Buy or Rent? When to Have and to Hold, When to Use and Return
Wendell T. Webber
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Should You Buy or Rent Baby Items?
Consider Renting If...
You’re traveling. The baby-item rental business is aimed almost entirely at eliminating schlepping for vacationing families. Thus, you’ll find rental outlets clustered in popular resort destinations and in such cities as Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. Besides the usual supplies (cribs,
high chairs, car seats, toys), offerings may include locale-specific items, such as
beach umbrellas and sleds.
Consider Buying If...
You need everyday stuff
for home. If your child will use something for a couple of years, or even several months, buying is often the better solution. To save on larger items, scout for those you don’t mind getting used — swings and strollers, for example — on Craigslist (www.craigslist.com) or on parenting message boards (check out www.urbanbaby.com).
Tips and Resources
One of the largest baby-item rental businesses is Baby’s Away (www.babysaway.com), which has outlets in 26
states. It can usually drop
off and pick up items at your destination. Everything is sanitized before each use,
and the company regularly checks consumer-safety updates for potential hazards.
