It’s no secret that here at BabyQuip we are passionate about the concept of renting baby gear. Over the past few years we’ve built a business on the notion that there are many instances where it makes more sense to rent than buy. But what about borrowing vs. renting baby gear? If you can use it for free, why pay? Below are some good reasons why it may be better to think about renting baby gear instead of borrowing from friends or family.
It’s much easier when traveling.
Most baby equipment rentals are used by traveling families who are away from the comforts of home and are looking to ease the transition. Especially when it comes to sleep! Babies are creatures of habit and they are bound to have an easier time in a new place if some things are familiar. Chances are you won’t be able to borrow everything your baby needs in any city you travel to. But, it’s very likely that you’ll be able to find a company renting baby gear like BabyQuip, which has Quality Providers in over 500 locations in the US and beyond.
In addition to that, you also have the option of renting baby gear and having it delivered right into your hands upon arrival at your destination, and then picked up when you’re done with it. This is crucial if you need a car seat at the airport, or if you want a larger item like a full size crib that you likely can’t borrow or fit in your rental car. A traveling baby has a lot of needs, and no parent wants to spend precious family vacation time schlepping borrowed baby gear around!
There are no strings attached when renting baby gear.
It’s human nature to want to return favors; psychologists call it “The Law of Reciprocity.” Even when the person loaning you something makes it clear they expect nothing from you, there is a deep psychological urge to even the score. Thousands of years ago our human ancestors had to divide the labor and work together to survive, and our caveman brains have a hard time borrowing that pack ‘n play without offering anything in return. When you renting baby gear this little anxious feeling never surfaces, because you’re paying for the services fair and square; you don’t owe a thing!
You won’t have to clean it when you get it…
Reputable baby gear rental companies like BabyQuip have strict policies in place to ensure that every piece of equipment your baby uses is deep cleaned and sanitized between rentals. BabyQuip Quality Providers are thoroughly trained to use a 5-step cleaning process that includes vacuuming, cleaning with non-toxic products, sanitizing, drying, and safe reassembly. There is no way to ensure that the items you borrow aren’t covered in microscopic yuckiness! When renting baby gear, you are also renting peace of mind and freedom from scrubbing. If you are set on borrowing, consider having the gear professionally cleaned before your little one uses it by a cleaning expert in your area.
…and you won’t have to clean it before you return it!
Renting baby gear provides you with the luxury of returning the gear without cleaning it first, whereas doing so with borrowed gear makes you a terrible person. Depending on the item, this can be a really big advantage. Cleaning baby gear, especially strollers and car seats, can be a disgusting chore and most people would happily fork over a few extra dollars rather than spend precious time scrubbing spit up stains.
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Some things you just can’t borrow.
The concept of borrowing involves returning something the way you found it—and babies and toddlers aren’t good at that. Parents know that many items, such as toys, books, and linens, are never quite the same once young children get their grubby little hands on them. Rental services know this and expect a certain amount of use (or even loss) with these types of items. Friends and family you borrow from might not be so understanding or forgiving.
Take the opportunity to test out that trendy item.
If you are wanting to try out a certain piece of gear, you may be able to rent it for a few days rather than hunt down someone who owns it and then borrow it. Many BabyQuip Quality Providers list the make and model of their gear right in their listings, and if that information isn’t instantly apparent, you can certainly get in touch and ask if they have what you are looking for.
QP Meaghan Barrera from San Antonio, TX once had a couple rent out her Doona car seat & stroller system before forking over $500 for a new one. They had their heart set on it but wanted to make sure the stroller was the right height for the tall husband and that the car seat would fit in both their cars. This “try before you buy” approach is another great reason for renting baby gear!
No hard feelings.
A baby rental service isn’t going to take it personally if things don’t go as planned with the transaction. Maybe your baby hates the bouncy seat that your best friend swore by and you want to return it after just a day or two because it’s taking up precious space in your house. Maybe the dog chews up the nursing pillow that your sister-in-law secretly cherishes because it was used by her own babies. When you borrow from friends there is quite a bit of etiquette and possibly even some sentimental feelings involved. You can avoid the awkwardness by renting baby gear instead!
All of the arguments above for renting baby gear can be summed up by this—it’s just more convenient! Parents of young children know that convenience is king. The tasks are never-ending, so if you can afford to take something off your plate by throwing a little money at it, you’ll be glad you did. Don’t spend those precious moments scrubbing down baby items and returning favors. Instead, reap the benefits of clean, quality baby gear rentals brought right to your door no matter where you are!
Have you borrowed or rented baby gear for past getaways? What did you like doing better? Let us know in the comments below.
Lisa Holmes lives in Wellfleet, MA with her husband, toddler and infant. She is a BabyQuip Quality Provider and loves welcoming travelers to Cape Cod. She works as an elementary school teacher, which gives her the opportunity to enjoy lots of time at the beach during her summer vacations!
Having twins, the ability of borrowing 2 of anything is rare! I am so thankful for the option of renting gear!
Things definitely get tricky when borrowing from friends or family. I’m the kind of person that would feel so stressed about not ruining the item or getting it dirty. At least with renting, they expect the item to be used and need a cleaning afterward. Even though I’d still do my best to treat the rental item with care, I’d feel less stressed than I would if borrowing from a friend.
Love the idea of trying something before you buy it! Baby gear can be so expensive and you really have no idea what will really work for you until you are using it.
Good points made!
Renting is the only way to go. Knowing that everything is clean and sanitary gives me piece of mind.
Renting baby gear is LIFE.