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?

Depends where you live. Is there decent public transport or can you walk to everything? I live rurally and would have to spend a fortune on taxis without a car. If I lived in town I’d rarely need the car.

If you live somewhere where most things are in walking distance, or there is public transport, then you’ll be fine without a car.

Of course not but actually less important with a newborn and more important as there older so I would do it at some point but no rush ,

As an example I ( single parent ) physically could not get to work on time without a car . Early start and just enough time to drop dc at breakfast club and get to work . A while off for you yet but definitely something to think about

We have two DC, 5 and 8. We've never owned a car since they have been born. Occasionally it's a pain, but the cost of public transport, taxis and the occasional hire car is far lower than the cost of running a car. It all depends on what the transport and amenities are like where you live though.

As a result though, the DC are really confident on buses and trains. They know how to find the right platform and don't moan about journeys taking a little longer.

There seems to be an assumption amongst lots of people, that a car is essential with kids but we've never found it to be the case. They are great walkers and can easily walk 5-6 miles without getting tired.

In London or another major city, no. Outside of that I'd say yes but suggest you do a crash course with an automatic. I have a manual licence but couldn't drive manual if my life depended on it these days. After owning one automatic shortly after passing my test, I haven't gone back. Driving is so much easier.

It would be handy but not essential if you live in an urban area with good public transport. I would make sure your pram isn't huge so it can go on buses easily. Get a good sling too. I would buy a car seat and that fits on the pram chassis so you can use it in other people's cars or in taxis and coaches and clip it on the pram at your destination. Baby carrier type car seats are easy and quick to fit with the adult seatbelt in any car and will usually last till at least 15 months.