Can You Put a Car Seat in a Moving Truck?
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If you’re wondering whether you can put a car seat in a moving truck, the answer is no.
As a parent, your number-one concern should always be the safety of your little one(s). This is especially important on moving day. While it isn’t illegal to place your child’s car seat in a moving truck, there are plenty of safer options.
Read on to explore the alternatives and learn what to do if driving with your children in a moving truck is your only choice.
Key Takeaways
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Is It Safe for My Child to Ride In a Moving Truck?
No, it is not safe for a child in a car seat to ride in a moving truck.
This is because active airbags are made to protect adult-sized people, not young children. When deployed, they can cause serious injury to infants and toddlers. The safest place for a car seat is the back seat, away from the airbags. However, U-Haul moving truck rentals do not include a back seat — they seat two or three passengers (depending on the size) on a bench seat in front.
While no active laws prohibit a child from riding in front of a car, we advise you to follow state laws regarding safety. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) lists state laws regarding child safety seats, seatbelts, and violation fines.
Most people needing a car seat for infants or toddlers while moving prefer to drive an additional vehicle for their family members and rent a U-Haul moving truck. If this is not an option for your family, we recommend choosing an alternative.
Alternative Options
U-Box® Containers
For larger families or those with only one driver, we recommend driving your vehicle and moving your belongings with U-Box containers. You might be thinking, “What is a U-Box container?” U-Box is a portable moving and storage solution that’s perfect if you need temporary storage or extra time with your move. They are spacious and durable, so you can be sure your belongings are safe and secure.
On top of the flexibility of U-Box containers, you can add Moving Helpers and enjoy a full-service, hands-free move! Moving Help® Service Providers can help you deliver, pack, load, and store your U-Box container.
A Second Driver
You can have a second driver take the child with the car seat, then they can follow you in the moving truck. This way, your little ones are safe in the backseat of the second car, which will give you peace of mind for their safety.
What If I’m a Single Parent and Have to Take Them In a Truck Rental?
When traveling alone with your child in a rental truck, following best practices for child safety in the front seat is important:
- Disable the airbags to prevent potential injuries (if your rental truck allows it)
- Adjust the passenger seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
- Ensure the car seat is installed correctly and properly.
Remember that not all moving trucks allow airbag disabling, so check with the rental company for available features. For added assurance, visit your local police or fire station for a child safety seat check.
When moving with young children, it is important to always put their safety first. Keep best practices in mind, and stay informed for a safer move.
Find Your Best Moving Option With U-Haul
U-Haul offers plenty of moving options, from rental trucks to portable moving and storage containers and more, so you can make the best move for your family. Get a quote today and see how U-Haul can help make your move safe, affordable, and stress-free.
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