Easy riders: from boy racer to dad driver

Your whole life - and car - will change gear once baby is on board. But help is at hand as The Guardian's Matt Seaton steers you through the transition from boy racer to dad driver.

Ah, the joy of the open road, the wind in your hair, sound system kicking, the thrill of changing down and hoofing the throttle … is over, my friend. You are no longer Warren Beatty belting through Beverly Hills on his motorbike in Shampoo.

You will never be Steve McQueen piloting that Mustang GT up and down the hills of San Francisco, because you are about to enjoy the motoring experience of Mr Responsible Family Man and they don’t tend to make movies about him.

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Ditch the sports car?

But it’s really not so tragic. After all, for the most of us, there isn’t much open road to be had. Drive time is more likely to mean crawling in commuter traffic, trying to figure out which lane on the motorway is moving marginally faster, and hoping you don’t get dinged in the car park. Still, there are a few things to think about, my new family guy.

That sporty two-seater was just the thing when you were courting. But courting has certain consequences, and one of them now means you need a car that will accommodate the new third party in your relationship. Not to mention possible fourth or fifth parties, down the road, so to speak.

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Taking the plunge

It may be time to trade in the classic sports car and go for something a bit more practical... and safe

Sure, sacrifices must be made and letting go isn’t easy. But your life is changing and you need to own the choice you’ve made.

By the time your cute little Peugeot 304 is stuck at the side of the road, with steam pouring out from under the hood, and you’re holding your crying baby in one hand and a mobile phone in the other, and the AA informs you that their call-out time is currently three hours, it’s a little late for regrets.

So, you ask, is it straight to the Volvo dealership? Putting aside the note of sarcasm in your voice, yes and no, I answer. Family motoring doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go for the foursquare estate car.

In fact, for the first few years, that may be bigger than you need — and why have the extra expense and parking hassle of a bloody great barge?

A hatchback or mini-people-mover may be more up your street. But if you go for a hatchback, think five doors: you need to be parking junior in the back and only your osteopath will benefit if you’re attempting insertion or extraction from the front.

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Child seats

You will also need a child seat. Halfords has a good range, but it’s also worth checking out friends and second-hand sources — you’ll only have this first seat for a year or so, and they don’t wear out.

That said, removable and washable lining is a must (because even after you have adjusted your driving style to smooth and steady, you will have a baby vomit experience sooner or later). And choose something with nice easy fastening — some buckles can be fiendish.

Back seat is best for baby, as a rule. And don’t be surprised to find yourself on your own up front: your partner may choose to sit in the back with baby, to begin with. If you are travelling on your own, then it’s fine to mount the child-seat next you in the front, but it must be facing backwards.

Make sure you get the seatbelt fastening right, and if you have an airbag - it won't save your baby's life - either turn it off or move the littlun into the back seat (check the car’s manual for details on turning them off).

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All the extra tat you'll need

Then you’re almost set: all you need is the changing bag, with spare nappies, wet-wipes, change of clothes, bottle, spare dummies, tissues, etc. A blanket or two, of course. Plus the pushchair. And not forgetting the travel cot …

Then you’ll need all this times two, when little sis or bro arrives. Which is why, like me, you do just give in and end up driving a Volvo estate. Comfy seats, though.

Author

Matt Seaton

Your thoughts?

What do you think? Are there any decent cars out there that will work as family cars too, or is a low-adrenaline driving life inevitable when you have kids? Use the comments system below.