As a parent, it’s the top priority to ensure your child’s safety, including when you are traveling in a taxi. However, using a car seat in taxi can be challenging, especially if you are not prepared. If you’re wondering: how to deal with car seats and taxis and trying to find a solution for this, move on to reading this article. Here we compile a few tips on how to use a car seat in taxis.
Let’s start with the reasons why you should take a car seat in a taxi.
Why should parents take a car seat in a taxi?
Taking a car seat in a taxi is important for the safety of your child because the car seat can provide essential protection for your child in the event of a collision.
In some states, it is required by law to use a car seat for children under a certain age and weight while riding in a taxi. So if you’re not using a car seat, you may be breaking the law and putting your child at risk and being fined.
Taxis are not usually required by law to provide car seats, and even if they do, the car seat may not be appropriate for your child’s age and weight. By bringing your car seat, you ensure that your child is properly secured and protected during the ride.
Even if you’re only taking a short ride in a taxi, accidents can still happen, even in large cities like New York. A car seat can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death in a collision, no matter how short the trip.
It seems inconvenient to carry a car seat with you for travel, but it’s a small price to pay for your child’s safety. By taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your child is protected and safe during the ride.
This video from FAA explains why:
What’s the best car seat for taxi rides?
When it comes to choosing the best car seat for taxi rides, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips for your reference if you’re planning a trip with tax in the United States.
Important Features to Include in a Car Seat for Taxi Use
Lightweight and portable
A car seat that is lightweight and easy to carry is ideal for taxi rides. Look for a car seat that can be easily installed and removed from a vehicle, and one that can be carried easily by hand or in a backpack. For example, the Diono Radian car seats can be folded and carried with built-in straps like a backpack – but they’re heavy (around 30 pounds).
Find an appropriate car seat from our posts on related topics:
Compact size
A compact car seat is also important for taxi rides. Consider a car seat that can fit comfortably in the backseat of a taxi without taking up too much space, because you probably sit next to the car seat in the cab.
For this topic and similar, you can read our posts:
- Narrowest convertible car seats within 18.5 inches
- Best narrow car seats
- Slim car seat to fit 3 across
Easy installation
A car seat that is easy to install is friendly for quick and hassle-free rides. Take a car seat that can be easily installed using the car’s seat belt or LATCH system, and one that has clear installation instructions.
Adjustable
An adjustable car seat can be useful for accommodating the child’s growth and changing needs. Look for a car seat that has adjustable straps, headrests, and harnesses, and one that can be used for different age and weight ranges.
Last but not the least, you should also consider the safety features of the car seat. Even though all the car seats sold in the US should meet or exceed safety standards, it would be better if the car seat has safety extras like side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and a five-point harness system.
Best car seats options for taxis
Based on these factors, here are some excellent car seats that are recommended for taxi rides:
Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller
Key Features
- Weight Range: 4-35 lbs.
- Height Limit: 32 inches
- Lifespan: 6 years
- Type: Infant
- Stage: 1st
- Suitable for: Birth to 1 year old
The Good
- Combine a car seat and stroller
- Easy in and out
- Support installation without a car seat base
- Smooth transition between car seat and stroller
- Compact size design for storage and carrying
- Friendly and portable to take for air travel
- The handle can be used as an anti-rebound bar
- 2 years manufacturer's warranty
The Bad
- Short handle not friendly for tall people
- A little expensive
- Not include undercarriage basket for storage
- A bit heavy
$550
It’s the only car seat with wheels so that you can use it as a carrier in a taxi and unfold the wheels to turn it into a stroller. It’s a bit heavy but the easiest to take for a trip.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 - 7.5 lbs
Key Features
- Weight Range: 4-35 lbs.
- Height Limit: 32 inches
- Lifespan: 7 years
- Type: Infant
- Stage: 1st
- Suitable for: Birth to 1 year old
The Good
- Budget price
- 35-lb weight limit
- 32-inch top height
- Easy installation
- Support installation without a car seat base
- Lightweight and portable to take for air travel
- Easy connect to strollers
The Bad
- A bit bulky
$159.99
It’s one of the lightest infant car seats (7.5 lbs) and easy to install with LATCH or a seat belt. It can be used as an infant car seat, accommodating children from 4-35 pounds in rear-facing mode.
Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX -11 lbs
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF)
- Height limits: ~40" (RF); ~49” (FF)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd
- Lifespan: 8 years
The Good
- Cheap price
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- Lightweight car seat for travel
The Bad
- Lack advanced additional features
- Sometimes not easy to install rear-facing
$89.99
This car seat is lightweight (11 pounds), compact (17″W x 21.5″L x 26.5″ H), and easy to install. It can be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, accommodating children from 5-40 pounds in rear-facing mode and 22-40 pounds in forward-facing mode.
Evenflo Tribute 5 - 9.29 lbs
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF)
- Height limits: ~43" (RF); ~49” (FF)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd
- Lifespan: 8 years
The Good
- Super budget price
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- Lightweight and portable design
- Made in USA
The Bad
- Less headrest and recline
- Lack advanced additional features
$79.99
It is even more lightweight (9.3 lbs) and compact (18″D x 18.5″ W x 25″H), making it easy to carry and install. It can be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, accommodating children from 5-40 pounds in rear-facing mode and 22-40 pounds in forward-facing mode.
Diono Radian 3RXT
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-50 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: 44" (RF); ~49" (FF); ~57.1” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- 50-lb higher rear-facing weight limit
- 120-lb higher booster weight limit
- 3 in 1 car seat for good years
- Narrow width to do three across
- Foldable design for easy carry
- Low profile for kids to get in and out
The Bad
- A bit pricey
- Lack premium features for an easy installation
$299.99
This car seat is heavy (30.5 pounds) but it’s foldable, making it easy to take with straps like a backpack. It can be used as a rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat, accommodating children from 5-120 pounds.
It is also narrow and easy to install. Other Diono Radian car seats, like the entry-level model, 3R, and premium model, 3QXT, are also slim and folding designs. The only point you should pay attention to is the car seat height, which may cause a problem fitting in small taxis.
How to arrange a cab with a car seat?
If there is a decent chance to take taxis for travel, here are some common ways to arrange a taxi with a car seat.
Use a ride-sharing service that provides car seats: Some ride-sharing services, such as Uber Family or Lyft Car Seat, offer car seat options for passengers with children. These services typically have car seats available for children of different ages and sizes and can be requested through the app when booking the ride.
Rent a car seat: Some car rentals companies, such as Hertz or Enterprise, offer car seat rentals along with their rental cars. This can be a good option if you are traveling and need a car seat for a short period.
Use a local car seat service: There are also car seat rental services available, such as Baby’s Away or Traveling Baby Company, that offer car seats for rent at affordable rates. These services can be a good option if you need a car seat for a short time, or if you don’t want to bring your car seat with you on the trip.
When arranging a taxi with a car seat, be sure to plan and book the ride in advance, especially during busy times or in high-demand areas. Also, be sure to confirm the car seat option with the ride-sharing service, taxi company, or car rental service ahead of time, to ensure that the car seat will be available when you need it.
FAQs on car seat in taxi
Do you need a car seat in a taxi in the USA?
The car seat requirements in a taxi in the USA vary by state and city, but in many cases, it is recommended or required to use a car seat for small kids, even in a taxi.
Before taking a taxi ride with your child, it’s strongly recommended to check the car seat laws for your state and city. In general, it’s better to use a car seat for small infants in a taxi for their safety. Even if it’s not required by law, using a car seat can help reduce the risk of injury in an accident or sudden stop.
If you’re not sure about the car seat requirements in your area or destination, you can check with the local Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Transportation for more information.
Additionally, you can contact the taxi company or ride-sharing service ahead of time to inquire about their policies on car seats and whether they offer car seats for passengers.
Can you take a baby in a taxi in the USA?
Yes, you can take a baby in a taxi in the USA, but it is important to ensure that the baby is properly secured in a car seat for their safety.
As mentioned earlier, the car seat requirements for babies and children in a taxi vary by state and city, so it’s important to check the laws and recommendations for your area.
When taking a taxi with a baby, it’s important to bring a car seat that is appropriate for their age, weight, and height. It’s recommended that small infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old. Alternatively, you can use a ride-sharing service that provides car seats or rent a car seat from a car rental company or car seat rental service.
Keep in mind that babies and younger toddlers should never be held on a lap while riding in a taxi or any other vehicle, as this is not a safe way to transport them. If you’re traveling with a baby, be sure to bring a properly installed car seat and use it for every taxi ride to ensure their safety.
Does Ubers in America have car seats?
Some Ubers in America offer car seats for passengers, but it depends on the city and the availability of drivers who have car seats in their vehicles. Uber offers a car seat option called “Uber Car Seat” in select cities, which allows passengers to request a ride with a car seat for an additional fee.
However, the availability of Uber Car Seat may be limited, and it’s always a good idea to plan and bring your car seat if possible. If you need to use a car seat in an Uber ride, you can also contact the driver ahead of time to ask if they have a car seat available or if they can accommodate your request.
It’s also worth noting that not all ride-sharing services offer car seats, so it’s important to check with the specific service and city you’ll be using to see what options are available for transporting your child safely.
Can you ride a taxi with a baby in NYC?
Yes, you can ride in a taxi with a baby in New York City (NYC), but it is recommended that the baby is secured in an appropriate car seat for their safety.
In NYC, children under the age of 7 are required to use a car seat or a booster seat when riding in a taxi, according to New York State law. However, taxi drivers are not required to provide car seats, so it’s important to bring your own car seat or use a ride-sharing service that provides car seats.
If you’re traveling with a baby in NYC, you should bring a car seat that is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height. Alternatively, you can use a ride-sharing service that provides car seats, such as Uber Car Seat or Lyft Car Seat, but availability may be limited.
Do you need a carseat in a taxi in Florida?
Yes, in Florida, children under the age of 5 are required to be secured in a car seat or a booster seat when riding in a taxi, according to Florida car seat laws. The law applies to all taxis, limousines, and other for-hire vehicles, and failure to comply with the law can result in fines and penalties.
If you’re traveling with a child who is older than 5 years old, it is still recommended to use a booster seat or a car seat if they are under 4 feet 9 inches tall for their safety.