Using taxi's with a baby- baby seats

[cazfay]

My car just went 'ping', followed by a loud 'ssssss' noise so it needs to go into the garage.

In the meantime I need to get about with my 9 month old.

Do any taxi companies provide car seats? Or should I just use my own and learn how to fix it with a seat belt (currently use an isoxif in my car. Is it okay to fix your own seat in a cab?

Sorry not done this before! Slightly niaeve here!

[Bonfire2010]

I recently emailed Dial-a-Cab (black cabs) regarding taking my 3 year old and 10 month old in a black cab. They said that my baby son could travel just strapped into his buggy (I didn't use them in the end so can't comment on how well that works). I have a vague memory of reading somewhere that only licensed black cabs are allowed to do this. For mini cabs, we have used Mason & Green who provide car seats (and are reliable in our experience). Some friends have used mini cabs and used their own car seats without any problems.

[eva_ben]

We've paid the extra for the child car seats, in Camberwell and in Clapham, and the cabs have arrived without the seat installed. In Clapham we were provided with what looked like dirty infant car seats, brand unknown, and I had to faff for 20 minutes (not exaggerating) with a newborn and a 2 year old, trying to work how to get them in, wishing I'd taken the bus. And with a cab you have no idea whether these seats have been dropped or been in an accident. The ones I used did not seem very safe (might have been the way I installed them). So my advice would be: if convenient for you, bring your own seats.

[newtoedf]

Legally you don't need to use a child seat in a taxi or minicab.

We use Rye cars and they have car seats which you can request (if you book in advance there's much more likelihood of them being available). I've always been happy with the cleanliness and state of repair of the seats. You aren't charged extra for them but (and this is the same with other cab firms I've used) you will need to fit them yourself. The seats are required by law to have fitting instructions on them though so it's not too difficult.

[ludoscotts]

Him can second mason and green good taxi service and god car seat every time we have booked them

[eva_ben]

I think the logic is that if you install the seat then you are taking responsibility for it, and thus your child's safety. Which does makes sense.

We paid ?5 for the seats in Clapham.

[melbourne groover]

There is a type of VW sharan that has the boosters integrated. These are brilliant and can be used from around 4 months. Is worth checking with the cab firm. Then you literally just fold it down. We had dramas over the years with seats in taxis for small babies (usually at airport after arriving long haul)....take your own if you can ;-)

[melbourne groover]

Ah, no sorry, it was a while ago.... You're right, is fromt facing, so not great for littleys....

[Peggy37]

I'd use my own. Strapping them in takes 30 seconds once you know what you're doing.

[cazfay]

Thank you everyone. Some really good points to consider. I will call Mason and Green (not heard of them before so great tip thank you) and have a chat with them.

Thanks again

[Anisa]

Hi there is linkways cars based in honor oak they bring car seats and very helpful and reliable.

[dylangallagher]

Yes there any many minicab services out there you can check

KV cars -http://kvcars.co.uk/

Angel cars

Kabee

They have very firendly behaviour though so you can ask their support team