Traveling through STL with children is manageable, but getting from the airport to your destination with kids, car seats, strollers, and bags requires some planning.
The car seat situation
Missouri law requires children under 8 who weigh less than 80 pounds or are under 4 feet 9 inches tall to ride in an appropriate car seat or booster. Taxis and rideshare vehicles in Missouri are technically exempt from this requirement, but that does not make it safe to skip one.
If you need a car seat, your best option is to book a private transfer and request one during booking. Most transfer services offer infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats at no extra charge or for a small fee. Relying on a taxi or rideshare driver to have one is not realistic.
Luggage space
A family of four easily generates three or four large bags plus carry-ons, a stroller, and possibly a car seat you are bringing yourself. A standard sedan or rideshare vehicle cannot fit all of that comfortably. An SUV or minivan transfer is the practical choice for families with significant luggage.
Private transfer services let you specify your luggage count and passenger number when booking, so the right vehicle shows up. With rideshare, you are hoping the vehicle that arrives has enough trunk space.
Getting through the airport
STL is not an overwhelming airport. Both terminals are single-level for arrivals, and the walk from gates to baggage claim is reasonable. Strollers can be gate-checked and picked up at the jet bridge or at baggage claim depending on the airline.
Bathrooms with changing tables are available throughout both terminals. If you need to feed or settle children before heading out, there are seating areas near baggage claim.
The pickup process with kids
With a pre-booked transfer, your driver waits at the curb outside baggage claim. This means minimal time standing outside with children and luggage. The driver loads bags while you get kids settled in the vehicle.
With rideshare, you need to walk to the designated pickup zone, which may require crossing lanes of traffic or waiting at a curb with children. Not dangerous, but less convenient with small kids.
MetroLink with children
The light rail is cheap and kids under 5 ride free. But navigating the train with a stroller, bags, and tired children is not fun. There are no elevators at every station, and trains can be crowded during peak hours. It works for older kids traveling light, but it is not the best option for families with toddlers and gear.
What most families actually do
Most families arriving at STL with young children book either a private SUV transfer or rent a car. The SUV transfer handles the immediate airport-to-hotel leg without stress, and you can arrange return transport separately. If your trip involves driving around the St. Louis area, a rental car from the on-airport facility makes more sense for the whole stay.