How to carry a baby in a taxi to the airport | ExpatWoman.com
 

How to carry a baby in a taxi to the airport

270
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:13

Hi ladies,

We need to travel to the airport with our 3 months old son. We are not planning to take the car seat to our destination so... how can we travel by taxi with our LO?

Thanks

323
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 07:53
Just use your own seat in whichever taxi you get, ask the driver to take it back to your home (or elsewhere if nobody will be home) - pay the return fare and swap mobile numbers. Job done ;)
370
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 00:37
I went to the site, and the insert copied below states that capsules have to be top tethered. You can't buy any of the maxi cosy ones sold in Dubai in Aust for that reason. A taxi will not accept you without the top tether and a child under 12months. What is a rearward facing restraint (also known as a baby capsule)? It is a restraint that must be used for children (babies) from birth to around six months of age, which is held in place by a seatbelt and the top tether strap with the baby facing the rear of the vehicle. All have an inbuilt harness system. Can I use a child restraint that was purchased overseas? No. Child restraints purchased overseas do not comply with Australian Standards and they are not compatible with Australian vehicles. Australian vehicles have a unique top tether strap anchorage system, which only Australian Standard approved child restraints are compatible with. In addition, the Australian Standard for child restraints is one of the most stringent child restraint standards in the world. Unlike the European Standard, the Australian standard requires all restraints to be tested in side and rear impact tests and some with inverted test for roll-over protection. That information about a top tether for children under 12months is only applicable in the state of NSW and only for children under 12 months. For chidlren over 12 months even in NSW they are only required to wear the regular car seat belt. "Taxi drivers must ensure: All passengers younger than 12 months must be secured in a child restraint. All passengers aged over 12 months and under 16 years must: occupy a seating position that is fitted with a suitable seatbelt" Road laws are governed by state in Australia - they are not the same all over the country. Hence why I provided the info for you to check and see for yourself as you did not seem to believe me. You were obviously in NSW with a child under 12 motnhs if you were asked to use a child restraint. In VIC and QLD etc they are not required by law to have any restraint whatsover under 12 months, and even up to 7 years in QLD. Australia has very good laws regarding child restraints in regular cars. It doesnt follow through with the exemptions with taxi's (unfortunately). In VIC I had no car for part of the time my DS was a baby. You cannot order a taxi with a carseat there. Its completely legal and common for baby's up to 12 months to ride on the parents lap unrestrained in taxi's there and in other states such as QLD.If you choose to provide your own carseat they will not help you fit it (They do have to have an anchor there for you to fit it yourself if you choose to). From VicRoads website "Children under one year do not have to use a child restraint in a taxi if there is no suitable approved restraint available for use"
504
Posts
EW GURU
Latest post on 08 June 2012 - 23:43
I went to the site, and the insert copied below states that capsules have to be top tethered. You can't buy any of the maxi cosy ones sold in Dubai in Aust for that reason. A taxi will not accept you without the top tether and a child under 12months. What is a rearward facing restraint (also known as a baby capsule)? It is a restraint that must be used for children (babies) from birth to around six months of age, which is held in place by a seatbelt and the top tether strap with the baby facing the rear of the vehicle. All have an inbuilt harness system. Can I use a child restraint that was purchased overseas? No. Child restraints purchased overseas do not comply with Australian Standards and they are not compatible with Australian vehicles. Australian vehicles have a unique top tether strap anchorage system, which only Australian Standard approved child restraints are compatible with. In addition, the Australian Standard for child restraints is one of the most stringent child restraint standards in the world. Unlike the European Standard, the Australian standard requires all restraints to be tested in side and rear impact tests and some with inverted test for roll-over protection.
57
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 00:37
We take our car seat and check it in. Otherwise we use a friends driver to take us in our car or book safer driver to meet us at airport and bring our car back
370
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 23:33
It is the same in Australia. There is an exemption in the law and you are free to carry a child/baby of any age on your lap. The taxi companies refuse to provide carseats due to the "hygeine" hazard (apparently they feel it is more of a hazard for children to catch some germs from some booger residue on the carseat than to end up flying through a windscreen in the event of a car crash). If you provide your own carseat the taxi driver is not allowed to help you put it in the taxi - because they would then be liable if it was nt fitted properly and any injury was caused. Are you sure about this? On my last trip to OZ I had my maxi cosi to strap in and all taxi's refused to take me. They said that a child had to be in a seat with isofix points, so I ended up catching the train. Yes, 100% sure. It varies slightly according to the state. Victoria - Children under 1 year old are exempt from wearing any restraint at all. Chilren over one must wear either the adult seat belt or a child restraint provided by the passenger [url=http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/RoadRules/ChildRestraintsRules.htm'>link[/url'> Queensland - Children under 7 are exempt from wearing a restraint if there is no restraint present in the taxi. If there is a restraint available in the taxi - then the child must wear it. Children under 7 are not allowed in the front seat of the taxi [url=http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/a34d7a95-2ff5-4b5e-b57b-47aeb515d0af/child_restraints_qanda.pdf'>link[/url'> (page 9) New South Wales - Children under 1 year must be in a child restraint. Children over 1 year must at least wear the adult seat belt (not allowed to sit on your lap). Children under 4 years not allowed in the front seat [url=http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/children/childrestraints/childrestraintlaws_faqs.html'>link[/url'>
504
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 22:58
It is the same in Australia. There is an exemption in the law and you are free to carry a child/baby of any age on your lap. The taxi companies refuse to provide carseats due to the "hygeine" hazard (apparently they feel it is more of a hazard for children to catch some germs from some booger residue on the carseat than to end up flying through a windscreen in the event of a car crash). If you provide your own carseat the taxi driver is not allowed to help you put it in the taxi - because they would then be liable if it was nt fitted properly and any injury was caused. Are you sure about this? On my last trip to OZ I had my maxi cosi to strap in and all taxi's refused to take me. They said that a child had to be in a seat with isofix points, so I ended up catching the train.
112
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 21:03
I could not care les about what is legal or not. Driving with baby in arms is DANGEROUS anywhere and the thought of SZR and Dubai traffic leaves me speechless. Nimonemo, if no friends can take you let me know. I will take you any time of the day. I mean it. Same goes for anyone else with this problem. I have a vivid imagination and I know what happens to unrestrained babies when a car brakes, just can't handle the thought. Idea for all EW'ers/Redlesley: maybe a airport carpool circle could be set up for the summer trips? Would be some nice publicity in that as well. BC
49
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 15:32
We requested a taxi with baby seat to take us to the airport and when I phoned to confirm with Dubai Transport, 30 mins before leaving for the airport they informed us that there was none available...so we ended up driving and spending a fortune on parking. Have you thought about the chauffeur services that will drive you in your own car - can the driver then drop the car with a friend/neighbour? Alternatively can you hire one of the private taxi companies (there are loads operating at DIFC) and request that after dropping you they take the seat back to your house / to a friends?
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 15:00
Am pretty sure the lady drivers are taught how to fit the car seat, at least, this is what a couple of them have told me... so, I would guess you are better off with them, or at least a driver who is a dad and has used one before :P
370
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 14:31
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service In Holland it is the same too. you are allowed to travel with the baby on your lap in a taxi; however, it is illegal to do the same in your own car!! so very conflicting!! I know about the Taxi service here, that is why i always take the car seats, and you do not have to pay for weight, when checking them in, so win win situation:) It is the same in Australia. There is an exemption in the law and you are free to carry a child/baby of any age on your lap. The taxi companies refuse to provide carseats due to the "hygeine" hazard (apparently they feel it is more of a hazard for children to catch some germs from some booger residue on the carseat than to end up flying through a windscreen in the event of a car crash). If you provide your own carseat the taxi driver is not allowed to help you put it in the taxi - because they would then be liable if it was nt fitted properly and any injury was caused. Not all airlines will allow you to take a carseat for free. Can't remember which airline, but I know I had it counted as a piece of my luggage on one occasion. Double check with airline just in case
240
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 14:21
even when a taxi has turned up in the past with a car seat as requested it is usually in the boot and the driver spends ages trying to fit it when he arrives and I ended up having baby on my lap anyway...not ideal but there you go
262
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 14:15
Nimonemo, Please do let us know if you succeed in getting a taxi with car seat, I will need one too to go to the airport. TIA
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 13:53
Sorry just saw you're going TO the airport. In which case I would guess you need to book a ladies' taxi? Depending on where you are coming from and at what time, is the metro an option? You can take suitcases on it provided they are not huge and you use the spaces provided near the carriage door, contrary to rumour that you cannot. And of course you can take a stroller/pram too.
1336
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 13:51
I came in through T3 yesterday, and I asked about this because I know lots of ladies ask here. They have a lopcker with about 5 or six car seats- the guy told me that they can be requested free of charge when using a 'normal' sedan taxi. He also said the best way is to just take a Ladies' (pink roof) or 'Family' (red roofed-van type) taxi, Ladies taxi ALWAYS have a car seat in them. Ladies and Family taxi specifically wait at the airport for this reason. HTH
736
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EW GURU
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:59
I thought I had seen somewhere that if you call Dubai Taxi 24 hours in advance they would be able to supply a taxi with car seat. I think they are doing this in collaboration with the Baby Shop (and Redlesley).
96
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:52
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service In Holland it is the same too. you are allowed to travel with the baby on your lap in a taxi; however, it is illegal to do the same in your own car!! so very conflicting!! I know about the Taxi service here, that is why i always take the car seats, and you do not have to pay for weight, when checking them in, so win win situation:) Oh so some airlines take car seats at no extra cost....dou know if etihad do as well? No sorry, I know that Emirates and KLM do not charge for checking in car-seats. Call etihad and ask.
2239
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:48
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service In Holland it is the same too. you are allowed to travel with the baby on your lap in a taxi; however, it is illegal to do the same in your own car!! so very conflicting!! I know about the Taxi service here, that is why i always take the car seats, and you do not have to pay for weight, when checking them in, so win win situation:) Oh so some airlines take car seats at no extra cost....dou know if etihad do as well?
322
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:46
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service Yes great advice just sit the kid on your lap!! Of course it is necessary to travel with a car seat/baby seat. These save lives and have been proven to save lives. This attitude here annoys me immensely! A childs life is precious. No wonder poor Buckleup Lady has such a hard time here trying to convince people.
96
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:45
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service In Holland it is the same too. you are allowed to travel with the baby on your lap in a taxi; however, it is illegal to do the same in your own car!! so very conflicting!! I know about the Taxi service here, that is why i always take the car seats, and you do not have to pay for weight, when checking them in, so win win situation:)
3804
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:43
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service They are seriously advocating children on laps? That's appalling!
270
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:41
I have just phoned Dubai Taxis and I got the following information: Taxis in Dubai can carry babies on lap if they are in the back seat. It is not necessary to travel with a baby in a car seat in Dubai. Some ladies taxis have a baby car seat when if you book one of those 'they might come or they might not come' so you cannot really rely on this service
96
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:39
Take the car seat with you. Car seats are free of charge when checking in.
262
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:23
Hi, The ladies Taxi at the airport have carseats, so perhaps you can specifically ask for one of those, when you call the RTA to book Edited to say: I know that you are travelling to the airport not from the airport, but try that who knows <em>edited by pepito on 06/06/2012</em>
2239
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 06 June 2012 - 12:17
This is what we are wondering as we have to go o Abu dhabi...we won't all fit in a taxi I've got a blow up booster seat for my 3 yr old...but my 8 month is not old enough...so looks like I will have to drive there....
 
 

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