This is probably a remarkably STUPID question, so please forgive me...

[AddisonMontgomerySheppard]

But if you want to take a 13 month old child in a taxi somewhere what do you do about car-seats if you don't have one handy??

taxis don't need car seats

You don't need car seats in a taxi - they are exempt from the law on car seats because otherwise it would be a logistical nightmare!

Even if it's not a black cab? (Have had DS strapped in pushchair in the back of a black cab before)
So what is best plan to keep baby safe?
Strap into normal seatbelts? Hold in lap?
(it's not a long journey (4 miles) and he may possibly be sleepy)

Thanks for this.

Last time I went in a taxi (black cab) I just wheeled the buggy in.

Some of the newer taxi's (the hackney ones) have a child's seat in the pull down section in the middle of the seat. Bet you didn't know this! You can fasten a car seat in by using the seat belts as you would in your own car.

That's what I did too, but I'm talking about a private hire vehicle..so could be people carrier/anything?
Is in deepest countryside so shouldn't think it will be black cab.
TIA

I'll need to take my 14 month old in a taxi for a short journey soon, I'm planning on phoning round the taxi companies to see if any of their cars have a child seat that we can use.

From the ROSPA website:

If no child restraint is available for children under three years, it is generally safer for them to wear an adult belt, in the back seat, rather than no restraint at all.

Is he a big 13 mth old? My DD3 is 16 mths and still fits a rear-facing seat with a handle if you have/can borrow one of those? (and if you have the pushchair it goes with if you have to walk the other end)

Ask the taxi co, some cars have child seats built in.

strap the baby to your front in a wrap-around sling and then wear your seatbelt between you and the baby, probably the safest way to travel without a carseat.

DON'T put the seatbelt around both of you.

HTH