The addition of a new baby to a family is an exciting and enjoyable experience that often comes with some trepidation as well as anticipation.
Unlike most roles in life, parents are given no training or “how to” manuals to prepare for what can usually be a dramatic change to their lives, and new parents can be unsure and bewildered when faced with the challenge of accepting a new baby into their household.
What to buy?
One particular aspect that can cause concern is what to buy – the list of items for a new baby can seem endless, straining budgets and adding to the clutter around the home, such as cots, car seats, strollers, high chairs, and all the other essentials to cover every baby need.
Luckily there is a growing trend around the world and in New Zealand that helps to manage your budget and available space – baby gear rental – that not only saves money but also helps in decluttering your home.
Pros of renting baby gear
In New Zealand homes space may be limited, and the cost of raising a child can be quite high, which makes renting rather than buying baby gear increasingly popular. Whether it’s a stroller, crib, or car seat, renting can be a convenient and cost effective solution for new parents.
The convenience factor in renting baby gear cannot be overstated; instead of buying items that a new baby will only use for a short time period and quickly outgrow, you can simply rent them for as long as you need, saving money and reducing waste.
As well as the cost aspect, renting baby gear allows parents to try out different products without having to purchase them, which is especially helpful for families who might need some items for special occasions or temporarily for example when traveling.
Renting baby gear can be a game-changer when traveling with little ones, lightening the load (literally) and making the journey more enjoyable.
Safety is also a key priority with anything related to babies and small infants, and this is always a concern with rental equipment. Rental companies like Parental have to make sure that all their items meet NZ and international safety standards, and are in good condition before use.
Parental takes all steps to ensure that their gear is thoroughly checked, cleaned and sanitized before being rented out to a customer.
For Tourists and Visitors
Car seats, strollers, and other important items can take up a lot of space, be difficult to manage on aircraft, and add extra weight to your luggage. With a little planning in advance of your trip, choosing to rent such equipment from Parental means it can be waiting for you at your destination, saving on costs and space.
Planning means you should take time to research and reserve the items you want to use at your destination before you travel, and make sure you will have available the cot, stroller, and car seat that you need.
Car seats are a legal requirement in New Zealand and also a critical safety factor for babies and infants while traveling through the spectacular local scenery. Renting a car seat or booster seat on arrival will ensure your child is safe and you meet the road traffic requirements without the hassle of carrying a seat with you from your home country.
Tips for Renting Baby Gear for Travelling
- Make safety a priority by choosing a reputable company such as Parental that adheres to strict quality and safety standards. You should inspect the items beforehand to ensure they not only meet the standards but also meet your expectations.
- For convenience you should choose lightweight, collapsible gear that is easy to transport and quick to set up. This will help your travel to be more enjoyable as you navigate hotels, motels, or airports.
- Make sure that the rental company is aware of your itinerary and you are up to the mark with delivery and pick up details, so that the gear can be dropped off for your use where you need it and collected when you have finished with it.
- Don’t forget the accessories. You may be renting larger items like strollers and cots, but you still need to pack essentials like blankets, toys and feeding supplies, or your own baby carrier.
These tips will help to streamline your travel experience with small children and make the most of renting baby gear services. You will enjoy peace of mind in the knowledge that your precious little one’s needs are being cared for while you explore your travel destination without hassles.
Conclusion
Whether you are traveling or you are getting ready to bring a new baby into your home, you should really consider the benefits of renting rather than buying baby gear, at least until you know what you will actually need for the long term.
Parenting is one of the most important and enjoyable (and sometimes the most difficult) activities we will have to undertake. Renting baby gear is a practical and sustainable choice that can make some aspects of parenting just a little easier.