Do you provide a portable crib?

[Inna22]

Guests often request one and I have been reluctant to buy it because of liability. There are often recalls and they can collapse if not put tougher properly. It might break and I will not realize it. Thoughts?

[Lorna170]

@Inna22   Yes, I have a name brand Pack N Play that is available for those guests that want a portable crib.  I do not provide any bedding for it and it is sanitized with a plant based detergent before and after each guest request.  I check it over every 3 months if it has not been used.  So far, the Pack N Play has lasted for 6 years of infrequent use and is still in good condition. I had only one guest who could not read the setup directions on the base of the crib, but she was pretty clueless about everything and needed constant assistance with her booking.  

[Robin4]

@Inna22 

Yeah Inna, I provide a Graco portacot for guests travelling with infants. It has an inbuilt change table and a decent thick mattress which I have covered with a plastic zip on cover that I can remove and wash thoroughly after each use.

I have been using it for about 4 years now and it has proven to be sturdy, is very easy to set up and fold down after use. 

I tell guests emphatically not to try to repack it after use because, there is a trick to releasing the arms so the cot will fold up again (the advantage of having a daughter with young children)  and I don't want them forcing the sides and possibly breaking the release mechanism........a bit of local knowledge is always an asset, it's easy when you know how. I think this is why there are a considerable number of recalls Inna.....people just don't read instructions and understand how to use the device properly!

We have a lot of guests with infant children. They are coming to attend a wedding at a local winery venue, just an overnight stay and are really appreciative they don't have to bring their own baby equipment. The cot would get requested at least once a month during the warmer months!

The other advantage for me is, if I don't provide it, guests will sleep with their infant in the main bed and we all know what that leads to!

I have a highchair as well, and a range of plastic toys I can wash after use so I am well equipped for young families!

A portacot  is a worthwhile addition to have Inna as long as you impress on the guest that they are to bring their own infant linens, pillows and blankets and leave the packing away of the portacot to us.

As I said, going 4 years now and no issues, would definitely recommend!

Cheers........Rob  

[Pat271]

We are fortunate in Hawaii to have several rental companies that provide whatever baby equipment guests need at a nominal fee. They bring the equipment to the condo and pick it up after check-out. I provide recommendations of companies that have worked with us, and the guest fills out a form online with the details.

I don’t provide baby equipment for this reason, as well as for a couple of other reasons: 1) I prefer not to take on the liability and the upkeep, and 2) I don’t necessarily want to attract toddlers, although I do accept them.

[Inna22]

@Pat271 there is target 5 min from the house so guests can easily purchase the cheapest model. It might even be cheaper than a rental

[Pat271]

@Inna22  Renting a crib here is about $9 a night, so depending on the number of nights, you may be right that Target is cheaper!

[Mark116]

@Inna22  We don't cater to families with young children and don't really want to as our experience is that children is the number one predictor of damage and a messy space, so our answer would be 'no'.  The same reason we don't have any other children's items for guest use.

But, your spaces are different, although I think you've said you prefer couples and friends rather than families with children, so why offer it?  Presumably people traveling with young children already own whatever they need and so can bring it with them or if not, make due without it.  Also, as you say, there may be a liability issue if something happens the guests would blame you and possibly even sue you.

I don't see much upside.

[Debra300]

@Inna22,

We provide a Play 'N Pack for our St. Lucia apartment, because it is the only unit where we accept children.  It's rarely used.  We provide the linen, and wash them in laundry soda, but will tell the guest to rewash them if they have a preferred cleaning agent.

FWIW, beds and other furniture are frequently recalled, but often people don't return or discontinue using them.  

[Ann783]

We provide a pack and play and a crate and barrel mini crib (sheets for both, but no blankets or pillows). I hope the photo of the crib appears, it can be rolled and locked or folded for storage.

[Sherry509]

@Ann783 Have you had issues or complaints about teeth marks?  Do you have a waterproof mattress?