If you rent a car, can you rent a car seat too?

[Jalapeñomel]

We are taking a trip in April, and I would love to leave the car seat at home if I can.

[rikki]

Yes, however, I have heard that they are often old, outdated models and no way to tell if they are actually safe. Plus, when I looked into it, it was expensive (like $12 a day). I bought a cheap Cosco Scerena for travel and it has worked well. It is super light weight and easy to travel with. I check it for flying.

[yoteach]

I've done it twice. The first time it was great. The second time, the seat was 4 years expired and they couldn't come up with a better one.

[carolinagirl831]

Yes, you can, but i would be scared of what they give you. I'd rather bring ours, check it and then we know how to use it and properly install and now it's safe and not expired.
We have flown with ours several times, we've checked it(which i know some people say is a no no, but we did and it was fine)

[Deleted]

You can but I wouldn't risk it. I read an article/saw a news clip about this a few months ago and it was scary. So many car seats were expired, on recall lists etc.

[elcjet]

We did this summer -- Hertz in Boston gave us brand new Evenflos straight out of the box. I understand that is the exception and not the norm, but you can call the actual rental place and ask what their carseats are like to get an idea....

[Jalapeñomel]

I hadn't thought about them being old and whatnot.

I have only used our seat once, so I guess I should figure out how to use it before April, LOL!

[212]

Feb 14, 2014 14:25:11 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I hadn't thought about them being old and whatnot.

I have only used our seat once, so I guess I should figure out how to use it before April, LOL!

What seat do you have? You should bring it down to the UES and we can practice installing it in my car. Then have a drinking play date...

[Jalapeñomel]

Feb 14, 2014 14:42:29 GMT -5 212 said:

Feb 14, 2014 14:25:11 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I hadn't thought about them being old and whatnot.

I have only used our seat once, so I guess I should figure out how to use it before April, LOL!

What seat do you have? You should bring it down to the UES and we can practice installing it in my car. Then have a drinking play date...

It's a Graco click connect 35, and OK!

[drloretta]

Yes, we've done it twice with no issues

[spk926]

I wouldn't put my child's life in other people's hands by using a rented car seat. You have no idea what the history is, how it's been treated, if it's expired, etc. I know it's a pain but I would bring yours along.

[212]

Feb 14, 2014 15:08:41 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Feb 14, 2014 14:42:29 GMT -5 212 said:

What seat do you have? You should bring it down to the UES and we can practice installing it in my car. Then have a drinking play date...

It's a Graco click connect 35, and OK!

Awesome. I know how to use that one. Pm me and we'll set it up

[dragonfly08]

Can you? Yes.

Should you? I wouldn't. Many places will not *guarantee* you a seat. You can get one if it's available when you show up, if not you're out of luck. This happened to a friend of mine once. After waiting quite a while, her DH was about to take the rental to the nearest Target and just buy a seat when someone returned one and they were able to use it. Plus, the seats are often in horrible condition, without instructions for installation, and sometimes even expired.

[h]

Our only experience with renting a carseat was really bad. The thing was ancient. I couldn't even locate a brand or manufacture date, but I am certain it was 10+ years old. Never again.

[mswax]

Feb 15, 2014 16:24:51 GMT -5 h said:

Our only experience with renting a carseat was really bad. The thing was ancient. I couldn't even locate a brand or manufacture date, but I am certain it was 10+ years old. Never again.

We had the same experience. It sucks, but we now travel with 3 car seats.

[frlcb]

We do it often and always get newer car seats. Hertz will give you one free car seat rental if you are a AAA member.