Kids under age two not being charged is a ridiculous concept - started by motels/hotels and perpetuated by a false belief that they are somehow less expensive to house. Not so. I strongly believe that Airbnb should NOT be dictating to the hosts who to charge for (i.e. Airbnb displays under age 2 (infants) as no charge). I know we have the option of charging for them anyway - and can indicate that in our description - but really - why should Airbnb be pre-disposing prospective guests to who is charged for in the first place. That is the responsibility of the host. This is one of my pet peeves. it appears that Airbnb wants to compare themselves to shoddy motels/hotels who may not be charging for under age two - but I'd think Airbnb would have more self confidence and want to define themselves as being different from motels/hotels - I mean that is their claim - that they are unique, etc. So why do they succumb to the social and financial pressures of conforming to what the motels/hotels do?
The problem is that even honest people will take advantage of AIRBNB's recommendation on pricing - (i.e. infants free) - which creates an uncomfortable task for the host to fullfill as he/she informs the prospective guest otherwise.) I have always had cooperation from guests on this issue - but i resent that Airbnb even recommends no charge in the first place. I hope you all will petition Airbnb to change that policy for all of our sakes. Fact of the matter is under age 2 cost just as much - sometimes more - to accommodate as anyone else. I'd prefer that Airbnb keep out of that issue all together and let me as the host - happily inform my guests that I can provide a baby bed (crib) and/or pack 'n' play for no extra charge for their little one. Wouldn't that be so much better - so much more pleasing to the prospective guest? resulting in better customer service and better feeling toward the host and toward Airbnb. It is my recommendation that Airbnb charge for all ages the same - and let each host determine if they wish to offer a special price for certain age groups. What do you think of this?
Of course always, when you have rec'd an inquiry or request - review the details and do the math - in fact communicate with the prospective guest - asking question - to confirm and clarify - because, contrary to what Airbnb says - there is not always an up front indication of the breakdown of guests - sometimes it just reads "6 guests" and you don't know if they are adults or children and/or include infants. So communicate with prospective guests on this issue and others before accepting the reservation. Unfortunately, Airbnb puts the burden of discerning these things on us more than I would like for them to do - and they should stay out of the pricing arena.
As for someone suggesting one reason they are reluctant to rent to young children is that they might "pee the bed" - make sure you've covered ALL mattresses - and sleeping surfaces even if it is a sofa - with protective plastic mattress covers, etc... It can go under the thicker more cushioned mattress cover so it does not cause discomfort..but we need to protect surfaces not only from childhood bed wetting - but other fluids as well. (and kids over age three wet while sleeping...that's why they make pull ups in size 6 and 8...)
Furthermore - it does not matter if the child is "using his own bed" - there are other costs incurred renting to children - like moving around of furniture (lamps, etc.) and scratches, chewed on coasters, smelly diapers not being properly disposed of, etc. for which one could charge the security deposit - but really a host does not like to do that everytime there is more work because of the guests - instead simply CHARGE FOR ALL AGES including UNDER AGE TWO - and AIRBNB should get out of pricing; period.
Ginger