CONSIDERATIONS for adding infant amenities?
This is no small process, it’s all or nothing... and state the fact!
I live in Northern Australia where 98.5% of my guests fly in ✈️✈️ either interstate or internationally.
My niche market is “Family friendly” so that goes without saying > by default> baby/infant friendly. I make it well known that I can only fit four adults and only one infant. Children and adults can make up that four maximum. Unlike @Letti0 and Cor ( unable to tag)https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/141122
my space really tends to attract a singular family or couples and an infant. No extended groups due to my capacity advertising 4. I can fit a third child, but don’t advertise this... Otherwise the space would be too crowded, then a bad review will undoubtably follow......
Sadly, I do offer all amenities with no extra charge. But my pricing is et for the space, not by the number of people. (But I can also store the items out of sight elsewhere on the property.)
👁🗣🗣🗣 Airbnb should allow the option for a reduced charge for an infant, when amenities are being provided, as the setting up is time consuming, as is the set down and removal. 🗣🗣🗣👁
☝️ - YES it takes more time to set up for an infant, then just splitting the king bed ensemble to singles for older kids; by moving furniture around to fit the baby furniture in. Moving fragile items etc. There is the cot/crib, change table, shower chair, soft books, soft toys, baby monitor, (washing down the high chair and the playpen... etc )
I also provide a BIG child’s plastic mat for the floor, foam mat for under the playpen (when outside) some toys and children’s plastic food utensils and bowls. Plus extra old towels for baby change table etc, more bin liners for disposable nappy waste > separate from the standard items. And combination towels for each person on site.
🙀🤢🤮🤕🤧😷🤒✈️ I also ALWAYS leave a cot spare sheet and mattress protector set for the portable cot, in case they are needed during the middle of the night, from an emergency...... for the last thing a tired parent needs with a sick or unsettled baby is to not be able to change the cot bedding, then they place the infant with them. Spew again!
- It also takes more time to pack away all this gear, and at least one other load with the extra “little” bed linen, plus cot quilt and blanket to wash.
🙌🏼 If you plan to become infant friendly - putting in a hi chair and a crib in your amenities, then a playpen is a must. The more restrained the baby, if crawling, the less finger marks and sticky spots on curtains etc. Helps to stop things being pulled down off shelves or grabbed from a crawling toddler. I have power outlet covers, but do not put locks on all drawers. I do have a child latch on the bathroom low cabinet and the stove/oven door. But that’s it.
🙌🏼✈️ Most people travel with their own pram or stroller, but I have a spare basic one with a stroller fan attached for the heat. I keep a stroller fan in the homestay for use with families. In Australia, child seats are also required in a car🚗🚗, but these can be hired from the rental company.
I always have in situation, night light/sensors as the space is unknown terrain to guests; but I provide an extra night light for the cot or an infant.🌠
🎲🎲🎲 CONS: Historically, not having these items has in the past:
Left my big beds “covered” in all body fluids from breastfeeding mums, and newborn babies, etc.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
🚼 🆘 💡Always ensure there are laundry facilities and products available for an emergency cleanup. ✅
✍🏼 If you don’t have infant amenities, INVEST ✅ in a good “waterproof” mattress protector that you can place “under” the standard, comfort padded mattress protector. I use this system with both (2) layers of protection on ALL BEDS and the varying formations. Waterproof + comfort protectors (2) before sheeting and coverlets EVERYTIME!
👉🏼 For mattress protection, make sure you have a spare set of protectors you can use/ or the guest can use in an emergency.
When you see the work required, to fully provide, then Airbnb should be listening to hosts and considering options for recompense. I would not charge too much, maybe Australian $20 across a stay.