can you get a child seat with a rental car

[DeJames]

Yes, you can typically get a child seat with a rental car, but it is not guaranteed and requires advance planning. You must reserve the child seat, which is an extra-cost item, when you book your rental vehicle. Relying on availability at the counter is a significant risk, as rental locations have a limited supply. The primary concerns are the unknown history of the seat (it may have been in a previous accident or have missing parts) and the cleanliness of the upholstery. For ultimate safety and peace of mind, bringing your own certified seat is the most reliable option.

The process is straightforward but requires action on your part. You'll find the option to add a child seat during the online booking process on any major rental company's website. It's usually listed under "Additional Equipment" or "Traveling with Kids." You'll need to specify the type of seat required: infant carrier, convertible seat, or booster seat. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $15 per day, which can add a substantial amount to your total rental cost over a week or more.

Before accepting the seat at the rental counter, do a quick inspection. Check for a visible manufacture date; most seats have a 6 to 10-year expiration date. Look for any cracks in the plastic shell, fraying straps, and ensure the LATCH system or seat belt path is clear and functional. If anything seems amiss, ask for a replacement.

For comparison, here is a summary of typical policies from major U.S. rental companies:

Rental Company	Child Seat Availability	Approximate Cost Per Day	Reservation Required?
Enterprise	Yes, subject to availability	$10 - $15	Highly Recommended
Hertz	Yes, subject to availability	$13 - $15	Required
Avis	Yes, subject to availability	$12 - $15	Required
Budget	Yes, subject to availability	$12 - $15	Required
National	Yes, subject to availability	$10 - $15	Highly Recommended
Alamo	Yes, subject to availability	$10 - $13	Highly Recommended

The safest and most cost-effective strategy for frequent travelers is to invest in a lightweight, travel-friendly child seat. Many models are designed for easy installation and portability, eliminating the uncertainty and recurring cost of rental seats.

[Yvette]

Absolutely, but you have to ask for it when you book the car online. Don't just show up and hope they have one. It'll cost you extra, somewhere around ten to fifteen bucks a day. Honestly, if you fly with your kid, it's way easier to just check your own car seat as baggage. You know its history and it's free on most airlines. The rental ones can be pretty beat up.

[McJudah]

As a parent who rents cars for family vacations, my advice is to reserve the seat with your car. I learned the hard way once; they were out of boosters, and I had to spend an hour finding a store. The rental seats are functional, but I always bring sanitizing wipes. They're clean, but you just don't know. The cost adds up, so for a long trip, bringing our own is cheaper. It's about planning ahead to avoid stress.

[VonAdalynn]

You can, but it's a calculated risk. I always check the box for a child seat during the online reservation. The key is confirming the seat type—infant, toddler, or booster. When you pick up the car, inspect the seat like you would a rental car for scratches. Check for an expiration date molded into the plastic and give the straps a good tug. If it seems worn, don't hesitate to ask for a different one. Your child's safety is worth the extra minute.