The Importance of Rent a Car Seat on Holiday
Travelling with young children brings joy, discovery and family bonding — but it also comes with logistical challenges. One of the key decisions for families arriving at a destination is whether to bring their own car seat or simply rent one locally.
At Carry Baby Madeira we believe that rent a quality car seat at your holiday destination offers significant advantages.
Below we explain why, and we also clarify an important technical distinction: the difference between a child car seat with the ISOFIX system and one without.
Why rent a car seat rather than bring your own?
Renting a car seat at your holiday destination — such as from Carry Baby Madeira — offers a simple and practical solution.
Here are some of the key benefits:
Renting a stroller at your holiday destination — such as from Carry Baby Madeira — offers a simple and practical solution.
1. Travel lighter and save hassle
Bringing your own car seat means extra weight, bulk, and potential difficulty at airports or in transfers. By hiring locally, you avoid transporting heavy or awkward equipment through check-in, security, or on to ferries and taxis. This means you can arrive and start your holiday more relaxed.
2. Fit to the local vehicle and environment
Rental and transfer vehicles at tourist destinations may differ from your home car. By hiring a car seat locally, you ensure compatibility with the vehicle you’re using, without having to juggle adapters or risk incorrect fitting. Local providers often maintain and check their equipment regularly.
3. Safety, comfort and maintenance
A hired car seat generally will be maintained, cleaned and inspected for safety compliance. This gives confidence that the equipment is in good condition — which may be harder to guarantee if you transport one yourself and use it immediately after travel.
4. Convenience for families arriving by plane
Imagine arriving at the airport, collecting your luggage, hopping in a transfer vehicle and reaching your accommodation — all without the extra step of unpacking, installing and later storing your own car seat. Hiring allows you to focus on the fun parts of your holiday.
What is ISOFIX — and what’s the difference between ISOFIX vs non-ISOFIX car seats?
The ISOFIX system is an internationally standardised method for attaching a child car seat to a vehicle. Essentially, rather than relying purely on the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the child seat, ISOFIX uses built-in metal anchor points in the car which allow the seat (or its base) to lock firmly into place.
These anchor points (often two lower arms plus a top tether or support leg) create a direct connection between the child seat and the car’s structure.
Benefits of ISOFIX
- It significantly reduces the risk of incorrect installation: many seat-belt installations are done incorrectly, whereas ISOFIX offers a more fool-proof ‘click-and-lock’ style fit.
- It improves stability of the seat in case of impact, because the seat is rigidly connected to the vehicle structure.
- It is quicker and easier to install, which is particularly useful when moving between vehicles or rental cars.
These anchor points (often two lower arms plus a top tether or support leg) create a direct connection between the child seat and the car’s structure.
ISOFIX vs non-ISOFIX car seats
- Non-ISOFIX (belt-fitted) car seats rely on the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the seat. While safe when correctly installed, they are more susceptible to user error (e.g., incorrect belt routing or tension).
- ISOFIX-fitted car seats use fixed anchor points, reducing the margin for incorrect installation. In many newer cars, the ISOFIX anchorage points are standard.
- One limitation: some older vehicles may not have ISOFIX anchor points, or the car seat may be heavier or more restricted in certain weight groups.
- It’s important to check compatibility: a non-ISOFIX seat may be more flexible across older vehicles, but if your rental car has ISOFIX, using an ISOFIX-compatible seat is advisable.
Enjoy your travels, travel light — and let Carry Baby Madeira take care of the rest.
Which should you choose when hiring?
When selecting a hired car seat, you should check:
- Does the provider offer an ISOFIX-compatible model (if your vehicle supports it)?
- If your rental vehicle does not have ISOFIX anchor points, ensure the seat is properly fitted with the seat belt method.
- Confirm the seat is appropriate for your child’s size (height/weight) and the vehicle type.
- Ensure the provider can assist with installation or that the seat comes with clear instructions.
Summary & Why Carry Baby Madeira’s Service Makes a Difference
When you choose to hire a car seat at your holiday destination, especially from a specialist like Carry Baby Madeira, you gain peace of mind, flexibility and convenience. You avoid transporting bulky gear, minimise the risk of incorrect installation, and ensure your child travels in safe, well-maintained equipment.
Moreover, by offering ISOFIX-compatible car seats (where the rental vehicle supports it) or high-quality belt-fitted models, your journey around Madeira becomes smoother and safer. Whether you’re exploring scenic viewpoints, heading to the beach or driving between towns, focusing on your family’s enjoyment — rather than equipment logistics — has real value.
By choosing to hire instead of bringing your own, you open up more flexibility, less hassle — and more time to enjoy your holiday.
