How to create child-friendly holiday rentals

January 2024

Planning a trip with kids can be a challenge for guests, and as a host, addressing the specific needs of families becomes a key opportunity to rent out your holiday flat. That’s why it’s crucial to think like parents and try to provide your guests with all the comforts possible to ensure they, along with the little ones, can make the most of their well-deserved break. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you how!

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Practical tips for preparing a holiday rental for kids

When guests who are parents book your property, their primary concern is the safety of their children. Kids, with their curiosity and energy, tend to explore and touch everything within reach. As a host, it’s crucial to ensure that when renting out your holiday home, it is a safe space for the little ones.

Therefore, you should conduct a thorough assessment of your property, identifying potential risks such as accessible electrical outlets, unprotected stairs, or fragile and sharp objects. Once these points are identified, you’ll need to implement various safety measures to ensure a completely secure environment. Here’s a checklist to help you conduct a detailed check of your property:

Children’s Safety Checklist

• Plug protection: Always have safety plugs available for all accessible outlets for children and babies.
• Stair railings: If your property has multiple floors, install a small safety gate for children to prevent injuries or accidents. Also, ensure that they are difficult to manipulate.
• Secure storage: Fragile or dangerous items should be kept out of reach of children, and if necessary, use locks on cabinets with items that could pose risks.
• Designated play areas: Dedicate specific spaces for children’s games and activities, ensuring that these areas pose no danger.
• Corner protection: Corners of furniture or other equipment with sharp edges can be secured with corner protection. This will minimise the risk of accidental injuries and provide a safer environment for children.

Essential child equipment

If you use any holiday rental website, it’s crucial to highlight in your listing description that your property offers suitable equipment that guarantees the comfort and safety of families with children. Including this type of equipment usually increases guest satisfaction, leading to positive reviews. Some examples of such equipment are:

• Crib and bedding: Include a crib with quality bedding to ensure a comfortable and safe rest for babies and toddlers.
• High chair: Provide a high chair for meals to ensure an easy and secure dining experience for the little ones.
• First aid kit: These should have basic items in case of injuries.

Remember that a well-equipped family environment can make a difference for those seeking comfort during their holidays. Additionally, in the case of groups travelling with babies, you can include the following suggestions:

Changing table:

This equipment facilitates the daily routine of parents and should be placed in a safe space meeting the following conditions:

• Padded surface: Offering a padded surface provides comfort and avoids any discomfort for the baby.
• Waterproof cover: Providing a waterproof cover on the changing table surface is crucial to protect it from any mishaps, in addition to facilitating cleaning.
• Tray for changing items: Incorporate a tray or compartments so that parents can have necessary items on hand, such as diapers, wet wipes, creams, and other hygiene products.
• Safety: Add raised edges or a safety bar to prevent falls and ensure the safety of babies. Remember not to use too many pillows or padded areas as they can pose a danger.
• Practical design: Opt for a design that is easy to clean and maintain.
• Convenient location: Place the changing table in a convenient location within the accommodation, such as in the bathroom or an easily accessible area.

Additional accessories:

• Baby bathtub: This facilitates bathing for the little ones.
• Folding stroller: Consider having a folding stroller available so that parents can explore the area with their babies.
• Baby monitor: Install a baby monitor so that parents can keep an eye on their children even when they are not in the bedroom.
• Safe baby toys: Include safe and age-appropriate toys for the baby’s months or age.
• Safety gate: If the property has stairs or an area you don’t want children to access for safety reasons, use a child safety gate to prevent falls or accidents.

Hygiene items:

• Baby wipes: Should be fragrance-free and alcohol-free, for easy cleaning without harming the baby’s skin.
• Disposable diapers: Offer disposable diapers in different sizes to cover the needs according to the child’s size.
• Shampoo and bath gel: Supply mild and baby-specific cleaning products that do not irritate their skin.
• Brush and comb: Provide soft brushes and combs designed for delicate baby scalps.
• Thermometer: Provide a bath thermometer to help parents ensure the water temperature is suitable.
• Soft sponge: Include a soft and non-abrasive sponge for comfortable baby bathing.
• Soft towels: Offer absorbent towels to dry the baby after the bath.
• Cotton swabs: These are ideal for gentle cleaning of ears and other sensitive areas like the belly button.
• Safety scissors: Specially designed to safely cut nails.
• Bath seat: Provide a bath seat that facilitates washing and prevents slipping. Always remind your guests of the importance of not leaving children alone with this equipment; supervision should always be maintained.

Common areas checklist

• Check outdoor areas for possible hazards such as high steps or slippery surfaces.
• Ensure that furniture is stable and does not pose a risk of tipping over.
• Provide age-appropriate toys and books for children.
• If you have areas like gardens, check the plants, as some can be harmful to children or pets.
• Establish strong communication with guests to offer a more suitable environment for children and respond promptly to various needs that may arise.
• Set clear rules regarding the use of certain spaces and equipment.

Install a playground

Creating a suitable playground is an excellent way to attract families and provide a memorable experience on holiday rental platforms. Here’s a practical guide with some tips:

• Safe space: Identify a secure area in the outdoor space, seeking expert verification of the ground to include safe elements such as grass or cushioning materials.
• Appropriate equipment: Include games and swings suitable for different ages. All items should be in good condition and comply with safety standards according to the community where your property is located.
• Rest area for parents: Create a space for parents to supervise their children comfortably.
• Theming: Add a thematic and fun touch with bright colours or children’s characters.
• Shade and sun protection: Install awnings, umbrellas, or trees to protect children from the sun. Ensure there is enough lighting for the playground to be usable even at night.
• Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the equipment in excellent condition. Similarly, it’s essential to check and replace any items that may pose a risk.
• Interactive activities: Incorporate interactive activities that encourage creativity and imagination.

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