Is a car essential with a new born?

[Newuser1996190]

Hi, I'm die to be a single mum where the baby is going to have no contact with the dad at all. My question is, do you think its essential to have a car with a newborn? I'm thinking of saving and spending (way too much money) on a crash corse, and buying a cheap car before the baby comes. It's going to take a lot of saving, but if I can avoid it I will at any cost! Obviously it'd be easier with a car, but could I manage without one?

Of course you can if you live somewhere with public transport. Why would you need a car if you can already get places without one?

Yes, we managed fine. It might be worth buying a car seat though, if people give you lifts or you take a taxi, but we didn't often need to do that. Buses are really easy to navigate with a baby these days!

It depends where you live. I lived centrally in my town when mine were born and managed fine without a car post CSection when I couldn't drive. It's nice to have the independence your own car gives you but it's not essential, many manage without.

It would be a good idea to get your test over and done with now before the baby is born if you can as once it's born, there'll be more expenses than you have now plus you'll need childcare whilst you're having your lessons. Then you have more options later.

I didn't drive when I had my first and second. Granted it was easier with my 3rd but was fine. I live near good bus and train routes, have everything I need within a few miles. I would get a car seat though in case it is needed in someone else's car

It’s not essential, but if you can manage to do it, it does make life a lot easier, not just with a newborn, but for the rest of your life.

Of course you can manage! I didn't get a car until I had my second child and it was absolutely fine. We live near good transport links thought and in walking (20 mins ish) distance to a supermarket and some other shops.

I had an uppababy vista (massive basket) for my 'shopping' pram and a mamas and papas city mini or baby carrier and backpack for nipping anywhere on the bus.

I went everywhere and anywhere, we were out every day rain or shine and it was great. I eventually did get a car but it still wasn't essential.

Totally depends where you live/your lifestyle. We don’t drive but live in London so it’s not an issue.

If you do want to learn, doing it pre-baby will definitely be much easier both logistically and in terms of your brainpower - it’s really hard learning new things when sleep deprived!

If you are in London - definitely not.
If you live in the middle of no where - definitely yes.
Anywhere else depends.
Are you in walking distance from a supermarket? Can you get emergency food/nappies at awkward times easily? Could you walk/easy bus to your GP (there will be regular visits for check ups, immunisations etc)? Do you have easy access to public transport to get to places you want.
The answer to your question completely depends on where you live.

I passed my test when my first was 5 months old it and it helped a lot because I was single and working so made drop offs and pick up to family and childcare sooooo much quicker and easier.

If you're not working or live very close to whoever will be looking after the baby then I'd say it's not necessary 😊

Well, it depends where you live? We have two kids under 6 and have never owned a car

Totally depends on where you live. With my first we were living in London and a car would have been no use to me. With my second we live in an area where there is one bus every two hours and it would be an hours walk to the train station along national speed limit roads or a dual carriageway. So car definitely required.

Course it's not essential. A car seat might be handy for lifts with friends/ relatives but if you can get most places with pram/pushchair you'll save yourself the money and hassle of owning a car and get fitter too from walking everywhere.

I'd also recommend a wearable sling type thing so you can fold up your pushchair on the bus.

Having done an intensive course when pregnant I don't recommend it. It was really uncomfortable.

Getting lessons... maybe. Its easier without a baby in tow The issue is the current test backlog.

Do you need a car? Completely depends on public transport options.

I lived in a small city with my first two DC and only used the car for travel outside the city.I would push the pram to the shops, the recycling depot, the park, toddlers groups etc.Cars are expensive and if you are in walking distance of amenities or have a good bus service I wouldn't buy one.my DC live in London and clearly don't need a car. If they are holidaying or moving stuff around they hire or borrow a vehicle.

Depends on where you live. Having a car does make life a lot easier though - I had a section with both of mine and having to walk in the rain to the shops/nursery drop off was a right pain.

Depends where you live. If you have lots of things in walking distance and public transport then no, you don't need a car.

Worth getting an all stage car seat though so you have one you can use if you want to hire a car / get lifts etc.

I was a single mum years ago, working full time.
I started off with no car as I hadn't passed my test, I took public transport everywhere with a baby sling and a pram on and off buses.
Then when i had to go back to work had to walk to the childminder, then get the bus to work.
It was all doable but quite hard work.
I got my license and a car and suddenly life was 100 times easier.
Its a right pain waiting for a bus with a screaming, wet baby.
All depends where you live really. Big city I wouldn't bother but rural or small town I definitely would get a car.

Agree with others, depends entirely on the area.

We live in a semi rural location. But have a corner shop at the end of the road, supermarket a mile away and we are right on a well serviced bus route to the nearest city centre and the supermarket. There is a school in the village and high school can be accessed by the bus route again. If we moved off the bus route, I'd probably struggle without a car TBH.

It's well worth getting your licence now even if you don't get a car straight away. Then you have options.

Location dependant.
Imo it became more useful at a later stage (mid to later primary) when our needs weren't really met in our immediate vicinity.

But we lived in walking distance of a GP, nursery and primary school, library, swimming lessons (bit of a hike but still doable) , shops, cafes and baby activities.

No. You’ll be fine without. Add up what taking the test, lessons, insurance, parking, petrol, depreciation, maintenance, and VED will cost you over the year. It’ll pay for a LOT of taxis.

If you walk everywhere you will wear out prams, shoes, raincoats quicker of course but still lot of savings over a car! Plus if you are like me and dont like formal exercise you keep fitter.

Good point CommonPrimrose, you will be pretty fit!