
Yes, Uber offers car seats through its Uber Car Seat and Uber Family options in select cities, but availability is not guaranteed and requires specific booking steps. The service is designed for toddlers and young children, typically providing a forward-facing car seat suitable for children who are at least 1 year old and weigh 22 pounds or more. This is a crucial feature for parents traveling without their own car seat, but it's essential to understand its limitations.
The primary challenge is availability. You cannot just request a car seat with a standard UberX. You must specifically choose the Uber Car Seat or Uber Family option in the app before confirming your ride. This feature is only available in a limited number of metropolitan areas like New York City, Boston, and Chicago. Even in these cities, the number of drivers equipped with seats is small, which can lead to longer wait times and higher fares.
It's also important to inspect the seat upon arrival. You are responsible for ensuring it is installed correctly and is appropriate for your child's size and weight. For infants requiring a rear-facing seat, this service is generally not suitable. The most reliable approach is always to travel with your own Certified car seat.
| Feature | Uber Car Seat / Family | Standard UberX / Uber Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Car Seat Availability | Yes, in select cities | No |
| Booking Method | Select specific option in app | Standard ride request |
| Typical Seat Type | Forward-facing (for 1+ years, 22+ lbs) | Not applicable |
| Cost | Higher base fare and per-minute rate | Standard pricing |
| Reliability | Low, due to limited driver supply | High |
| Best For | Short, planned trips in supported cities | Rides without children requiring seats |

As a dad who travels a lot with my kid, I’ve used Uber Car Seat a few times. It’s a lifesaver when it works, but that’s the catch—it’s a gamble. You have to select it specifically in the app, and even in a big city like NYC, you might wait 20 minutes only to find no drivers are available. When you do get one, double-check the seat’s condition and straps yourself. Honestly, for anything important like a flight, I never rely on it. Bringing your own seat is just less stressful.

Think of it like a limited specialty service, not a standard feature. Uber offers it in certain markets to provide an option for families. You must book it intentionally through the app's ride options. The key is managing expectations. Availability is sparse, and the seats are for older toddlers, not infants. It solves an immediate need but isn't a substitute for the safety and reliability of using your own properly installed car seat for every ride.

It really depends on your city. I live in Boston, and the Uber Car Seat option pops up, but my sister in Atlanta has never seen it. If you’re visiting a new city, don’t assume it’s available. Check the app when you first arrive to see if it’s even an option. The convenience is fantastic when you find it, but the limited rollout means it’s more of a nice-to-have bonus in a handful of places rather than a dependable nationwide service.


