Why Renting Gear Could Be the Next Big Thing for Families

Instead of splurging on brand-new items that only get used for a few months, more families are turning to rentals for everything from bassinets to bikes. 

Here’s 7 reasons why renting is the smart, sustainable, and wallet-friendly choice for modern parents!

1. It Saves You Serious Cash

Let’s be real - buying brand-new baby gear can feel like lighting money on fire. A top-tier stroller can cost upwards of $2,000, only for your baby to refuse spending a second in it. Renting lets you access high-quality gear for a fraction of the price.

For example, some services offer premium prams for under $100 a month instead of a huge upfront investment. That’s money saved for actual essentials - like caffeine and babysitters.

2. No More Clutter Overload

If your home is starting to look like a pregnancy, birth and baby exhibition hall, renting is your new best friend. Instead of hoarding every baby gadget under the sun, you can swap things out as your child grows.

Need a bassinet for three months? A high chair for six? Rent it, use it, return it - full circular economy, no storage stress, no regrets.

3. It's a Sustainable Choice

Let’s talk about the environmental impact. The baby industry churns out millions of products every year, many of which end up in landfill after minimal use. Renting helps cut down on waste by giving preloved items a longer lifespan.

By choosing rental over new purchases, you’re reducing demand for unnecessary production and keeping perfectly good items in circulation. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet.

4. Perfect for Travel & Short-Term Needs

Holidays with kids are stressful enough - why add heavy luggage to the mix? Renting gear like prams, car seats, and cots at your destination means you can travel lighter and avoid airline baggage nightmares. You can often get hands on your rental gear right at the airport, too!

Even for short-term needs at home - like visiting family members needing a cot for their baby sidekick - renting makes way more sense than buying something you’ll only use for a super brief period.

5. Try Before You Buy

Ever dropped serious cash on a baby gadget, only to realise your kid hates it? Renting gives you a risk-free way to test prams, carriers, and high chairs before committing.

If it’s a hit, you can always buy it later. If not, no harm, no clutter, no wasted money.

6. Access to High-End Gear Without the High Price

Dreaming of that luxury stroller or ergonomic carrier but can’t justify the cost? Renting gives you access to premium brands without the financial sting.

This is especially handy for items like stroller wagons and car seats, where top-tier features can make all the difference for comfort and ease of use.

7. Community & Sharing Economy Benefits

Many rental services operate on a secondhand or peer-to-peer model, meaning you’re supporting local parents rather than big retailers. Some even let you rent out your own secondhand baby gear, turning unused items into extra cash!

Plus, let’s be honest - parenting is hard. Swapping and renting within a community brings families together, making life just that little bit easier.

How to Get Started with Renting Kids’ Gear

If you’re ready to ditch the buy-and-hoard cycle, here’s how to get started:

• Check out local rental services - “Baby rentals” is a good search term to use when talking to Mr Google! 

• Compare costs - Some platforms offer weekly or monthly pricing, so you can find a plan that fits your budget. Do the math and shop around, too, as sadly not all services offer sensible pricing!

• Look for flexible terms - Many rental sites offer swap-out options for longer-term rentals, so if your child outgrows something, you can trade up.

• Consider community swaps - Local parenting groups and toy libraries sometimes have rental options or swap programs for preloved baby gear.

With the cost of living soaring, being thrifty isn’t just about saving money - it’s about making smarter choices. Renting kids’ gear means less clutter, more savings, and a lighter footprint on the planet.

So next time you’re eyeing an expensive baby gadget, ask yourself: Do I really need to own this, or could I just rent it? 

Your wallet, your mental clarity, and your storage space will thank you.