Vacation Car Seat Rental: Yea or Nea?

Two weeks ago I did something I had never done before: I flew with my two kiddos – alone. My middle brother (there are five of us) was getting married, I was to be god-mother to my first niece and I had research work to do. Originally we, the whole family, were going to drive to Denver and stay at the elegant Hotel Teatro where my future brother-in-law works (Hi, Gabe!). Long story short, I ended up on the plane alone with the kids and sleeping in my college football-playing brother’s room which was plastered with Cornell College football paraphernalia (Go Rams!).

The plan was to check the two car seats and pick them up upon arrival at the Denver International Airport. However, I had a lot of “what ifs” going through my mind. As an ex-airline employee I thought the worst: What if the car seats get damaged during transport? What if they get lost? What if someone swipes them at baggage claim (I’ve see it all happen!). But the thing that weighed most on my mind was, Ugh, what a hassle!

My dad asked what I thought about renting the car seats and sent me a link to a Denver car seat rental company. How convenient, I thought. After all, who wants to tow two kids, two car seats, two roller bags, a double stroller through DIA, all while trying to keep their sanity?

Ironically, our friend Debbie at Delicious Baby had recently posted on her blog about an ongoing terrible car seat experience at San Diego’s Advantage Rent A Car (which even made the news!).

I decided to touch base with the Denver company Baby Stay – Baby Equipment Rentals before making a decision. They quickly answered all of my questions and put my mind to rest that I would have a pleasant experience. They told me they not only rent car seats but also your “typical” baby items, like full-size cribs, highchairs, and pack n’ plays (very cool!).

I asked the owner (a mom herself) what she suggests parents should inquire about when considering renting baby equipment at their destination. She suggests parents query with specific questions, such as brand, make, model of equipment, what types of cleaners are used, how old the equipment is, how often the equipment is refreshed and to ask for a reference or two or three if you’re still concerned.

I have to say I was impressed with the overall experience. The car seats, a toddler and booster, were in great condition and the kids were safe and comfortable the entire time we were in the Mile-High City. The brands were even the same ones we have at home. My parents were pleased as well. In fact, we were so happy with the experience we passed along Baby Stay’s information to my mom’s friend whose grandbaby will soon be visiting Denver.

Thanks for the suggestion, Dad – and for picking up the tab – (wink!).

So, parents, the moral of the story is: If you do bring a car seat along on vacation, don’t check it, use it on board. If you decide to rent a seat, do your homework. Check out the company before you travel and don’t be afraid to ask for references or dig for information. There is nothing more important than your baby’s safety.