Travelling with an infant by private hire is perfectly achievable, but it requires a bit more preparation than a standard booking. The key is communicating requirements clearly before the journey rather than working them out at the kerbside.
This article covers infant seating law in private hire, what to bring, what to note in your booking, and which vehicle types work best.
The law on infant car seats in private hire
UK law requires children to use a car seat appropriate for their height and weight when travelling in a private-hire vehicle — unless the vehicle is a licensed taxi or minicab where no seat is available. Since Fare 1 vehicles are dispatched to individual bookings, there is always an opportunity to provide a seat in advance.
We do not keep infant seats in the vehicle by default. The seat needs to come with the passenger.
Why? Infant car seats need to be fitted correctly, and the correct fit depends on your specific seat and your specific vehicle at home. Seats that are borrowed, hired, or loosely provided carry a higher risk of incorrect installation than seats the parent has fitted and used consistently. We follow the guidance that a passenger-provided seat, fitted by the parent who knows it, is the safer arrangement.
What to bring
Infant carrier (Group 0+, up to 13kg). Rear-facing infant carriers fit in the back seat of a standard saloon and can be secured by the three-point belt across the carrier. Confirm that your carrier is belt-fixable without an ISOFIX base, or bring the base if your carrier requires it.
ISOFIX base. If your carrier uses an ISOFIX base, check whether the vehicle category you are booking has ISOFIX points. Our MPV and Executive MPV have rear ISOFIX anchor points. Confirm this in the booking notes and the dispatch team will confirm the specific vehicle's configuration.
Convertible seat (Group 0+/1, rear-facing to 18kg). Rear-facing convertibles are larger. In a standard saloon they work but take up most of the rear seat. An estate or MPV is more comfortable if you also have a travelling companion.
Pram and pushchair in the boot
Compact travel pushchairs. Fit in the boot of a standard saloon or estate with room for standard luggage.
Full-size travel system or pram. The pram carrycot of a travel system will not typically fit in a standard saloon boot. An estate or standard MPV is more suitable.
Double pushchair. Fits in the standard MPV or Executive MPV (V-Class) boot. Mention it in the booking notes so the driver knows what to expect.
Which vehicle works best
- Standard Saloon. Manageable for an infant carrier + one small bag. Less comfortable if there is a large pram or a second adult passenger.
- Estate. A practical step up. Larger boot, same cabin space. Works well for a travel system + a second adult.
- Standard MPV. Three rows, seats up to six. Good for a family group with infant + pushchair + luggage. Middle-row seating allows the infant in the back row to be directly accessible.
- Executive MPV (V-Class). Maximum space. If you are travelling with an infant, a toddler, and luggage for an airport trip, this is the most comfortable option.
What to put in the booking notes
When booking at book.fare1.co.uk, add a note that includes:
- The infant's approximate age or weight (helps confirm vehicle suitability)
- Whether you are bringing an ISOFIX base (and whether you need anchor points confirmed)
- Whether you have a pram that needs to go in the boot, and its approximate dimensions or brand/model
- Whether a second adult is travelling and any additional luggage
This information goes directly to the driver and to the dispatch team before the booking is assigned. No surprises on either side.
At the airport or cruise terminal
If this is an airport or cruise transfer, allow a few extra minutes in your schedule for the carrier to be fitted and the pram to be loaded. The driver will assist with loading luggage and the pram; the car seat is the parent's responsibility to fit. This is not a reflection on the driver — it is the safer arrangement for the child.
For early-morning departures, most families find that the infant travels better in a carrier they are familiar with in a comfortable vehicle than in any alternative. Book the vehicle category that gives you enough room, and add the details in the notes. The rest is straightforward.
Book at book.fare1.co.uk.