do car rental places rent car seats

[McJohnny]

Yes, most major car rental companies do rent car seats. However, availability is not guaranteed, and the process involves specific considerations regarding cost, reservation, and installation. It is highly recommended to reserve a car seat well in advance of your pickup date to ensure you get the appropriate type (infant, convertible, or booster) for your child's age, weight, and height.

The Reservation is Key You must add the car seat to your reservation when you book the vehicle. Simply hoping one will be available at the counter is a significant risk, especially during peak travel seasons. When making the reservation online or by phone, you’ll typically select from a few options. Infant seats are rear-facing and designed for newborns and smaller babies. Convertible seats can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing, accommodating a wider range of ages. Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown a forward-facing harness seat.

Cost and Quality Considerations Renting a car seat is convenient but comes with a daily fee, which can range from $10 to $15 or more. Over a week-long rental, this can add a substantial amount to your total bill. Furthermore, the quality and condition of rental car seats can be inconsistent. You won't have control over the seat's history, its cleanliness, or whether it has been involved in a previous accident. For these reasons, many frequent-traveling families prefer to bring their own seat, as they are familiar with its proper installation and safety features.

Rental Company	Car Seat Option Available?	Approximate Daily Fee (USD)	Can be Reserved in Advance?
Enterprise	Yes	$10 - $15	Yes
Hertz	Yes	$12 - $15	Yes
Avis	Yes	$13 - $15	Yes
Budget	Yes	$10 - $15	Yes
National	Yes	$12 - $15	Yes

Final Recommendation If you choose to rent, inspect the seat thoroughly at the counter for any visible damage or excessive wear. Don't hesitate to ask for a different one if something seems off. While renting is a viable solution, bringing your own car seat is often the safer and more cost-effective choice for regular travelers.

[DelJayla]

We always rent a seat when we fly somewhere and need a car. It's just one less bulky thing to lug through the airport with the kids. My advice is to book it the second you reserve the car. I called once to ask if we could just get one at the counter, and the agent told me they only have a handful available. It’s not worth the stress. Just add it to your reservation online. It’s super easy.

[ChloeRose]

Be prepared for an extra charge. The daily fee piles up fast. I looked into it for a trip, and it was cheaper for me to just buy a basic booster seat at a Target near my destination than to rent one for five days. The rental convenience is great, but if you're on a tight budget, doing the math is important. Also, you never know how clean or worn out the rental seat will be.

[OMatthew]

From a safety perspective, I have reservations. A car seat is a critical piece of safety equipment. When you rent, you have no knowledge of its crash history or how it's been treated. I strongly recommend families bring their own seat. You know its history, you're confident in its condition, and most importantly, you’ve practiced installing it correctly. That familiarity reduces the risk of improper installation in a stressful rental lot environment.

[VanHarper]

Absolutely, but you need a plan. Call the specific rental location a day before you pick up the car to confirm your car seat reservation. When you get there, inspect the seat. Check the harness for fraying, make sure the buckle works smoothly, and look for any cracks in the plastic shell. If anything seems questionable, politely ask for a replacement. Your child's safety is the priority, so don't feel rushed during this check.