Is it possible to request an Uber with a car seat?

Question

JayceLynn · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can book an Uber with a car seat through its dedicated "Uber Car Seat" service, but it is geographically limited and carries an extra fee. This option is currently available in only about a dozen U.S. cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, and Orlando. The service provides a professionally installed Nuna RAVA convertible car seat suitable for children weighing 22 to 65 pounds (approximately 10 to 29 kg), with a standard $10 surcharge per ride on top of the base fare.

The availability is a critical factor. You will only see the "Car Seat" option in the Uber app's ride selection menu if you are within a supported city. Standard UberX, Comfort, or other vehicle categories do not include car seats. Drivers offering this service are required to complete training on the proper installation and adjustment of the provided seat, which can be configured as either rear-facing or forward-facing to match the child's size.

For parents planning to use this service, understanding its scope and preparing alternatives is essential. The table below summarizes the key operational details:

Feature	Specification
Service Name	Uber Car Seat
Availability	Select U.S. metropolitan areas (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, DC)
Provided Seat	Nuna RAVA convertible car seat
Child Weight Range	22 - 65 lbs (10 - 29 kg)
Installation	By Uber-trained driver
Additional Cost	$10 surcharge per trip
Booking Method	Must select "Car Seat" option in the Uber app

If the "Uber Car Seat" service is not available in your location, you must bring your own federally approved car seat. Uber's community guidelines and local laws require that all children meeting size/age criteria use a proper restraint. A driver is within their rights to cancel the trip if you arrive with a child who needs a seat but you do not have one, as they could be held liable for safety violations.

In markets without the dedicated service, frequent travelers often invest in portable, travel-friendly car seats or certified ride-safe vests for older toddlers. These alternatives can provide a consistent safety solution across different transportation modes, including taxis and rental cars, without relying on sporadic availability from ride-hailing platforms.

VonBrody · Answer

As a mom in Miami, I use Uber Car Seat all the time when I’m out with my toddler and don’t have our bulky seat. It’s a lifesaver for quick trips to the doctor or the airport. I just open the app and make sure I tap the “Car Seat” option—it’s not automatic. The extra $10 is worth it for the convenience and knowing the seat is already correctly installed by a trained driver. The Nuna seat they use feels very secure. My big tip? Always check it’s available in your city before you count on it; it’s not nationwide.

VonBrooke · Answer

Let’s break down exactly what you’re getting and what you need to do. First, open your Uber app and enter your destination. Before confirming, swipe through the vehicle options. Look for “Uber Car Seat.” If you don’t see it, the service isn’t offered where you are. That’s your first checkpoint.

Second, know the limits. The provided seat fits kids from about 22 to 65 pounds. That covers most toddlers and preschoolers. If your child is an infant under 22 lbs, you’ll need your own infant carrier. The driver will have the seat already in the car, but they’ll double-check the harness fit for your child’s size.

Finally, budget for the fee. Your fare estimate will show the base cost plus the $10 car seat surcharge. It’s transparent. The main takeaway: this is a planned choice, not a last-minute solution. You have to select it at booking.

LaAugust · Answer

I’m a driver who’s trained for the Car Seat program. From my side, it’s straightforward. Uber provides the Nuna RAVA seat, and we take a course on how to install it tightly and adjust the harness. When you book, I know to have the seat ready. The $10 surcharge goes to me, which makes the extra setup time worthwhile.

Honestly, I wish it was available in more cities because it clears up confusion. Without this service, if a parent shows up with a young child and no seat, I have to cancel the trip. It’s a safety and legal issue for me. So when passengers use the official Car Seat option, it’s better for everyone—safe for the kid, no stress for the parent, and a smooth trip for me.

VanEverett · Answer

Looking beyond Uber’s own service, the broader answer is that securing safe transportation for children requires planning. Uber Car Seat is a convenient solution in its limited zones, but it’s not a universal offering. In most cities globally, the responsibility falls entirely on the rider to provide an appropriate child restraint.

This makes understanding local laws crucial. In all U.S. states, children below a certain height or age must be in a car seat or booster in any vehicle, including ride-shares. The driver’s insurance may not cover accidents if a child was improperly restrained, which is why drivers are strict about the rule.

Therefore, your reliable strategy should be to own a travel solution. I’ve found that a lightweight, FAA-approved car seat is the most versatile. It works on planes, in Ubers, and in rental cars. For slightly older children, foldable booster seats or safety vests are excellent alternatives that store easily in a backpack. Relying solely on ride-hail services to supply a seat will limit your mobility and could leave you stranded.