The 9 must-have features in your car for an expecting or new parent

Here are nine must-have features for an expecting or new parent to have in their car. 

When you’re expecting, you start to consider things that would never usually occur to you.

Your car needs to do more than get you from A to B. It’ll now have to keep your little one safe, comfortable, and secure while making life as stress-free as possible for you.

From secure ISOFIX points and roomy boots, to built-in sunshades and advanced safety features, the right car can make parenting on the go much easier.

Here’s what to look for when choosing a family-friendly vehicle that adapts to your growing needs.

ISOFIX points 

If you’ve never had to deal with the arduous task of installing a car seat, you may not know what ISOFIX points are.

ISOFIX is an acronym which stands for “International Standards Organisation Fix”.

They’re built-in anchor points in your car, designed for safe and secure installation of car seats for children, keeping your little ones on board strapped in safely.

While not a necessity for installing a car seat, it does make life easier and gives you peace of mind knowing it’s fitted safely.

Sounds great, right? But do all cars have them?

Sadly not.

However, since November 2012, ISOFIX has been mandatory in all new cars, so if your vehicle predates this, check before assuming it's equipped. 

But your shiny lease car will be brand-new, so you won’t have to worry.
 

Advanced safety features 

With the most precious cargo you can have, every safety precaution under the sun matters. As an expecting parent, you’ll want a vehicle equipped with the latest advanced safety features to protect both you and your little one.

Obviously checking a car’s Euro NCAP safety rating is a good place to start, measuring adult and infant safety. 

But beyond crash-test scores, certain features can provide extra peace of mind.

Look for automatic emergency braking (AEB) to help prevent collisions, blind-spot monitoring to keep an eye on hard-to-see areas, and lane-keeping assist to gently correct yourself if you drift. 

All of this helps to keep you safe on the road.

Rear-view cameras and parking sensors make tight manoeuvres easier, making parking a breeze when your baby is hungry in the back.

When choosing your next family car, these features go beyond convenience—they’re essential for keeping your growing family safe on every journey.

A big boot

Childcare essentials take up more space than you'd think. 

A pushchair alone can dominate a boot, and that's before adding nappies, wipes, spare clothes (for you and the baby!), bottles, dummies, and snacks.

An SUV is a safe bet for boot space. And a bonus of being in a higher car? Less strain on your back bending down to strap in the kids. 

The Jaecoo 7 is an excellent option. It has masses of room in the back seats, with an even bigger boot, ideal for growing families. 

Or if you’re more inclined to a smaller car, but need the space, a compact SUV could be the answer. The Nissan Juke does it all, wrapped up in a small SUV.

Hands-free boot opening 

Sometimes it feels like you never have enough arms. 

So, to help take off the pressure, let your boot do some of the heavy lifting. Literally.

A hands-free opening boot allows you to juggle your baby, and everything that comes with it easily. 

Either a button on your key or the boot handle, one click and it’s ready to use. Less hassle, less strain on your already tired back and arms. 

What more could you want?

Rear legroom 

Car seats are deceptively big, but the added safety for your baby is unmatched.

This is because car seats need to be installed rear facing—the safest position for protecting your baby in case of a crash.

Even though your little one won’t need much legroom yet, their car seat definitely will. Choosing a car with ample rear space ensures a comfortable fit without squashing anyone in the front.

Five seats 

Still holding onto that two-seater coupe dream? Parenthood might be the time to let it go.

Whether you’re a family of two or five, you’ll always need more room than you think. 

If you’re planning on, or have braved, two under two, that’s multiple car seats in the back—so a five-seater is non-negotiable.

Easy-to-clean interior 

This really applies for passengers and drivers of all ages, we all have a spillage here and there. 

But for our little ones who haven’t mastered their hand-eye coordination, these spills and accidents do happen more often.

To combat this, an easy-to-clean interior is key. Opt for vinyl or leather seats as they’re the easiest to wipe down, and even resist staining.

Put simply—picking something that won’t make cleaning up milk and sick a nightmare will be your best bet.

Child lock 

Old but gold—the classic child lock is a must-have, more aimed at the terrible twos stage and above though. 

Nothing stops your heart faster than hearing a car door open while you’re driving.

Child locks prevent this.

Just don’t forget to unlock it when an adult passenger is trying to get out.

Built-in sunshades

Gone are the days of flimsy suction pad sunshades, where the sun still manages to sneak through.

Enter built-in sunshades—a real game-changer.

Seamlessly integrated into the rear windows of the car, it provides shade and protects your little one's eyes from the sun.

No more readjusting suction pads that just keep falling off, or struggling with awkward installations.

Just smooth, effortless shade at the pull of a tab, keeping your baby cool, comfortable, and collected.

From safety and convenience to space and comfort, choosing the right family car is all about making your life easier as parents.

Whether it's ISOFIX points, a big boot, or built-in sunshades, the right features ensure your journeys are safer, smoother, and stress-free.