Can you put a car seat in a moving van?
As a parent or caregiver, ensuring the safety of your child during travel is paramount. When it comes to transporting children in a moving van, many people wonder about the feasibility and safety of installing a car seat. In this article, we will explore the guidelines and best practices for safely securing a car seat in a moving van.
Understanding the Basics
Moving vans, often used for transporting goods, can also be utilized for family travel. However, they differ significantly from standard passenger vehicles in terms of design and safety features. Here are some key points to consider:
- Vehicle Design: Moving vans typically lack the standard seat belts and anchor points found in passenger cars, which are essential for securely installing a car seat.
- Safety Regulations: Many moving vans are not designed with child safety in mind, which can pose risks during travel.
- Space Considerations: The interior layout of a moving van may not provide adequate space for a car seat, especially if the van is loaded with furniture or boxes.
Steps to Safely Install a Car Seat in a Moving Van
If you decide to transport a child in a moving van, follow these steps to ensure their safety:
- Check the Van's Specifications: Before attempting to install a car seat, review the moving van's manual to understand its seating and safety features.
- Use a Suitable Car Seat: Ensure that the car seat is appropriate for your child's age, weight, and height. A rear-facing seat is recommended for infants, while older children may require a booster seat.
- Secure the Car Seat: If the van has seat belts, use them to secure the car seat according to the manufacturer's instructions. If there are no seat belts, it is unsafe to use the car seat in that vehicle.
- Test the Installation: After securing the car seat, give it a firm shake to ensure it is tightly installed and does not move more than an inch in any direction.
Alternative Options
If you find that installing a car seat in a moving van is not feasible or safe, consider these alternatives:
- Use a Different Vehicle: If possible, use a vehicle designed for passenger transport that has the necessary safety features for children.
- Hire a Moving Service: Consider hiring professional movers who can transport your belongings while you travel separately in a safe vehicle.
- Plan for Breaks: If you must travel in the moving van, plan for frequent breaks to ensure the comfort and safety of your child.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to put a car seat in a moving van, safety should always be your top priority. Assess the vehicle's features, follow installation guidelines, and consider alternative transportation options to ensure a safe journey for your child. Remember, the right preparation can make all the difference in keeping your loved ones safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child ride in a moving truck?
All states also require that children and babies be put in their appropriate car seat and booster seat, some even detailing for how long. Some states even require children to be in the back seat (stating “if possible”). Here are the states that require a child to be in the back seat: California.
Can you put a newborn car seat in a van?
Yes. The law requires all children travelling in the front or rear seat of any car, van or goods vehicle must use the correct child car seat until they are either 135 cm in height or 12 years old (which ever they reach first).
Can you put a carseat in a U-Haul van?
Can I use a car seat in a U-Haul truck? Most of our trucks are equipped with air bags and may not satisfy local requirements for car seats. Young children and those in car seats should not be seated in front seats of U-Haul equipment.
How can I transport my child without a car?
Embrace your options. 'As your child ages, you can invest in a great bike with child seat or trailer to go further afield,' Aurora added. 'Look into car rentals because there will probably be times you will wish you had a car. Learn the public transit options in your area.
How do you travel with a baby in a U-Haul?
First, allow plenty of extra driving time. Second, if you're driving a U-Haul truck, plan to have someone follow you in a passenger car because big moving trucks aren't equipped to handle a car seat safely. If a second driver isn't feasible, you might consider renting a U-Box moving container.
Can a 5 year old ride in a penske truck?
Penske – Penske Truck Rental offers four different size moving trucks (12 ft., 16 ft., 22 ft. and 26 ft.). These trucks seat up to two or three adults. However, they do not have a back seat, making these vehicles less than ideal for transporting babies and young children.
Is it legal to put seats in a cargo van?
The best answer I could find came from my own insurance agent who said, “As long as they are normal car seats with seat belts, and installed correctly, you are fine.
Is it legal to add seats to a cargo van?
It requires occupant impact protection; most cargo vans will need additional padding and countermeasures in the area where the extra seats are added. A dynamic head form test is also required. FMVSS 202: Head Restraints applies to vehicles 10,000 pounds GVWR and below.
Can a baby seat go in a transit van?
Can you put a child seat in a Transit van? Yes, you can have a child seat in a Transit van which must be securely fastened using the adult seat belt. If using a rear facing child seat the front passenger airbag must also be deactivated.
Can you put a car seat in a cargo van?
No. As a parent, your number one concern should always be the safety of your little one(s). This is especially important when it comes to moving day!
