No charge for babies?

[Carolyn-And-Don0]

Did I miss the memo here? Did Airbnb ask hosts about this decision?

Okay, I get it that people with infants usually bring portable beds, but once they're up and running, my inclination would be to charge extra rather than not charge for toddlers. Up to a year, sure.

We're absentee hosts, but our friend who does our turnovers and reports how people left our cabin often reports having to do extra cleanup, cope with quantities of disposable diapers, etc. And it's totally easy to understand how a mom with teeny-tinies is hard pressed to be out at checkout time, much less tidy up the dishes and mop the squashed blueberries off the floor, and the cupboards, and the furniture... 

Fortunately, our accountant recently advised us that our property, on a main road and unfenced on one side, simply isn't appropriate for kids under 6, so we have changed our policy and rent only to adults and people with older children. But I think Airbnb is imposing on hosts with this one, and I'd suggest re-thinking it.

[Cathy65]

Not only is this an ill-considered, top-down imposition; it is presented all sugar-coated as if they are doing us a favor with "improved controls" -- please, don't insult our intelligence! And let US decide whether to charge for toddlers in our homes 

[Mary-Ann0]

Yes and anybody who has children or has been around children knows that there is a big difference between an "infant" that needs to be carried around and confined to a crib or baby seat, and a toddler (9 mos – 2 yrs) who can be actually running around getting into many things if not watched constantly and can get hurt.

I know my apartment is not toddler proof and I won't have it.  Maybe under certain circumstances I might accept an infant, but if they have started to crawl, which is usually around 7 months then no - it is too risky that the child could get hurt and with the kind of support that I see hosts getting, no I don't think so.

This is ridiculous - only a host that has never had children would think that this might be okay.  I have children and grandchildren and know a little bit about how toddlers are.  This is not the movies or a reality show - this is real babies we are talking about here!

Just look at all you have to do to make your home safe and toddler proof:

http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/child-rearing-and-development/how-toddler-proof-your-home...

[Maria-Lurdes0]

Yes, this is a massively stupid move, one that they tried last year (maybe the year before?) and it was squashed.  They seem to be more committed to this initiative as they've actually informed us now via a ridiculous newsletter.      Either we're independent contractors able to set our own rules, or we're not.  If I'm actually an employee, then cut me in on that nice corporate health plan!

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

How many security deposit claims will there now be for chocolate-handed toddler prints on couches and bedding?  How many more claims for sleep accidents from babies in the bed?  How many late-night plumbers called for diaper-clogged toliets?  Is Airbnb going to allow us to charge for extra pest control services to ensure that cheerios dropped under couches and beds that attract ants and roaches?  How about lead remediation - especially in all those beautiful historic homes that guests love so much on your platform?  What will be the charge for hardwood floors and carpets ruined by crayons, markers, or toddler toys played with vigor and enthusiam by a 2 year old? 

I don't have children BY CHOICE.  My home is not ready or set up for small children of any kind.  I don't want them in my home with my expensive things and inattentive parents who might not watch their little one trying to get into my very tall and very heavy Armoires in the living room that are not attached to the wall.  And I certainly don't want to have to repremand someone else's child in my own home after a toddler starts to play with one of the 3 open fireplaces.  Nor do I want to start writing reviews about children and their behaviors or writing an even LONGER list of house rules to make sure potential guests follow guidelines to make me feel comfortable in my own home.  Being subjected to the reviews from parents who were expecting a TV that we mention several times we do not have to play endless loops of Tella Tubbies to occupy their infant only fills me with dread.  What kind of review will I write when a small infant decides to have a melt down in my home  at 2 am waking us up and keeping us from getting the sleep we want and demand for our jobs - the jobs that pay for this property that we generously share with the Airbnb platform.

[Andrea9]

Which uninformed minds decided that babies don't use resources or cost a host money?? Higher heating temperature to keep the little ones warm and toasty; Water is something needed quite a bit for baby bathing, washing ....; Extra vomit cleaning and upholstery dry cleaning...

[Fiona0]

The end result of this will be less listings available for babies.

[Annabelle---Torsten0]

Our room is absolutely NOT suited for children under the age of 12.

Thats stated in our offer.

When we are forced by AirBnb to accept children and something bad happens...

We are busted by law.

We can held accountable for every injury the small ones suffers.

That ist the law here in Germany.

And because we knew that the room is not suited for children we can be punished even harder.

That would possibly ruin someones life forever.

I can't see the problem to fix the searching routine properly.

Show search results and booking options only when the requirements are complied for the specific needs of the guests.

That has nothing to do with discrimination.

That is COMMON SENSE!!!!

[Luigi27]

I wont accept infant if they don't pay the extra guest fee.

They also go to the toilet and they use water and electricity for air conditioning.

Airbnb did not ask me anything about this change! 

[Suzan3]

Please call Airbnb to complain abou this.  I just did and am replying to their customer service about the issue. 

If a lot of us do this, maybe they will change this policy.

[Daniela167]

It is illegal to host more people than what is permitted by the law in Italy. Children of any age are counted as people. If Airbnb do not count anymore children below 2 years old as guests, Airbnb is making hosts breaking the law.

I marked 2 guests maximum because my apartment can host 2 people for the law. What is the sense to show my apartment in the results to families of 3 or 4 people? I made it on the website putting 2 adults and 2 children and my apartment is showing up in the results!!

Now I have to loose my time to explain the law to foreigners and apologise in behalf of Airbnb???

[Leigh29]

I also think hosting a baby is a hugely bad idea.

I just had to decline a reservation. I said no kids 2 and under. My house is not baby proof and this guy wants to argue symantics that his baby is 2 1/2 and is a toddler. Not a baby.

As far as I'm concerened, 2 1/2 falls under this house rule.

I have no cribs, high chairs, gates. I dont want to have the responsibility of providing these bulky items to accomidate a guest for a night or two.

Babies cry, they make messes. They get into everything. They could fall off the bed. The TV could be pulled down on top of them, or they could bang on the screen with a toy, or sippy cup and ruin it.

If you have a cat, or dog the animal will be teased. Smear ice cream and food all over the furniture. Get into the cabinet where we keep cleaning products.

From my experience, parents are oblivious. They are on vacation and forget they are parents. I live in the Wisconsin Dells area where we are flooded with toursits and kids. They are a royal pain in the butt. They make noise, bounce balls and other toys around non stop because they are excited and hyper active.

Often, they are left unattended and allowed in the hot tubs where signs are posted NO KIDS ALLOWED. Parents are nowhere to be found. Little kids are up at 6:00 am and have a hard time taking naps or going to bed at night. Especially in a strange place.

I have asked that parents send an inquiry first before making a reservation, but if they cant even follow that simple request, what makes you think they care about your home?

[Howard-and-Tracey0]

I was not aware of this rule change. I have a charge for children as it takes extra time to clean after a child has been staying. I chose this and was not aware Air BnB overrode my choice !