Child Seats In Airport Taxis: What's The Deal?

Travelling with children can be stressful, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety in taxis. While some places, like California, require children to be in car seats in taxis, it is not always a legal requirement. Even where it is, taxis don't usually carry car seats, so it's often necessary to bring your own. However, some companies, like 1ST Airport Taxis in London, Aeroport Taxi & Limousine Service in Toronto, and SIXT ride in Europe, provide child seats for free if you book in advance.

Taxi companies that provide child seats

Travelling with children can be stressful, especially when it comes to ensuring they are safe and comfortable during transit. While some taxi companies do not provide child seats, there are a few notable companies that do offer this service, providing a convenient and safe travel option for families. Here are some of the taxi companies that provide child seats:

Sixt Ride

Sixt Ride is a taxi company that operates across Europe, in most major cities and some smaller ones. They offer an alternative to regular taxi services by providing child seats for their customers upon request. When booking a ride, customers can inform Sixt of the number of children travelling, their ages, heights, and weights, so that the necessary arrangements can be made. This ensures compliance with local laws and the comfort and safety of the children. Sixt Ride's service is available for airport transfers and regular taxi rides.

Kidmoto

Kidmoto is a car service company that specialises in providing safe and convenient airport transportation for families with young children. They operate across 53 cities in America and offer pre-installed child car seats for infants and small children. Kidmoto drivers are trained by professionally qualified car seat technicians, ensuring expert car seat installation. The company's mobile app allows for easy booking and real-time connectivity, making it a convenient choice for families on the go.

Welcome Pickups

Welcome Pickups is a worldwide car service company that provides age-appropriate car seats upon request. They operate on every continent except Antarctica, making them a reliable option for families travelling internationally.

Local Taxi Companies and Car Services

In addition to these larger companies, there are also local taxi companies and car services in various cities that offer child seats. For example, G7 in Paris and Shebah in Australia provide this service. It's always worth checking with local companies to see if they can accommodate your needs.

When travelling with children, it's essential to prioritise their safety and comfort. These taxi companies that provide child seats offer a convenient and reliable solution, ensuring that families can travel with peace of mind.

Child seat safety laws

United States In the United States, child restraint laws vary by state, and it is essential to refer to the specific laws in your state. However, there are some general guidelines that apply in most states. Children under a certain age, weight

Child seats in different countries

The laws regarding child seats in taxis vary across the world. Here is a summary of the rules in several countries:

United States

In the US, taxi drivers are generally exempt from providing child car seats, and laws vary from state to state. However, Uber offers a car seat option in some cities, including New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Orlando.

Canada

In Canada, each province and territory has its own laws regarding child car seats in taxis. For example, in some areas, taxi drivers must ensure that children under 16 are properly restrained, while in other areas, they only need to provide an anchor point for a child seat.

United Kingdom

In the UK, children must use a child car seat until they are 12 years old or reach a height of 135 cm. Taxis are exempt from this rule, but children under 12 must sit in the back seat.

European Countries

European countries have varying laws regarding child seats in taxis. For example, in Germany, children are required to use car seats in taxis, while in France, there is no requirement to use a child car seat in a taxi. In Spain, children are not required to use child car seats in city areas, but if the taxi journey takes you out of the city centre, a child car seat is necessary.

Australia

In Australia, the laws regarding child car seats in taxis vary across states and territories. In some areas, taxi drivers don't have to provide a child car seat but must have an anchor point, while in other areas, they must ensure that children under 16 are properly restrained.

Other Countries

Other countries have their own unique laws regarding child seats in taxis. For example, in Turkey, children must use a child restraint system in commercial taxis, and the driver should provide one. In India, there is no legal requirement for child car seats, but it is strongly recommended to use one if possible.

How to arrange a taxi with a child seat

Arranging a taxi with a child seat is a straightforward process, but it's important to plan ahead to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your child. Here are the steps you can follow:

Research Local Laws and Options:

Before your trip, research the local laws and regulations regarding child seats in taxis. Requirements may vary depending on the country or region you are visiting. Knowing the legal requirements will help you make the necessary arrangements.

Additionally, some taxi companies or ride-sharing services may offer child seats upon request. Search for taxi or ride-sharing apps specific to your destination and explore their options. This way, you can identify companies that can provide child seats or accommodate special requests.

Make a Booking in Advance:

Once you have identified a suitable taxi company or ride-sharing service that can provide child seats, make your booking in advance. Let them know that you will need a child seat and provide details such as your child's age, height, and weight if necessary. This information will help them prepare the appropriate child seat for your journey.

Some companies may charge an additional fee for providing a child seat, so be sure to clarify any associated costs during the booking process.

Confirm the Arrangement:

Before your scheduled pickup, confirm with the taxi company or driver that they have received your request for a child seat and that it will be available for your journey. This confirmation step ensures that there are no misunderstandings or last-minute surprises.

Be Prepared with a Backup Option:

In some cases, you may not be able to find a taxi company that provides child seats. In such situations, consider bringing your own portable or foldable child seat. There are lightweight and travel-friendly options available that can provide a safe and convenient solution.

Alternatively, if you are travelling with an infant, you may consider using a baby carrier or sling that is specifically designed for safe travel in taxis or other forms of transportation.

Prioritize Safety:

Regardless of the option you choose, always prioritize the safety of your child. Avoid unsafe practices such as placing your child on your lap with the seatbelt over both of you. Instead, opt for solutions that provide the necessary restraint and protection, even if it means carrying your own child seat or using a specialized travel vest.

Child seat alternatives

While some taxi services do provide child seats, it is not a standard offering. If you are travelling with a child, it is recommended that you bring your own car seat to ensure compliance with the law and your child's safety.

• Ride Safer Travel Vest: This is a certified child restraint system that is lightweight and easy to transport. It is a wearable vest that positions the seat belt properly on the child. This option provides safety and convenience, and can be easily carried in a backpack.
• Lightweight Convertible Car Seats: If you are travelling with an infant or toddler, you may consider purchasing an inexpensive, lightweight convertible car seat specifically for travel. This option allows you to leave your regular car seat at home, reducing the amount of luggage you need to carry.
• Pre-booking Services with Child Seats: Some taxi or transportation services, such as Airport Taxi Cab Services, offer the option to pre-book and provide car seats for passengers. By pre-arranging your transportation, you can ensure that your child will be safely accommodated during the ride.
• Uber Car Seat: If you are in select cities like New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, or Orlando, you may be able to order an Uber with a forward-facing car seat. This option is ideal for children who are 2 years old or above.
• Welcome Pickups: Welcome Pickups is a worldwide car service that provides age-appropriate car seats upon request. They operate on every continent except Antarctica, making them a convenient option for international travel.
• Local Taxi Companies and Car Services: Many local taxi companies and car services around the world offer taxis with car seats. For example, G7 in Paris and Shebah in Australia provide this option. It is recommended to research and contact local companies in advance to arrange for a child seat.

Remember to always prioritise your child's safety when travelling, and be sure to comply with the relevant laws and regulations regarding child restraints in the country you are visiting.

Frequently asked questions