Car hire with a baby seat: tips and regulations in Spain

Travelling as a family is one of those experiences that is even more enjoyable when everything is well prepared. And if you are going to book a car hire with baby seat, there is one key question worth answering before setting off: what child restraint system does your little one need, and what do the regulations in Spain say?

In this guide, we share everything you need to know to hire a car with a baby seat with complete peace of mind: current regulations, types of child seats, safety tips and what to check before leaving the office or car park with your hire car.

Regulations in Spain: when is a child seat compulsory?

In Spain, minors who are 135 cm tall or under must always travel with an approved child restraint system, adapted to their weight and height. As a general rule, they must also travel in the rear seats of the vehicle.

The DGT reminds drivers that the correct use of child restraint systems is not only a legal obligation, but also an essential safety measure: a child who is not properly restrained can suffer serious injuries and may also become a risk to the other occupants.

There are some exceptions in which a child may travel in the front seat: when the vehicle has no rear seats, when all rear seats are occupied by other children using their own child restraint systems, or when it is not possible to install all the child restraint systems in the rear. If a rear-facing child seat is placed on the front passenger seat, the front airbag must be deactivated.

Until when should a child travel with a child seat?

The legal obligation applies until the child is over 135 cm tall. Even so, the DGT recommends continuing to use an approved child restraint system up to 150 cm, whenever the vehicle seat belt does not fit the child’s body correctly.

The key is not just age, but height, weight and how the seat belt sits. The diagonal strap should pass over the collarbone and shoulder, without rubbing against the neck, and the horizontal strap should sit over the pelvis, not the abdomen.

Types of child seats available when hiring a car

When preparing a car hire with baby seat, the important thing is to choose a system suited to the child’s size. At Wiber, you can add different child restraint systems as extras: baby seat, child seat and booster cushion/booster seat for children. 

Baby seat (0 - 9 kg)

Designed for the smallest passengers. This is the usual option when travelling with a baby who still needs a more enveloping form of support. The DGT advises that children should travel rear-facing for as long as possible, as this position offers greater protection in the event of a collision.

Child seat (9-18 kg)

Suitable for children who have moved beyond the baby stage but are still not tall enough to use the car seat belt directly. It must fit the child’s body correctly, with no slack in the harness or seat belt.

Booster cushion or booster seat (18-36 kg)

Recommended for older children who need to be raised so that the vehicle seat belt is positioned correctly. For children who have not yet reached 135 cm, the DGT recommends using seats with a backrest whenever possible, as they offer better side protection.

How to add a baby seat to your hire car booking

If you are booking a car hire with baby seat, the best option is to add the child seat during the booking process. This allows you to plan your trip better and avoid unexpected issues when you arrive at your destination.

At Wiber, baby seats and booster cushions for children are placed in the boot of the reserved vehicle. For legal reasons, installation must be carried out by the customer, as they are responsible for checking that the system is correctly fitted before setting off.

This point is important: even if you hire the accessory together with the car, take a few minutes to install it calmly, check the anchorage and make sure the baby or child is properly secured.

What to check before setting off with the car

Before starting your journey, check these basic points:

1. That the seat is suitable for the child. Check that it is adapted to their weight, height and stage of development. Do not choose based only on age: two children of the same age may need different systems.

2. That it is approved. Child restraint systems must be approved and have the corresponding approval label. With us, all seats are approved. 

3. That it is correctly installed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The regulations state that child restraint systems must be installed in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

4. That the harness or seat belt has no slack. The DGT reminds drivers that harnesses or seat belts must fit snugly against the child’s body.

5. That no unapproved accessories are added. Avoid cushions, adapters or items that are not authorised by the manufacturer, as they could affect the safety of the child restraint system.

Tips for travelling by car with a baby

If you are going to travel by car with a baby, planning makes all the difference. As well as having the right child seat, it is worth organising the route with their needs in mind.

Make frequent stops to rest, stay hydrated and check that the baby is comfortable. Avoid placing loose objects on the rear parcel shelf or seats, as they may move during sudden braking. Keep the essentials close at hand —nappies, water, a change of clothes, food if needed—, but always stored safely.

It is also advisable to check the temperature inside the vehicle. In summer, especially in destinations such as Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante or Malaga, the inside of the car can heat up quickly. Before placing the baby in the seat, check that the seat, buckles and backrest are not too hot.

Car hire with a baby: which vehicle should you choose for family travel?

When travelling with a baby, the child seat is not the only thing that matters. It is also worth choosing a type of car with enough space for the pushchair, suitcases, bags and everything else that comes with a family getaway.

For families, choose a family car hire. It is usually a good idea to opt for a vehicle with a spacious boot, five doors and comfortable space in the rear seats. At Wiber, you can find a wide range of family cars, including 5-, 7- and 9-seater vehicles, designed for family holidays or trips with extra luggage.

Car hire in Ibiza with a baby seat and other Wiber destinations

If you are organising a car hire in Ibiza with a baby seat, or travelling to Mallorca, Malaga, Alicante, Seville or Valencia, you can add the child seat as an extra to your booking and collect the car at the locations where Wiber operates.

Wiber offers service at Spain’s main airports: Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Alicante, Ibiza, Seville and Valencia. In addition, most bookings are made with the All Inclusive rate, especially in destinations such as Ibiza, Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga, Valencia and Seville, reflecting many travellers’ preference for clear options and greater peace of mind during their holidays.

For families arriving by plane, car hire at airports makes the start of the trip much easier: you collect the car near the terminal or directly in the car park, depending on the rate booked, and can begin your route without depending on public transport timetables. Wiber stands out for its focus on transparent prices, free cancellation and digital options such as Smart Box or Smart Car to reduce waiting times.

Common mistakes when installing a child seat in a hire car

One of the most common mistakes is being in a hurry. After a flight, with suitcases and tired children, it is easy to want to leave as soon as possible. But the child seat deserves a few extra minutes.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Placing the seat in an unsuitable position.
• Not tightening the seat belt or anchorage system properly.
• Leaving the harness too loose.
• Using a seat that does not correspond to the child’s height or weight.
• Placing the baby in the seat while wearing a bulky coat, as this may prevent the harness from fitting correctly.
• Adding accessories that are not approved by the manufacturer.

Safety starts before you set off.

Frequently asked questions about hiring a car with a baby seat

Can I hire a baby car seat together with the vehicle?

Yes. At Wiber, you can add a baby seat, child seat or booster cushion as an extra to your booking. It is advisable to do this during the booking process to help ensure availability and plan your trip better.

Who installs the child seat in the hire car?

Installation must be carried out by the customer. At Wiber, child seats are left in the boot of the reserved vehicle and, for legal reasons, the person hiring the car is responsible for installing it correctly.

Is it compulsory to use a child seat if the child is under 135 cm tall?

Yes. In Spain, minors who are 135 cm tall or under must use an approved child restraint system adapted to their weight and size.

Can a baby travel in the front seat?

As a general rule, children must travel in the rear seats. There are only specific exceptions: if the vehicle has no rear seats, if they are occupied by other children with their child restraint systems, or if it is not possible to install all the systems in the rear. If the seat is rear-facing on the front passenger seat, the front airbag must be deactivated.

What seat do I need to travel by car with a baby?

It depends on the baby’s height, weight and stage of development. For the smallest passengers, the usual option is an enveloping baby seat and, whenever possible, installed rear-facing. The DGT recommends that children travel rear-facing for as long as possible.