Traveling with a baby can be quite an adventure. Between packing bottles, diapers, and all sorts of extra clothes, the last thing you need to worry about is getting your hands on a car seat once you arrive at your destination. Luckily for parents everywhere, many rental car companies offer this service - but which ones? And what should you look out for when it comes to renting a car seat? Buckle up and let's find out.
Why Renting A Car Seat Matters
First things first: why bother with renting a car seat in the first place? Sure, it might seem like just one more thing to add to your already overflowing suitcase. However,the sad truth is that babies and toddlers are not safe riding in cars without proper restraints. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 4-14 - making ensuring their safety non-negotiable!
Aside from that small life-saving detail,renting a car seat also means less fuss: no hauling around heavy equipment or struggling with unfamiliar latches installed by rental agencies. Not only will trusting professionals handle the installation process nix any confusion., but travel lightweight is key when flying or staying in hotels where space is limited.
Which Rental Car Companies Offer Infant/ Toddler Car Seats?
With so much riding (no pun intended) on finding reliable transportation for little ones during trips away from home,it's important to figure out which companies include infant/toddler seats prior departure date Here are seven top-ranking rental firms known for providing complimentary child seating:
1.Hertz 2.Enterprise 3.Avis 4.Budget 5.National 6.Alamo 7.Thiftly
However,you must make sure before booking since there may be location limitations or other factors affecting availability most importantly consider child age limit and make sure it around your child age.
How to Secure the Best Deal on Rental Car Seats
Saving money while ensuring safety and smooth traveling for little ones is no small feat,luckily,here are ways you can save some cash without making compromises:
Check Whether Seat Fees Come With Your Reservation
A few rental companies included car seats in their offerings yet not all of them do. Make certain whether seat fees come with your reservation. By taking this step initially, you may be able to avoid spending extra dollars on renting.
Look For Discounted Deals Online
Online coupon platforms might offer discounted prices or coupon codes that provide reduced pricing available for rental car services. Before paying the full price inquire about discount coupons to avail yourself of any promo deals readily accessible.
Weigh Their Cost against Renting a Portable Car Seat
Though it may seem counterintuitive,purchasing a lightweight portable car seat at home retailers like Walmart...may prove an amazing cost-saving technique particularly if you travel often Consider researching seat alternatives before renting.That being said ponder which option works best (cost & convenience-wise).
What To Look Out For When Renting A Baby/Toddler Car Seat?
Finally - deciding on a rental company is half the battle when it comes to traveling with babies and toddlers as passengers bet never lower standards of what quality service entails.Make everything from requesting information regarding type /age limit of seats allocated.If possible,request detailed driver rule guide beforehand.Here is more insight:
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Type/ Age Appropriateness: The majority's priority whenever searching for leasing firms willing(when necessary)to add baby/toddler chairs.Figure out how many pounds each models accommodate plus call agencies ahead(before going through a lengthy booking process).
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Comfortability Rate: "Should I go cushiony?"This question pops up especially among first-time infant motorists, keep headrest comfort zones front-of-mind when narrowing down options.
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Car Seat Orientation:Always request different types of positioning,even for infants ie rear-facing cos; doing so increases safety standards.
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Top Claims Rate Promises:Before reserving a car seat,always check crash test performance and measures that your selected rental agency claims,testimonials,gripe sections on most sites like TripAdvisor,and Google reviews turn up anecdotal evidencesBear in mind that there is no such thing as too careful when it comes to the precious little lives riding with you.
Renting Despite Risks, It Can Help You Get Travel Safer
With all factors considered, renting a car seat may be beneficial in terms of travel helpfulness. Different positives come with picking a viable infant or toddler transportation via leasing firms inclusive of freeing luggage space albeit with some known downsides.
As long as proper research guidelines are followed(i.e age appropriateness & weight capacity),you should have fewer worries knowing your child cruises uneventfully on most trips regardless the destination.The benefits may outweigh potential flaws,no matter how tough decisions can get during early planning stages.