Uber does not offer built-in car seat requests through its main app
When you open the Uber app to book a ride, you will not find a checkbox or dropdown menu to request a car seat. Uber's standard service does not provide car seats, and the company does not allow drivers to install them in their personal vehicles as part of the regular Uber service.
If you need to travel with a child and require a car seat, you have two separate paths: use Uber's dedicated service called Uber Car Seat (where available), or bring your own car seat and install it yourself in a standard Uber vehicle. Which option works for you depends on where you live and whether Uber Car Seat operates in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Car Seat is a separate service available in select cities that provides drivers trained to install car seats; you book it through a different section of the Uber app, not the standard ride request.
- Uber Car Seat typically costs more than a regular Uber ride and must be booked in advance, not requested on-demand like UberX.
- If Uber Car Seat is not available in your area, you can bring your own car seat and install it in a standard Uber vehicle, though this is your responsibility.
- You are responsible for ensuring any car seat meets current safety standards and is installed correctly, whether you bring your own or use Uber Car Seat.
- Checking your city's Uber app directly is the fastest way to learn whether Uber Car Seat is offered where you live.
What Uber Car Seat is and how to find it
Uber Car Seat is a separate ride option that Uber offers in certain cities. When you open the Uber app, you look for it in the same place you would select UberX or Uber Comfort — it appears as its own service category if it is available in your location. The service pairs you with a driver who has been trained by Uber to install and use car seats correctly.
To check whether Uber Car Seat operates where you are, open your Uber app, enter your pickup location, and scroll through the available ride types. If Uber Car Seat appears as an option, it is available in your area. If you do not see it listed, the service is not currently offered in your city. Availability changes over time, so it is worth checking periodically if you do not see it now.
Uber Car Seat is not the same as requesting a regular Uber and bringing your own seat. The driver has received specific training, and Uber provides the car seat itself — you do not need to own one or carry it with you.
How to book Uber Car Seat
Once you confirm that Uber Car Seat is available in your area, booking works similarly to any other Uber ride. Enter your pickup and dropoff locations in the app, then select Uber Car Seat from the list of ride types. You will see the estimated fare, which is typically higher than a standard UberX ride because the service includes the car seat and trained driver.
Uber Car Seat requires advance booking — you cannot request it on-demand the way you can with UberX. You will need to schedule your ride for a specific time, usually at least 30 minutes to an hour ahead. This gives Uber time to match you with a trained driver who has a car seat available.
When you book, you will be asked to specify the child's age or weight so the driver can bring the appropriate car seat. Provide accurate information, as different car seats are designed for different sizes and ages. After you confirm the booking, you will receive driver details and tracking information just as you would with a regular Uber ride.
What to expect when the driver arrives
When your Uber Car Seat driver arrives, they will have a car seat already installed or ready to install in their vehicle. The driver has been trained to install it correctly according to safety standards. You will place your child in the seat, and the driver will find them. You do not need to know how to install the seat yourself — that is part of what you are paying for.
The driver will follow the same route and service standards as any other Uber driver. The main difference is the presence of the car seat and the driver's training in using it safely. If you have questions about how the seat is installed or secured, you can ask the driver before the ride begins.
Bringing your own car seat in a standard Uber
If Uber Car Seat is not available in your area, or if you prefer to use your own car seat, you can bring it with you and install it in a standard Uber vehicle. This is legal, but it is entirely your responsibility to may support the seat meets current safety standards and is installed correctly. Uber drivers are not trained or required to help with installation.
Before you book a standard Uber ride with your own car seat, consider the practical challenges. You will need to carry the car seat with you, have time to install it before the ride begins, and know how to install it properly. Some car seats are bulky and difficult to transport. If the driver arrives and you are still installing the seat, it may delay your ride.
If you choose this route, arrive early so you have time to install the seat before the driver needs to leave. Test the installation at home first so you know how long it takes and whether you can do it reliably in a moving vehicle or a parking lot.
Cost and timing differences
Uber Car Seat costs more than a standard UberX ride in the same area. The exact price varies by city and demand, but you should expect to pay roughly 1.5 to 2 times the cost of a regular ride. This covers the trained driver, the car seat, and the advance booking system.
Standard Uber rides cost the same whether or not you bring a car seat, since you are providing the seat yourself and the driver is not doing anything different. However, you may wait longer if you need time to install the seat before departure.
Booking time also differs. Uber Car Seat requires advance scheduling, typically 30 minutes to an hour ahead. Standard Uber rides can be requested when ready and usually arrive within minutes, depending on driver availability in your area.
Safety considerations and car seat standards
Whether you use Uber Car Seat or bring your own, the car seat must meet current safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Car seats expire — most are designed to be used for 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture, and some have shorter lifespans. Check the label on your car seat to find its expiration date.
If you bring your own car seat, you are responsible for knowing whether it is installed correctly. Incorrect installation is common and reduces the seat's protective value. Many fire departments and hospitals offer free car seat installation checks; you can search for one near you through the NHTSA website. If you use Uber Car Seat, the trained driver handles this responsibility.
Your child's age and weight determine which type of car seat is appropriate. Infants typically use rear-facing infant seats, toddlers use convertible or forward-facing seats, and older children may use booster seats. Uber Car Seat drivers are trained to use the correct seat for your child's size, but if you bring your own, you need to verify this yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Uber Car Seat is not available in my city?
You have two options: bring your own car seat and install it in a standard Uber vehicle, or use a different service that offers car seats, such as a local car service or taxi company. Some cities have ride-sharing services specifically designed for families with young children. Check your local options before your trip.
Can I request Uber Car Seat on-demand, or do I have to book in advance?
Uber Car Seat requires advance booking, usually at least 30 minutes to an hour ahead. You cannot request it when ready the way you can with UberX. Plan your trip accordingly and book as soon as you know your travel time.
What if my child does not fit in the car seat provided by the Uber driver?
Contact Uber support before your ride to let them know your child's age and weight. The driver will bring an appropriate seat based on the information you provided when booking. If there is a mismatch when the driver arrives, contact Uber when ready — do not proceed with the ride if you are uncomfortable with the seat.
Can I install my own car seat in an Uber Car Seat vehicle?
Uber Car Seat is designed so the driver installs their trained, provided seat. You should not need to install your own. If you prefer to use your own seat, book a standard Uber instead and install it yourself.
Is the car seat sanitized between passengers?
Uber Car Seat drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and equipment. You can ask the driver about their cleaning practices when they arrive, or contact Uber support before booking if you have specific concerns about sanitation.