Guest Post by Amanda Tradwick

Practicing safe driving is important whenever you're in the car, but it becomes especially important when you have precious cargo like a small baby traveling with you. Whether you're taking a drive around the block to pick up some eggs or you're on a longer road trip across several states to see your Aunt Edna, driving safely is important to avoid accidents and to protect your little one. Here are a few things you can do to make sure that every trip you take in your car is as safe as you can make it:

Use a Proper Car Seat

It can be tempting to ride with your baby in your lap if you are traveling a short distance, or to remove you baby from the seat if she is fussy or needs to breastfeed. However, your baby should never ride in the car unless she is securely strapped into an appropriate car seat for her age and weight. Babies should be in a rear-facing car seat until they are 35 pounds. They should always be strapped into the seat with a five-point shoulder harness. Once they outgrow this seat, they should be moved into a rear-facing convertible car seat. Experts recommend that children remain in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.

Eliminate Detachable Objects

Dangling toys, mirrors, and rattles can be nice distractions for your baby while you are riding in the car, but these items can become airborne projectiles in case of an accident. Don't put any loose toys or items that clip on to the car seat in the car. Also, be wary of any items that attach to the car windows with suction cups, such as shades, mirrors, or toys.

Eliminate Distractions

When you are driving with a baby, it is even more important to keep your eyes and your attention completely on the road and the other drivers around you. Avoid distractions meant for the baby, such as portable DVD players, that may also distract your attention from the road. Do not talk on your cell phone and NEVER text while driving. Take care not to become too distracted by the radio or conversations with other passengers in the car.

Never Leave Baby Unattended

If you have to stop for any reason — maybe to quickly buy a drink from a convenience store or to use the bathroom — never leave the baby in the car unattended. Even if you will only be a moment, it is never safe to leave a baby alone in the car. Temperatures may become too hot or too cold, the baby could suffocate or strangle on items left in or near the car seat, or you could forget that the baby is in the car and leave her there for a long period of time. Never leave the safety of your baby to chance.

Follow Safe Driving Practices

Finally, the best way to drive safely with a baby in the car is to practice other safe driving practices that you should already be following. These can include, but are not limited to, following a safe speed limit, maintaining a safe following distance, and allowing an appropriate braking distance. Ensuring that you follow these basic safety practices will minimize the risks you face on the road.

When you are driving with a baby in the car, it becomes especially important to be as safe as you can on the road. Following basic safety practices can help, but taking further measures such as using an appropriate car seat, eliminating loose objects and eliminating distractions can help create as safe an environment as possible.

About the author:

Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor's degrees from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on education grants for women and federal grants for college.