Having a baby is a pricey endeavor.
As babies grow, their needs change, too.
But theres also baby gear that should never be borrowed or rented for safety and sanitation reasons.
There are services that contract with individual providers, the same way youd rent a room through Airbnb.
The providers are liable for cleaning the equipment after each return and ensuring its still operable.
One of the more popular companies in this realm isBabyQuip.
Theyre knowledgeable about what they have available and their equipment is insured.
Prices vary on BabyQuip.
Providers charge per day, plus delivery and set-up fees.
In some cases, its more cost-effective to buy something outright.
Some manufacturers offer individual rental programs.
This route is best if your baby only needs a particular product for a few months.
But Snoo lets you rent the sleeper to save some cash.
If youre traveling, try looking for a service where youre visiting.
There are eveninternational rental servicesfor families traveling overseas.
Gear thats good to rent
Its easyand safeto rent anything that is easily cleaned or sanitized.
If you have to rent one, talk to your doctor or a certified lactation consultant beforehand.
And double-check the models youre looking at are not intended for single-use.
Youll want to ask if the car seat has ever been in an accident and how old it is.
TheAmerican Academy of Pediatricssuggests nothing older than ten years.
Its best to avoid used crib mattresses, especially if its through a rental service that does long-term leases.
Babies soil themselves and theres no guarantee the last person with the mattress used any absorbent pads.
Crib mattresses also become softer with use.
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