Taxi travel with toddler - car seat

[PastWitsEndAndBackAgain]

Am having issues finding a taxi company which supplies car seats as part of the booking, I assume a lot of them don’t want the hassle of storing / installing etc and take a relaxed view due to the law.

We’re about 12 miles / 20 mins from Gatwick, but journey involves M25/M23 for the majority. Would be travelling at around 4am. Legally there’s no requirement for our 2.5 year old to be in a car seat, but it feels like a bit of a risk to go ahead with a booking with no car seat. (Our two car seats are bulky isofix types which it just wouldn’t be worth lugging on holiday with us.)

Would you take the risk and just put toddler in normal seat belt (they’re v small for age so likely to be worse than useless)? Would I be over the top to buy a cheapie seatbelt-secured car seat and take it on holiday with us? Feel surprisingly clueless about what to do!

I don't think it's OTT to take your own especially if you're getting a taxi or hire car on the other side.

If not using cars over there, maybe cost up airport parking vs taxi?

You can get car seat backpacks, which are great, but I think the kid has to be over 15kg, so not sure if they would be suitable for a 2.5 year old. My DS used one on holiday when he was nearly 3 but he was big for his age.

Trunki BoostApak - Travel Backpack & Child Car Booster Seat for Group 2-3 (Green) amzn.eu/aZoCCus

I know it's 4am, but is there a coach?

If not I'd get cheapie or cheap second hand one. I know second hand ones are more risky but better than nothing.

Thanks for the suggestions - will definitely bear in mind the backpack boosters for future reference (DS hasn’t hit 12kg yet so 15kg feels a long way off!). Airport parking is so expensive, and I can’t even think about the thought of trying to coordinate a tired toddler and luggage on a coach so that’s out too!! Think the cheapie car seat is the winner!

What will you be doing once you get off the plane? How will you be getting to your accommodation?

I've put same age but heavier / same weight but younger in the taxi without a chair but I'd be mindful of not wanting to do it down the motorway, or given it will be quiet there's less risk. When do you get back?

Of course you need a car seat! It is a crazy idea to think about putting her in a taxi without one. How are you getting to your accommodation when you arrive? We always travel with a seat - the joie stages is a great option for travel, and use it in a taxi or hire car at the other end too. It’s really not a huge hassle and just one of those things you have to do when travelling with young children.