When you start traveling with kids, gone are the days of heading to the airport with nothing but a backpack and an adventurous spirit. Young children require a lot of gear. From strollers and playpens to high chairs and car seats, the things that make family life practical also take up serious space. So when it’s time to hop on a plane for a vacation or event, it’s completely normal to dread all the “stuff” that comes with you.
Because of this, many families try to pack light when they travel. And in a lot of ways, that’s a smart move. Leaving non-essential bulky gear at home or using baby gear rentals at your destination can help simplify travel. It reduces stress and makes navigating airports and transportation much more manageable.
Renting a playpen or a high chair is one thing, but what about a car seat? When it comes to the most important piece of gear there is, are rentals even a safe option? Fortunately, that’s exactly what we’re exploring today. Below, we will discuss whether you should rent a car seat, and why you may want to consider different options.
Can You Rent A Car Seat? Better Question: Should You Rent One?
Car seat rentals are becoming increasingly popular. At first glance, they sound like a great solution for busy families flying to a new destination. After all, there are so many services designed to make parenting easier nowadays. From drop-in daycares and meal delivery subscriptions to in-home family assistants and event planners, modern parenting is full of convenience-driven support systems. So, isn’t it natural to assume car seat rentals serve the same purpose?
If they were really safe, we’d say yes. But here’s the truth:
Is It Safe to Rent a Car Seat?
No! Car seat rentals are NOT safe. The way you care for and use your car seat from the moment it comes out of the box matters. Every decision, from how it’s installed to how it’s cleaned and stored, ensures the restraint system performs as intended on every ride.
With car seat rentals, there are just too many unknowns. You can’t verify the seat’s history, how previous users handled it, or whether it’s still functioning properly at all. And that uncertainty is exactly what makes the entire process unsafe.
Why Are Car Seat Rentals Unsafe?
Unknown Crash History
Many of the components that protect your child in a crash are actually single-use. This is why most car seat manufacturers require you to dispose of a seat after a collision. However, while they should, rental services may not follow these guidelines. As a result, they could continue using seats that have been in minor or even major collisions.
Improper Cleaning Processes
There’s a right way to clean a car seat to protect its integrity. However, most rental services aren’t aware of this. As a result, they may use the same products used for general vehicle maintenance, which can damage the car seat and compromise its safety.
If you’re wondering, here’s the best way to clean child car seats.
Missing or Damaged Parts
Car seats rely on multiple components working together to protect your child. If even one part (like a required cup holder) is missing, damaged, or worn, the seat may not function properly in a crash. With rental seats, parts can easily be lost, replaced incorrectly, or degrade over time. And without knowing exactly what should be there, it’s difficult to tell if anything is missing at all.
Installation Incompatibilities
Not all car seats fit every vehicle. For instance, vehicles without removable headrests often can’t accommodate forward-facing car seats. Other times, the slope of the back seat makes it difficult to install a level without a rolled towel or pool noodle. And let’s be honest, you probably won’t have those handy at your destination! The point is that if a rental company gives you a vehicle and a car seat that aren’t compatible, it may result in an unsafe installation.
Missed Expiration Date
Car seats have expiration dates. There are a lot of reasons for this. Safety standards evolve, and materials weaken over time and with exposure to heat/sunlight. Most expire in 7-10 years, but the rental service isn’t likely to be tracking that information. That means they may give you an expired car seat!
Lack of Available Options
Most car rental locations won’t let you reserve a specific car seat. When you arrive, they may not have the right type for your child. Maybe they’re out of front-facing seats or infant carriers and you’re left to figure it out on your own. Or your child may still rear-face in your personal seat, but exceed the limits on the rental options. This can lead to stress and unsafe compromises.
To learn more, visit our guide: “Different Types of Car Seats.”
How to Rent a Car Seat (and What to Do Instead)
You can often rent a car seat from a car rental company or a baby gear rental service. However, for many of these businesses, car seats aren’t their main focus. Because of that, they may not properly store, clean, or handle each seat with the level of care it requires.
These unknowns make car seat rentals dangerous. They create a false sense of security, since there’s no guarantee the seat will function properly in a crash. But you still need a safe option when you arrive. So, here are better ways to get a car seat without renting one at your destination:
1. Take your car seat with you on the plane.
You can take car seats with you on the plane. It may seem like a hassle, but most parents find their child is more comfortable and easier to manage when strapped into their familiar car seat. Of course, they’re safer too! The FAA actually recommends that kids fly in their car seats.
And yes, this does mean your kids will need their own seats on the plane. It’s expensive, but the cost is well worth it for safety and the convenience of having your own seat. To make things easier, here are some tips for bringing your car seat on an airplane.
2. Buy an inexpensive car seat just for the trip.
If it’s too late to get the kids their own seats, consider purchasing an inexpensive car seat when you arrive at your destination. There are some budget-friendly car seats that are lightweight, practical, and just as safe as the expensive stuff.
3. Borrow a car seat from a trusted individual at your destination.
If you have friends or family at your destination, borrowing a car seat can be a safe option. But, only if you trust its history. Make sure the seat hasn’t been in a crash, isn’t expired, and includes all original parts. You should also ask how they cleaned the car seat in the past. If anything feels uncertain, it’s best to skip it and choose a more reliable option.
4. Opt for the RideSafer Travel Vest (when appropriate).
For older kids, a travel vest can be a practical alternative. This is especially true if they’re in a booster seat! RideSafer vests are compact, easy to pack, and designed specifically for travel situations. That said, they’re only appropriate for certain ages, sizes, and maturity levels. So, read our post on the RideSafer Travel Vest before making your final decision.
Where to Rent a Car Seat: Reevaluating Your Options
You can find car seats to rent at car rental companies, baby gear rental services, and certain hotels and resorts. You can even rent car seats at airports in major cities. Many families head straight to the airport’s rental car counters, where they offer car seat rentals as an add-on service.
However, this is incredibly unsafe. Not every convenience is worth the risk. With vehicle collisions being a leading cause of accidental death in children, you want confidence that your child is properly protected in the car.
And, truthfully, taking your car seat on the plane isn’t as big a headache as it sounds. To get fully prepared for the process, here’s my airplane travel guide.
How Much Is It to Rent a Car Seat?
Car seat rentals typically cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per day. But the true cost isn’t just the daily fee. It’s the lack of peace of mind and potentially your child’s safety. With a rental, you don’t know the seat’s history, how companies have cleaned it, whether parts are missing, or if it's been in a crash. You’re trusting a critical safety device without being able to verify that it will perform as intended. Ultimately, it’s not a cost worth paying.
You can rent a car seat, but you shouldn’t.
Never trade convenience for safety. Bring your own seat or choose a safer alternative so you can feel confident you’re protecting your child on every ride. You know the seat’s history, how you’ve cared for it, and that it meets your standards. That peace of mind matters more than anything!
For more car seat safety information and travel advice, browse The Safe in the Seat blog.
