As new parents, we quickly learn that going anywhere with a baby means carrying a lot of “stuff.” This is why rental companies for baby gear can be a lifesaver. If you can’t borrow reborn baby gear from friends or family at your destination, you’ll have to bring a long list of things, from a stroller to a Pack ‘n Play. That can be a huge pain, especially when flying with kids.
Have you ever rented baby gear from a service before going on a trip? What have you rented? What other tips do you have for taking baby gear on vacation?
We’ve found three places that rent baby gear so that you don’t have to bring everything your kids need with you on your next trip.
Most places that rent out baby gear don’t install car seats (for liability reasons).
3 BABY GEAR RENTAL COMPANIES FOR FAMILY TRAVEL
BABYQUIP
Some baby rental companies only work in certain U.S. states, but BabyQuip works in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., as well as Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and other countries. In total, BabyQuip works in more than 900 cities.
BabyQuip is kind of like TaskRabbit for renting baby gear. First, you’ll look for “Quality Providers” in your area on the website. Each provider has their own delivery fees and selection of baby gear. On their profile, you can see a photo, a short bio, contact information, the number of items they have available, and the number of reservations they’ve completed.
After you choose a rep, you’ll pick out the gear you want (for at least three days) and pay online. You can have your baby items delivered to the airport, a hotel or vacation rental, or your home. Your provider will bring your items to you and set them up.
I chose Anaheim/Disneyland as a city to use as an example. When I did a different search, I found 38 providers for the area, but the site only showed 13. Delivery fees for reps started at $20. Example rates: A Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller that can be used at Disneyland costs $15/day to rent, while a full-size folding crib costs $20/day.
The company also offers a service to clean baby gear (I wish there was something like this for pet gear!).
BABY’S AWAY
Baby’s Away has been around for 22 years and has more than 90 locations in 33 states. At least one city in each state has a Baby’s Away location. To make a reservation, you choose where you want to stay and look at the baby gear that is available. Once you confirm your item choices and vacation dates, the local representative will contact you within 24 hours to give you the total price, which includes the cost of the equipment, delivery, and sales tax. Then you will confirm your reservation and set up your drop-off.
There are many different kinds of baby gear, like cribs, car seats, toys, and even things for the beach. I used New York City as an example because a full-size wooden crib costs $15 per day or $90 per week to rent there. There is a mattress and sheets. For $9 per day or $54 per week, you can rent a Brita Allegiance convertible car seat.
Note that, unlike Baby Quip, products don’t always list brands and models.
TRAVELING BABY COMPANY
Traveling Baby Company rents out baby gear in 37 U.S. cities and states, including Anaheim/Disneyland, Miami, Orlando, Oahu, San Diego, and Puerto Rico. (Right now, a few are “temporarily closed.”)
The least you can pay to rent is $35, and delivery rates (which include pick-up) start at $25. There are rentals for longer than two weeks; for rates, contact the company. The airport, hotels, rental properties, and homes are all places where packages can be sent. You can pick up and drop off your own items in some cities. You will be given a window of two to four hours for drop-offs and pick-ups.
To rent, you choose the location and items you want, pay, and within 24 hours you’ll get a confirmation email. During the holidays or summer, the company says you should book a few weeks ahead of time, but they will “always try to accommodate last-minute orders on manga pfp.”
In San Diego, for example, you can rent a Pack ‘n Play for $7 per day or $42 per week, with an extra day costing $7. A Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double Stroller, which comes with a bike lock, costs $15 per day and $90 per week, plus $15 for each extra day. The area has a $50 minimum order, and the average delivery fee (both ways) is $45.
