As counterintuitive as it seems, traveling with a tiny passenger can incur big expenses and induce big headaches. You may be able to get away with just a carry-on, but there’s a good chance you’re going to have to check that stroller, playard and high chair. Kerri Couillard saw a way to make things easier. She also saw a business opportunity.
Six years ago, she launched her business in Santa Fe, New Mexico, renting out baby gear like portable cribs to traveling parents once they arrived at their destination (or to friends and family members hosting babies for a trip). After serving over 1,000 customers, she decided to expand. BabyQuip (previously Babierge) launched last May.
With the help of Fran Maier, CEO of Match.com, Couillard has brought BabyQuip to 100 markets in the US and Canada. Here’s how it works:
- Head to BabyQuip.com and select the location of your destinaton.
- Scroll through the listed Trusted Partners (meaning approved families) for that region, taking a look at the items they have available to rent.
- Once you find what you need, make a reservation.
- The Trusted Partner will work with you to coordinate delivery, setup and pickup of the items you choose.
If this sounds like an incredibly convenient alternative to lugging gear through an airport or asking your host to buy a pack ‘n play—that’s the intention. BabyQuip also works with each of its representatives to ensure the gear available is unaffected by any recalls, and requires everything to be cleaned or washed with natural-based cleaners after each use.
While this helps to alleviate some of the stress associated with traveling with baby, it doesn’t solve your potential in-transit problems. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
H/T Forbes
