You haven’t known true stress until you’ve stood curbside with a diaper bag on one shoulder, a car seat in the other hand, and a toddler shouting “I want snacks!” while you try to book a ride. If you’re wondering how to get an Uber with a car seat, you’re not alone, and you’re absolutely not crazy for wanting your child to be safe and your arms to be free. I’ve done the research, lived the chaos, and survived the surge pricing so you don’t have to.
How To Get An Uber With A Car Seat?
Open the Uber app, select UberX Car Seat (available in select cities), confirm seat availability, and request your ride.
What is Uber Car Seat and where is it available
If you’ve ever stood on a sidewalk with a squirmy toddler and a giant convertible car seat wondering, “How do people do this?”, same. That’s why Uber Car Seat (also called Uber Family in some cities) exists.
Uber Car Seat is a ride option that provides one forward-facing car seat for children who meet certain height and weight requirements. It’s currently available in select major cities, mostly in the U.S., like:
| City | Uber Car Seat Option Available? |
| New York City | Yes (Nuna RAVA seat) |
| Washington, D.C. | Yes |
| Orlando | Yes (popular for Disney travel) |
| Philadelphia | Sometimes (limited drivers) |
| Los Angeles / San Francisco | Not reliably available |
You can check availability in your area by selecting a pickup and drop-off location in the app, the Uber car seat availability option will show up only if drivers in the area offer it.
More details are available on the official Uber Car Seat Help page.
Is it safe to use Uber with a car seat
Safety-wise, Uber partners with car seat manufacturers like Nuna, which is a high-quality, foldable, forward-facing seat used in many taxis and ride services. But is it really safe for your child?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
| Safety Factor | Details |
| Type of Seat | Forward-facing, 5-point harness |
| Age/Weight Limit | For kids 5–65 pounds and less than 50 inches tall |
| Installation | Installed by the driver; you should check tightness |
| Safety Certifications | Meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) |
| Parent Verdict | Safer than no seat, and the Nuna is an acclaimed brand |
Uber with kids is safe if your child fits the seat. I always give it a quick tug after the driver installs it, it takes 10 seconds and a bit of peace of mind.
How to request an Uber with a car seat step-by-step
You’d think it’d be a big bright button that says “Click here for the magic toddler seat.” It’s not. But once you know the process, it’s pretty easy.
Here’s how to request Uber Car Seat in the app:
- Open the Uber app
- Enter your pickup and drop-off location
- Scroll through ride types and the list of available vehicles to look for Car Seat
- Confirm the car seat option and accept any surcharge (more on this below)
- Request your ride as usual
- When the car arrives, check the seat installation before buckling your child
Note: If the Uber Car Seat option doesn’t show up, that means there are no available drivers with that seat nearby. It’s why I always have a backup plan (more on that below).
Age, weight, and safety rules for Uber car seat rides
Not every child qualifies for Uber’s car seat option. That’s important, especially if you’re traveling with toddlers or infants who still need rear-facing protection.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Uber Car Seat rides have a pre-installed NUNA RAVA seat that can be used for rear-facing or forward-facing positions
- The rides are only for children between 5-65 pounds of weight.
- Your child is not eligible if they are over 50 inches tall.
- Uber will only provide one seat per ride, so if you’re traveling with more than one child, plan accordingly.
- Be mindful that other children who use the seat may have food allergies. As a safety measure, use a wet wipe to clean your child’s hands if they’ve been eating before getting in the car.
- You (the parent, guardian, or caregiver) are responsible for securing the child in the seat. Refer to the resources provided at the time of requesting your ride or view video installation instructions here.
Car seat types available with Uber (and what to expect)
Uber uses a specific type of seat called the NUNA RAVA, it’s lightweight, foldable, and designed for quick installs in rideshares.
If your toddler is picky and wants only their own stuff, (mine is), it’s worth prepping them ahead of time.
Tips for bringing your own car seat in an Uber
Sometimes the Uber Car Seat option doesn’t show up at all. These seats are only available upon reservation and sometimes people reserve them days in advance. That’s when you pull out your Plan B: hauling your own car seat like the absolute mom boss you are.
Here’s how I survive that scenario:
Top Tips for Using Your Own Car Seat:
- Bring a lightweight travel seat like the Cosco Scenera NEXT- super affordable and easy to carry
- Use a car seat backpack or roller bag for hands-free hauling
- Practice quick installs before the trip! you don’t want to be troubleshooting curbside
- Request UberX or UberXL for more space
- Message your driver ahead of time so they know you’ll be installing a seat
And for airport trips or city vacations, check out our guide to mother daughter trip tips — tons of toddler travel wisdom packed in.
Best family-friendly alternatives to Uber with car seats
Sometimes Uber Car Seat just isn’t an option. Maybe you’re in a city where it’s not offered, or maybe the only available ride is 42 minutes away. Either way, it’s good to have a backup.
Here are family rideshare services that offer car seats or are more kid-friendly:
| Rideshare Option | Car Seat Availability | What Makes It Family-Friendly |
| Lyft | No car seats provided | You can bring your own; similar to Uber |
| Kango | Yes — child care-certified drivers & car seats | Designed for families; pre-scheduled rides only |
| HopSkipDrive | Yes — for school-aged kids | Background-checked caregivers; used by schools |
| Blacklane | Optional car seats (on request) | Premium, pre-booked rides with kid options |
| Taxis (NYC) | Some offer car seats | Call ahead or use a local taxi app like Arro or Curb |
Kango is the real MVP here if you’re in California or select cities. It’s pricier, but their drivers are fingerprinted and CPR-certified. You can read more on Kango’s official site.
How much more does Uber Car Seat cost
Let’s talk money. Because nothing says “parenting” like budgeting for both snacks and surge pricing.
Uber Car Seat cost includes a surcharge on top of your regular UberX fare. As of now, that fee is:
- $10 additional flat fee per ride (on top of the standard fare)
- Subject to surge pricing just like regular rides
- Only includes one forward-facing car seat
Here’s a sample price comparison:
| Ride Type | Base Fare (est.) | Car Seat Fee | Total Est. Cost |
| UberX (no car seat) | $22 | $0 | $22 |
| UberX Car Seat | $22 | $10 | $32 |
| UberXL with your seat | $30 | $0 | $30 |
It’s not outrageous; especially when you consider the alternative is hauling a seat through a crowded airport while balancing a juice box with your elbow.
Essential packing tips for riding Uber with toddlers
Whether you’re using a provided seat or your own, traveling with a baby or toddler in an Uber takes some serious strategy. Toddlers don’t believe in personal space or quiet, so be prepared.
Here’s my “I’ve survived this” checklist:
| Item | Why It’s a Lifesaver |
| Snack pouch | Distracts, bribes, and prevents hangry chaos |
| Favorite small toy | Something soft, quiet, and comforting |
| Mini pack of wipes | Sticky hands, car seat crumbs, rogue snot |
| Foldable car seat | Lightweight option if Uber doesn’t have one |
| Extra outfit | Because kids will find a way to spill something |
| Portable potty seat | Optional but magical for toddlers in training |
I also stash a mini roll of trash bags in my purse. You’ll thank yourself when the cracker crumbs start multiplying like rabbits.
My personal experience using Uber Car Seat with my toddler
Let me paint you a picture: Orlando. 92 degrees. One toddler. One backpack. Zero patience. We used Uber Car Seat from the airport to our hotel and again for a theme park day. Here’s the real deal:
- The car seat was clean and securely installed, but not cushy; my daughter was comfy enough, though she noticed it wasn’t “her” seat.
- Our driver was helpful, even offered to adjust the straps for us.
- It took a couple tries before we got a ride with a car seat available, so plan ahead during peak hours.
- The extra $10 was totally worth it compared to dragging our own seat through security.
Would I use it again? Absolutely. But I also now travel with the Cosco Scenera NEXT and a backpack carrier as backup, because I no longer trust travel to go exactly as planned.
For more on managing airport chaos with toddlers, our post on best road trip activities for kids has tons of pack-and-go sanity tips you can borrow for urban travel too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Uber with a car seat for my baby?
Uber Car Seat only provides forward-facing car seats for children who weigh 5-65 lbs and are a maximum of 50 inches tall. If your child needs a rear-facing seat, you’ll need to bring your own.
How do I request a car seat in the Uber app?
Open the Uber app, enter your destination, and look for UberX Car Seat or Uber Family in the ride options. Select it, confirm the extra fee, and book your ride.
Is it safe to use Uber Car Seat?
Yes, if your child meets the requirements. Uber uses IMMI Go seats that are federally approved, though always check installation yourself before buckling in.
Are there other ride services with car seats?
Yes. Kango, HopSkipDrive, and Blacklane all offer family-friendly options, depending on your city. Taxis in some places may also provide car seats with advance notice.
What if Uber Car Seat isn’t available?
You can bring your own car seat and request an UberX or UberXL. Use a lightweight seat like the Cosco Scenera NEXT and pack smart with a car seat travel bag.
Conclusion
Here’s what you really need to remember:
● Uber offers car seats in select cities through its UberX Car Seat option
● The seat provided is forward-facing and only fits kids 5-65 lbs and less than 50 inches tall
● You can request the option directly in the Uber app (when available)
● Bringing your own car seat gives you more flexibility
● There are family rideshare alternatives like Kango and HopSkipDrive
Getting a ride with a car seat doesn’t have to feel like a logistical nightmare. With a little planning (and maybe a few snacks), your next Uber ride with your little one can be smooth, safe, and just one step closer to wherever your next adventure takes you. Whether you’re headed to the airport, theme park, or just downtown, you’ve got this, mama.