A cab will do this (and that’s perfectly legal), and Uber or Lyft will not

One time? I’d do it.

BUT do not put her in your lap. Put her in her own seat, with the seat belt on, including the chest belt. Obviously it will be poorly positioned, but this is significantly safer than in your lap.

Take your car seat. They're free to check, just take it with.

No. There are travel cars seats you can look into as well.

I've ridden in a car with a two year old without a carseat. In my case it's because we went for a trip on the metro, he fell and hit his head, and when the ER released us at 2 a.m., I felt that a taxi was the safest way to get him home. If I had had the ability to plan in advance I would have done something different.

Having said all that, why would you hold the baby on your lap instead of at least putting him in a seatbelt? A two year old in a seatbelt isn't as safe as in a carseat, but is way safer than on your lap.

Im not a car seat fanatic, we live in a country club area with a lot of golf carts and going around the block is fine for me. But no holding a baby from dc to Dulles should not (is not?) legal. I don’t understand the premise of your statement. “We’re not bringing a car seat but how do we get there?” Uh, you bring a car seat.

The metro now also goes straight to Dallas, which is an easy option with kids

We use DCAcar everytime. They offer toddler car seats, infant car seats, and boosters as well. We travel with 3 kids and they are great.
https://dcacar.com/washington-dc-car-service

You cannot hold your child on your lap! Omg! Buy a car seat or bring yours.

No, most Lyft/Uber cars would not be okay with you holding a toddler in your lap. It's illegal and for good reason. You can't adequately hold your child in an accident and they could be ejected from the car It's honestly shocking you'd even consider it. Don't risk your kid's life out of laziness.

I would not hold my baby on the lap during such a long trip, however isn't it an option for you to buy a car seat? or probably to take carsharing? cuz usually it is a real pain to find some services with the car seat beforehand

DCAcar car service has car seats. You need to call, not book online.

https://dcacar.com/washington-dc-car-service/

Can you metro to airport bus? That will be easiest.

Otherwise start calling around for car services and ask about seats. Another option is buy a cosco scenera car seat for 50 bucks at Walmart and then throw it away. (You can check car seats for free regardless of luggage allowances.)

Find someone you can pay.

I would absolutely not hold my kid on my lap for a ride from DC to Dulles, that’s nuts and so dangerous! And no I doubt that uber drivers would be cool with that because it’s illegal.

We need to take a taxi from DC to Dulles on Xmas Day.

We have a 2 y/o and aren't bringing a car seat on the trip.

What car/taxi services have cars with carseats that can be scheduled in advance?
(Lyft doesn't have a car seat option, and with Uber you can't schedule a carseat ride in advance)

If none are avail, have you found most Lyft/Uber drivers to be OK with you holding your kiddo on a lap?

tx!