As parents who travel with our son four to six times a year, we understand the importance of seamless planning, especially when it comes to safety. One of the biggest decisions we face on every trip is whether to bring our own car seat, hire one abroad, or go without. Each option comes with its pros and cons, and the right choice often depends on the nature of your trip and your personal comfort levels.
Here’s what we’ve learned, along with practical tips to make your decision easier:
Bringing Your Car Seat from Home
If your itinerary involves extensive driving, taking your own car seat is often the safest and most practical choice. For example, when Alexander was five months old, we embarked on a California road trip that required hours of driving between destinations. Bringing our car seat gave us peace of mind and ensured Alexander was both safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
Advantages
Familiarity: Your child is used to the car seat, which can make long journeys less stressful.
Cost-Effective: You avoid rental fees or the expense of purchasing a car seat abroad.
Challenges
Bulky and Heavy: Depending on the car seat model, transporting it alongside your luggage can be cumbersome.
Potential for Damage: Even if checked, there’s a risk of damage during transit.
Pro Tip: Check your airline’s policy regarding car seats. Most airlines allow one car seat, a cabin-friendly stroller, and one piece of hand luggage per adult. If you’ve purchased a seat for your baby, you can often use the car seat on the plane. Otherwise, ensure it fits in the overhead compartment.
Car Seat Hire Abroad
Hiring a car seat at your destination is a popular option, especially if you’re traveling light or your trip involves minimal driving. Baby travel companies and car rental services often offer car seats for hire, typically at around £20 per day.
Considerations
Cleanliness & Safety: Smaller car hire firms may not maintain seats to the highest standards. Always inspect the seat before use.
Cost: For longer trips, it might be more economical to purchase a car seat locally rather than rent one.
Availability: Reserve your car seat well in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Pro Tip: Choose a seat compatible with Isofix/Isofit systems to ensure it meets European safety standards.
Traveling Without a Car Seat
If your trip involves minimal driving or relies heavily on public transport, going without a car seat might be feasible. However, this decision requires careful consideration of safety and legal regulations.
Taxis
Many countries, including the UK, EU, and US, exempt infants from car seat requirements in taxis. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the safest option.
For shorter trips, such as a ride to the airport, some parents feel comfortable holding their baby on their lap. However, for destinations with fast-paced traffic—think New York City’s infamous cab drivers—we felt safer ensuring Alexander was securely in a car seat.
Pro Tip: Some taxi services offer car seats at an additional cost. Research and pre-book these services whenever possible.
Public Transport
Most public transport systems—buses, trains, and trams—do not require car seats for infants. If you plan to rely on public transport during your stay, confirm the regulations in your destination country.
When to Skip the Car Seat
For trips where you’ll be staying at a resort or villa with minimal movement, a car seat may not be necessary. For instance, when we spent a week in the Maldives, we didn’t bring a car seat since we were primarily staying at our villa and traveling by boat.
Key Takeaways to Simplify Your Decision
Assess Your Itinerary: Will you be on the road often, or are you mostly staying in one place?
Check Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with car seat laws in your destination.
Weigh the Costs: Compare the cost of hiring versus purchasing a car seat at your destination.
Prioritize Comfort: Choose the option that gives you peace of mind, as traveling with children can already be a handful.
At the heart of every family trip is a balance between safety, convenience, and practicality. Whether you choose to bring your car seat, hire one, or go without, what matters most is making the decision that aligns with your travel plans and keeps your little ones secure.
Happy travels from The Kensington Diary!
With Much Love
The Kensington Diary
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