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Renting Car Seats in London

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Does anyone have experience renting car seats with a car hire in London?

My family is renting a car at St. Pancras train station in June and we need to child seats with it (for 5yo & 2yo). We will only have the car and seats a couple days. None of the car hire companies can guarantee that Child seats will be available, even if we reserve them. Has anyone gone through this or know how likely it is that they will have the Child seats on hand?

Has anyone used 3rd party child equipment rental such as "Tiny Explorers" or "babonbo"? What was your experience?

[Note, I understand that London traffic will be terrible and that trains to the destination are easier/simpler. We have reasons for driving and are not looking for advice on trip plans, just looking for experiences and input on renting Child Car Seats. Thank you]

Posted by
16178 posts

We rented a very nice stroller (“push chair”) for our grandchild from a baby equipment supply company in London a few years ago. I do not recall the name of the company, but it all went fine. They delivered it to our apartment and picked it up from the concierge after we left.

Posted by
32701 posts

I don't have the answer to your question and I'm not giving trip advice - just to let you know that St Pancras is right on the line of the Congestion Charge. It starts across the road. Venture in there and you will be paying £15 a day for the privilege. Venture in there unawares and you will be paying at least twice that if you don't pay on time (in advance, on the day or the next day).

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/pay-to-drive-in-london

Older and bigger engined cars are also subject to the ULEZ - Ultra Low Emission Zone charges. The charge is based on the number plate on your car which allows the system to determine your emissions.

I hope I have helped you save a little money...

Posted by
990 posts

It is tricky. An equipment hire company would be a reliable option. Would they deliver the seats to your hotel the day before? Another idea is to buy a couple of cheap seats on Amazon and have them delivered. A 5 year old would be legal here using a booster cushion without a back and the adult seat belt, although I know this is not the safest option. Your 2 year old will need a proper car seat.

Posted by
274 posts

We have rented a car from Europcar (from York, not London) with a car seat. I reserved at time of booking and called a few days before to confirm, and specified when we would be picking up the car so they made sure to have the car seat ready. We've also rented cars from them in other countries (Italy and France) with car seats and have never had an issue with a car seat not being available on pickup (again, I always call the day before to confirm). I know that they "don't guarantee" car seats, and I agree that disclosure always makes me nervous, but we've never had issues.

Back in our trip to London in 2018, we used Chelsea Baby Hire to rent a crib for our son. They were excellent to work with. If they're still in business, I'd imagine they also rent car seats as well. Their email address is: sarah@chelseababyhire.com

Have a great trip!

Posted by
32701 posts

Chelsea Baby Hire last updated their facebook page in 2016. They don't have a webpage. Looks unlikely.

Official government records (Companies House) show they were Dissolved on 23 March 2021

sorry

Posted by
16178 posts

When I was looking for the stroller to rent, I posted my question on TripAdvisor in the London forum. Four companies were recommended. I just checked, and of the four, only this one appears to still be in business.

https://www.thebabyloft.co.uk/

They have a good selection of car seats. However, they are located in Northampton and getting it delivered to your car rental location would be expensive.

https://www.thebabyloft.co.uk/delivery-collection-options/

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