly vehicle features are a dime a dozen these days, so how do you narrow it down? When you're a parent, your little ones always come first, which is why it's wise to help them enjoy both the destination and the journey along the way.

From state-of-the-art entertainment to versatile and convenient add-ons, finding a vehicle when you have kids is a journey in itself.

01

Versatile seating

Share to Pinterestfather with kids in the car

The holy grail of kid-friendly vehicles, many of today's seats can be folded flat or removed completely, giving you ample storage space for weekend outings or after-school soccer practice. If you've got a big crew, then you might want seating that simplifies third-row access with a middle row that automates tilting and gliding from both sides.

Some seating even collapses into the cabin floor, disappearing from view while creating plenty of wiggle room.

Advertisement
02

Modern music

Share to PinterestWoman pressing Apple Maps button on the Apple CarPlay main screen in modern car dashboard
Hadrian / Shutterstock

You need to keep them occupied during long rides, so seek out AppleCarPlay or Android Audio for a more enjoyable experience. These apps make it easy to connect devices for streaming, watching YouTube videos, keeping up with online classes, listening to music, or playing games, and it's simple to switch between users if you want to share a hit over the radio or via the built-in TV.

Advertisement
03

Rear seat excitement

Share to Pinterestgirls watching television in backseat
Don Mason / Getty Images

Keep kids going during any adventure with state-of-the-art entertainment streaming from your rear seats. Watching something together not only keeps little ones busy, but it's a fantastic bonding experience we don't get enough of in the social media age. Whether you select headrest-mounted displays or a ceiling-mounted screen is all up to you.

Advertisement
04

Heated seating

Share to PinterestGirl sleeping while traveling in car during winter
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Especially the rear seats. Cold temps don't stand a chance when you've got comfy seating in tow, so look for vehicles that have the same features in the back as up front.

Kids love sinking into that warmth as much as anyone, and the feeling alone can help them remain (somewhat) calm and collected during crisp days about town.

Advertisement
05

All the mirrors

Share to PinterestMirror reflection of toddler sitting in child's seat in a car
Westend61 / Getty Images

With kids, it's even more vital to keep your eyes on the road. Thankfully, you can do so while still keeping watch over the whole clan. Baby backseat mirrors let you see even rear-facing car seats, so you can maintain a connection with every family member.

Many models offer this feature built-in, but you can also find them aftermarket at a wide range of retailers.

Advertisement
06

Microphones and speakers

Share to Pinterestcar speakers

When you've got children comfortably tucked into the back row, they're unlikely to pay much attention to you shouting from the front seat. If they're deep enough into their on-the-road entertainment, they might not even notice.

Thankfully, retailers have noticed; many are incorporating built-in microphones and speaker systems that allow riders to easily communicate in their indoor voices.

Advertisement
07

Wi-fi

Share to PinterestBoy and girl on rear seat of car playing on tablet
Uwe Krejci / Getty Images

In today's technologically enhanced world, wi-fi is no longer negotiable. It's a must-have for many families, and getting it installed in your car will take your kids' eyes off the road and occupied on their tablets, phones, or your onboard entertainment — hopefully minimizing "are we there yet?"s.

Wi-fi is chauffeur-friendly, too, helping you navigate difficult terrain or roadside shutdowns by streaming directions and traffic info directly through your vehicle's sound system.

Advertisement
08

A quality vacuum

Share to Pinterestperson vacuuming car's interior
MilanEXPO / Getty Images

Did you know some cars come with a built-in vacuum to make clearing cookie crumbs from the seat cushions a breeze? While any vacuum could do, if it's always on hand, it's that much easier to reach for and helps keep your transpo immaculate.

During long weekends, road trips, and food runs, it makes even more of an impact.

Advertisement
09

Retractable sunshades

Share to PinterestDriver is lifting car side window curtains sunshades
Birdlkportfolio / Getty Images

Summer's here, and the living is easy. Or is it? Window sunshades help keep your vehicle cool and free from harsh UV rays that can hurt your kiddos' eyes, so you won't have to worry about them squinting or overheating.

Motorized controls are included in most models, so you can operate the shades directly from the driver's seat.

Advertisement
10

Easy-to-use liftgates

Share to PinterestModern black car with open trunk door on road

You know how difficult it is to pull up that rear door when you're juggling your toddler, your school-aged child, and hefty bags full of groceries, but worry no longer. Whoever or whatever you have in tow, a hands-free liftgate is that feature you didn't know you needed.

Whether it's a kick pad under the back bumper or another ingenious option, this feature is non-negotiable.

Advertisement

Share

Scroll Down

for the Next Article

Advertisement
Advertisement