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| |    Family-Friendly Car Features by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. and Mona Behan reviewed by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. When it comes time to buy a new car for the family, parents are sure to pay serious attention to practical concerns, such as ample passenger and cargo space, and safety considerations, such as crash ratings and antilock brakes. But automakers have been courting the lucrative family market by packing their vehicles with some innovative bells and whistles that make life on the road more fun and comfortable for parents and kids alike. We consulted with Frank Markus, technical director at Car and Driver magazine, to come up with some noteworthy family-friendly features. Rear-seat-viewing mechanisms. These devices give parents what they've wanted since time immemorial: eyes in the back of their heads. They range from simple parabolic rear-view mirrors to an elaborate (and quite pricey) video set-up in which a small monitor mounts onto the rear-view mirror and a couple of small cameras keep tabs on the small fry in the back seat. We don't know of any studies on how safe it is to use these features while driving, but we do know that anything that distracts a driver can be dangerous, so be sure to use them wisely. DVD and video players. Available in all sorts of configurations, these built-ins have become one of the hottest options in family cars. Frank Markus advises opting for a DVD player over video (better picture quality) and likes the type of rear-seat monitors that fold into the roof when not in use. For safety's sake, be sure that your video equipment is securely fastened to your car to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile if you have to slam on the brakes. (See our article "Top On-the-Road Entertainment Picks for Families" for some movie ideas for your traveling theater.) Some systems include a television tuner, and a few even feature a Sony PlayStation. Satellite radios. A new subscription service available through a few automakers and automotive-accessory stores offers around 100 different channels that will never fade in and out as you crisscross the country. Seat warmers--and coolers. A staple in many vehicles, a few models now have them in rear seats as well as the front--just the ticket after a chilly soccer game, an afternoon at the skating rink, or simply the ride home from school on a cold winter's day. Conversely, a few high-end cars also feature seat coolers that use fans, and sometimes electric cooling devices, to keep backsides comfy all summer long. (And speaking of summer, one automaker now offers a solar sunroof that generates enough power to run the fan when the engine is turned off, helping to dissipate some of the heat that builds up in a parked car on a hot day. Not enough to leave kids or dogs in the car, though--it's never safe to do that, especially on a hot day!) Head-phone jacks and 12-volt electrical outlets for the rear seat. When family harmony is flagging and a battle over control of the radio is looming, these handy features let passengers plug in their own CD players, lap-top computers, and other personal entertainment devices. Sunshades. Parents who are concerned that their children are getting too much sun can pull down these shades on the rear window that reduce heat and glare while still allowing the driver to look out the back. Versatile rear armrests. In some cars, the center rear armrest functions as a storage compartment, holders, and a writing surface. And, oh yes, it even functions as a comfortable armrest. Built-in booster seats. With safety experts recommending that children ride in boosters until age eight or longer, this is an especially timely feature. A simple manual operation raises the seat cushions to give kids a bird's eye view while making sure their lap-and-shoulder belts fit just right. Remote-controlled sliding doors. A push of a button makes manually opening those heavy sliding doors a thing of the past in some enlightened minivans. Especially handy when you're lugging a car seat, packages, or a squirming toddler. Refrigerators. Still a rarity, but a few cars are building in small refrigerators into the rear-seat compartment. Great for keeping bottles of formula, soft drinks, or the picnic sandwiches nicely chilled. Cup holders. Never underestimate the value of these little gadgets, which truly fall into the once-you've-had-them-you-can-never-live-without-them category. Some monster SUVs now boast nine of them, but your family probably can get by nicely with four. More information: Talk about:
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