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Caribbean Cruise - Taxi/carseat concern

We have a big family cruise planned for April of next year and I'm not sure how to handle the carseat situation. Some of the places we would like to go on the islands require a taxi ride, but I'll have my 21 month old (at that time). I understand some places are within walking distance from the port, but not all.

If we need to take a taxi to a certain location on the island from the port, what are the car seat laws? (St Thomas, Grenada, Dominican Republic, St Kitts, Antigua) My entire family of 14 will be traveling together but my siblings kids are older. I'm the only one with a younger child needing a carseat and I want to plan ahead, as not to ruin everyone's plans.

I know some have big taxi vans and others have cars. I can see riding in a van around Grenada no problem, but I have a hard time believing St Thomas would let me pop my baby in the backseat of a car to drive across the island.

Another concern of course is safety. I wild NEVER put my child in a car in Puerto Rico without a carseat - even then if he nervous lol not going there, but just as an example. Some places just have more aggressive driving and unsafe roads than others.

I would love any and all feedback!!

Posted by
1400 posts

Travelling with infants requiring car seats is always tricky. Check the law in the places you are visiting. Most countries do not require car seats in taxis as they are form of public transport. For a safety point of view, you may wish to use a car seat. However, you’ll then have it with you when you arrive at your destination for the day and have to lug it around.

There are car seats on the market that also function as strollers that can help worth this issue. Diono is a brand available in the uk. A similar product may be available where you live.

You also need to wary of putting carseats into the hold of the plane as they get chucked around and damaged. They are then no longer as safe to use.

Posted by
353 posts

I think you need to plan to have your own car seat along for taxis, etc. We brought our own when our child was this age. I believe the AAP still recommends car seats on planes to the age of two. Do some research to find a travel friendly one. If you don’t want to use the car seat on the plane, gate check it. It will be handled more gently then. That’s what we did between the ages of two and when the child outgrew needing a car seat.