
Getting a car seat when ordering an Uber requires using the Uber Car Seat option, but it's not available in all cities. The service provides a forward-facing child seat suitable for toddlers and is available through the Uber app for an additional fee. For infants requiring a rear-facing seat, you'll need to provide your own.
The most reliable method is to use your own car seat. Uber's policy allows drivers to cancel rides if a child doesn't have an appropriate restraint, as complying with local car seat laws is the parent's responsibility. Carrying a lightweight, portable car seat is the safest and most guaranteed way to travel with a child.
| Key Considerations for Uber Car Seat | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Limited to select major metropolitan areas (e.g., NYC, Boston, Chicago). Unavailable in most suburbs and smaller cities. |
| Seat Type | Typically a forward-facing seat for children approximately 22-48 lbs (1-4 years old). Not for infants. |
| Additional Cost | Expect an extra fee of $10-$15 on top of the standard fare. |
| Booking Method | Must select the "Uber Car Seat" option in the Uber app before confirming your ride. Not available on UberX. |
| Alternative: Uber Car Seat | You can book a ride through a service like Uber Car Seat, which partners with professional drivers who have a car seat permanently installed. |
If Uber Car Seat isn't available, your best bet is a portable option. Travel-friendly seats like the Cosco Scenera Next are affordable, lightweight, and easy to install quickly. Always message your driver immediately after booking to confirm they are comfortable with installing a car seat to avoid any last-minute issues. Planning ahead is the key to a smooth ride.

As a mom of two, I never rely on Uber having a seat. It's a gamble. I just toss our Cosco Scenera in the trunk—it's super light and I can install it in under a minute. I always text the driver right away to say, "Hi, I have a car seat to install, I'll be super quick!" That way there are no surprises. It’s the only way to be sure we get where we need to go without any stress.

I travel for work frequently and sometimes need to take my nephew around. The official "Uber Car Seat" option is spotty outside of a few big downtown areas. I’ve found the most consistent solution is to use a ride-booking service specifically for families, like HopSkipDrive or Uber Car Seat. They’re a bit more expensive, but the drivers are vetted for child transport and a properly installed seat is guaranteed. It’s worth the peace of mind.

Honestly, trying to get a car seat with your standard Uber is not practical. Your driver isn't a rental car service; they don't carry equipment. The responsibility is 100% on you. Your move is to bring your own. Get a simple, no-frills seat that you dedicate to travel or grandparent's car use. Check it like a bag at the airport if you're flying. Trying to find an Uber with a seat last-minute will likely lead to a canceled ride and a lot of frustration.


