Yes, you can take an Uber or other rideshare with your baby! It’s a little more complicated than taking your own car, but unless you like paying airport parking fees for every trip, it’s something to consider. I do it all the time both to and from the airport, as well as abroad. I’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are the top 5 tips you need to take Uber, Lyft, Alto, or another rideshare service with your baby.
Practice Installing Your Own Car Seat or Booster
There is a car seat that lives in my car, and there is a car seat I travel with. The travel car seat is lighter and easier to install, since I have to install it myself so often. Having one, dedicated car seat for travel is my personal recommendation. Plus, if your airline loses or damages your car seat, you definitely want to have one at home until it’s replaced.
That said, you will want to practice installing and uninstalling this car seat before you put it into a rideshare for the first time. This will save you so much frustration and a ton of time on what will undoubtedly be a stressful travel day. Cars generally have dark interiors, even with the tiny little overhead light on above you, so you’ll basically be installing it in darkness. Practicing just a few times in advance will go a long way in making that process smooth when you’re trying to do it quickly.
*Note: At the time of this writing, there is a pilot program called Uber Car Seat, which is an Uber that provides a standard, high-quality, name brand car seat. This is not available everywhere and subject to availability in select cities. It’s not something you can plan on when you travel, just know it exists.
Read next: The Top 10 Ultimate Road Trip Tips
Order UberXL if You have Multiple Kids or Lots of Luggage
I know, I know, it’s more expensive for the same trip. It’s also just easier, and the convenience is worth something. Sure, you could cram yourself and three kids into a standard sedan, but should you? I’ve definitely been glad, even as a single parent with one child, to have Uber XL as an option.
For example, Iris and I took a week-long solo trip from Honolulu to Palau to celebrate my late husband’s birthday. Try as I might, I couldn’t make carry-on only work. I just had to take a lot of luggage. There was no way around it with the diapers and wipes, clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, car seat, diaper bag, supplemental formula, bottles, food for my 10-month-old daughter, and only me and my two hands to get everything to and from the airports. I was thankful for the extra luggage room in a larger vehicle.
Related: How to Plan a Trip
Reserve the Night Before for Less Stress the Day of a Trip
Yes, this is also a more expensive option. However, it’s less expensive than reserving a taxi, and less stressful when you need a 6:00am pick up. You can reserve Uber 90 days in advance, although I usually book a day or two before a trip. Just click “Later” in the “Where to” field when you open the app. Select your destination (and airline information, if applicable), then choose your date and time. Your driver will be waiting for you at the appointed time. In my experience, drivers are always at least 15 minutes early. And thank goodness because that gives me time to install the car seat!
More here: Your Ultimate Pre-travel Checklist
Message Your Driver that You’ll be Installing a Car Seat
The Uber app allows you to message your driver when they’re on the way. It’s helpful for the driver, and for you, if they know in advance that you’ll be bringing your car seat. The driver won’t be surprised to find that you need a few extra minutes before departing. They may even hop out to load your luggage for you, or if you’re really lucky, they’ll offer to help with the car seat! This has happened for me more than once, and I’m always grateful.
Read on: How to Get What You Paid for in Your Travels
Remember to Tip if the Driver is Particularly Helpful
I’ll be the first to say that tipping culture American is currently out of control. However, I also believe that an effort made is a tip earned. There have definitely been Uber drivers who arrived and didn’t make a move to get out and help me load luggage or install the car seat, and then acted annoyed that it took so long before they could start driving. I’ve even had a couple of drivers start moving before I got the car seat clipped in! Should helping your customer be common decency? Yes. Is it? No. I always tip the drivers who help me, and I hope you will, too.
Not taking Uber?: The Best Tips for Taking Public Transportation Around the World
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