Frustrated by the lack of support and amount of time and money we were spending on advertising, and trial and error of various ideas, I sent out an email to other independent business owners exploring the idea of banding together in some way. Thankfully, Sarah Peters of Sweet Pea Baby Rentals in Phoenix and Raquel Quaid of Las Vegas Baby Equipment Rentals responded almost immediately. They had already been discussing setting up an association where small business owners could group together for establishing best practices in our growing industry and pool resources for advertising and business information. Thus the 3 of us decided to form Baby Travel Pros.

Issues we are addressing as an association include: how equipment is cleaned and sanitized, how often equipment is replaced, rental and cancellation policies, product recalls and how to spread the word effectively about the wonderful service we offer to traveling families. With airlines charging more and more for baggage (I’m presently in San Francisco and had to pay $15 to check my one and only suitcase) it makes sense to have clean, reliable, safe equipment waiting for you at your destination, delivered and set up, ready for your little one. While our members provide car seats , cribs , strollers , toys and lots of other baby equipment, we’re also partnering with websites such as Babies Travel Lite and Planet Zee . It’s a work in progress and any feedback/comments on what you need as a customer or from the website is very much appreciated.

I recently had to hunt down a car seat of ours which had been left in a rented car at a car rental company and was taken upstairs to where the car seats are stored. It appeared that customers can go up and choose a car seat of their choice, most of which were encased in plastic. It was obvious to me immediately that our car seat was not among any of those upstairs. The car seats appeared to have little to no padding and appeared old, shabby and very cheaply made. I have never seen any like it when in baby stores which indicated to me they are significantly older than 5 years, which is when it is recommended to replace a car seat.

I cannot testify as to the cleaning techniques used in car rental companies, but feel confident they come nowhere near our standards if cleaned at all. Eventually the employee I was dealing with produced our car seat, the Graco forward facing Safe Seat 2 , which he found in the car. Frankly, I was appalled at the condition and safety of the car seats I saw; I know I would not feel at all confident placing a baby or toddler of mine in any of the car seats.

Not only that, but these companies charge between $10 and $13/day compared to our $7/day or $35/week. Rest assured, all equipment including car seats at Toddler’s Travels is thoroughly sanitized and inspected with each and every rental.

We can meet you at the car rental company of your choice during regular business hours. Even if you have an early or late flight, we’re only 10 minutes drive from the airport, and it would be worth your while to pick up or drop off a car seat to us while your family waits somewhere comfortable.
Please refer to the article put out by Delicious Baby about car seats at Advantage Car Rental company’s car seats.

You can however keep your little one safe and comfortable by renting from a baby equipment rental company which understands and appreciates the safety concerns of parents; do yourself a favor and rent from Toddler’s Travels or one of my affiliates at Baby Travel Pros next time you travel.

CARRY ON (labeled clearly with name, address, cell phone number and flight information in case bag gets lost):
– diapers, Take more than you think you’ll need, as many as one for every hour you’re in transit and a few extra in case your flight is delayed
– diaper rash cream
– Small box or travel pack of wipes for baby and your hands.
– cloths for burping, spit-up, and other messes
– An extra shirt, pants, and pair of socks for baby
– Baby’s bottle with the nipple in a plastic bag
– formula, juice, water
– a favorite comfort toy or blankie
– containers of baby food, a baby spoon, and/or snacks, such as cereal or crackers
– a bib or two; cloth or disposable
– two extra pacifiers stored in a clean plastic bag
– a changing pad; reusable or disposable
– a few large plastic bags for sealing and tossing dirty diapers, or taking home soiled clothes
– Ear Planes to relieve ear pressure
– child’s pain reliever

Infant car seat
Umbrella stroller, Travel Mate, Front-style baby carrier or framed back pack

AND FOR YOU:
– An extra shirt
– Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
– Bottled water and a snack
– Contact information with the pediatrician’s number, a neighbor’s number, and a number where your spouse or one of baby’s grandparents can be reached
– cell phone with charger
– Reservation confirmations, tickets and itineraries
– Maps and directions
– ID or drivers license/passport
– Medical insurance cards
– Keys (car & house)
– Magazines & books

IN YOUR CHECKED BAG:
– more baby wipes
– more changing pads
– ziploc bags for soiled clothes
– receiving blanket or two
– waterproof sheet
– bottles, nipples, bottle caps, sippy cups
– washable bibs
– First Aid Kit including thermometer, prescription medications and copies of the prescriptions, antibiotic cream, allergy relievers, any homeopathic remedies you like, motion sickness relievers
– travel night light: So you can keep the room lighting soothingly low during middle-of-the-night diaper change
– clothes, socks and shoes- One to two outfits per day is a good guideline. Denim and dark colors are good for hiding dirt and stains. Prepare for weather changes by dressing in layers.
– light jacket
– Childproofing gear, such as outlet covers, doorknob covers, and toilet locks
– Baby sun block, sunhat, bathing suit
– tissues
– small bottles of baby shampoo, baby wash and baby lotion
– camera with battery charger
– book light  so you can read and not disturb your baby’s sleep
– a few favorite toys

WHEN YOU GET THERE:

Rent the comforts of home such as a full size crib, all-terrain stroller, play yard or pack’n play, bag of toys, high chair, and bath tub.  Have it delivered and ready to put your baby to nap upon arrival.