We'll be four adults and one bambino. What's the best (and safest) option for getting to the Upper West Side? If I can, I'd prefer not to have to take our own car seat.

Hi Steve:
Grab a Yellow Cab right outside the terminal. It is about $30.00. The Price is set ask the dispatcher when you get in line. Don't pay anything more!!
It is cheaper than getting on the Carey buses especially with 4 adults. You should not need a car seat. Have a nice visit!!

I agree that a cab is the best way to get to Manhattan. Two things though.
1. The price is not set (only set from JFK). But it shouldn't be more than 30 dollars.
2. I don't know the rules re car seat in cab. Can anyone else help??

Please explain - why wouldn't you need the car seat? Do cabs have them? That would seem odd. Since I am a new parent I was also wondering how to get from the airport into the city with a baby!

While I don't know the NY state law regarding children's car seats in taxis, I certainly hope that your main concern is the infant's safety, ahead of cost and convenience. Perhaps someone can respond to what the law is.

I hope this doesn't start a flame war -- that's not my intention. But this is a big pet peeve of mine.

I don't know why livebyjfk says you shouldn't need a car seat. You should always put your baby in a car seat if you care at all about his/her life. I shudder every time I see an unbelted child in a car. In an accident, that child has a good chance of being seriously injured, if not killed.

Whatever you do, please bring your baby's car seat and use it. It may seem like a pain, but imagine how you would feel if something should happen to your child in an accident. A baby in your arms could even be hurt during a sudden stop or sharp turn -- which are not uncommon during NYC cab rides.

Now, for the practical matter. Can you fit four adults and a child seat in a cab? Probably only if you get a minivan. You'll need to ask the dispatcher for help, or make arrangements for a private car service to meet you at the airport. Request a car with accessible seat belts so you can put the seat in. (In some cabs, the belts are buried in the crack.)

livebylga asked about the rules for cabs. I don't know why they would be different for cabs than private cars, but there might be an exception. I believe the rule for autos is that any child under the age of 4 must be in a car seat or booster seat, and any child under 12 must be in a seat belt. (That was the rule when my kids needed car seats, but it may have changed.)

You are not required (REMEMBER I said required) to put a child in a safety seat in a NYC cab. If you choose to then fine, do it. NYC cabs use Crown Victorias and some use minvans so you should have enough room for everyone and your luggage provided that it is a reasonable amount of luggage!

Thanks for the comments everyone.

It is my firm intention to use a car seat, I would just prefer if it didn't have to be our own.

I was hoping one of the shuttle bus companies or someone had actually thought about this, and had them available. You have to admit it would be a nice service. Anyone every heard of this?

Hi Steve:
I spoke with my brother who is limo driver in NYC Carey limosines has a service called something like"Executive Transport". It is a passenger van with a turtle top. If you request one, they can usually supply a car seat. It seats 8-10 people and had room in the rear for luggage.They are at Carey.com. Good luck and have Fun!!

I am curious as to what Manhattanites do with their babies while getting to the airports. I assume there is no need for most city dwellers to even own a car seat. As someone who lives in a city with next to no mass transit it hadn't even crossed my mind that everyone doesn't have a need for a car seat for their baby. Is the limo service the only way to go? Icertainly wouldn't take an infant in a cab without a car seat, I usually need two hands to hang on during the ride myself!

Great discussion on car seats-but New Yorkers-can you image the confusion if cabs were required to supply car seats. Its hard enough to catch a cab now !