Do you advertise your short-term rental as a kid-friendly place to stay? Inviting children into your home can be a little nerve wracking for some STR hosts, but it sure does add value to your rental and open up a new market! If you decide to go into the kid-friendly space, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:
A kid friendly rental should have a few key basic ingredients right off the bat:
- An appropriately decorated kids‘ room with twin beds, with fully encasing mattress covers
- A crib or pack-n-play with sheets that can be stored away and pulled out for a sleeping baby if needed
- Diaper changing station with a changing pad that uses removable covers that you can launder (with gentle detergent safe for babies!) between guests (and remember to add that to your cleaning checklist!)
- Dirty diaper pail (or instructions for how to otherwise dispose of them)
- Nightlights in the kids’ rooms and bathrooms
- Unbreakable plates and cups, and forks and spoons for small hands
- Games, puzzles and other fun activities
- Children’s books
- Baby gates, for sure if the unit has stairs, but nice for all kid-friendly units
- First aid kit in well-identified area

There are also a few things that your unit should NOT have/do when you’re in the kid-friendly market:
- Breakable/Valuable items in easy to reach places
- Sharp kitchen tools (knives, graters, etc) in low drawers/cabinets
- Cleaning supplies in low drawers/cabinets
Wanna add some special sauce to your kid-friendly rental? You know we love that! Here are some of our ideas:
- Whimsical throw pillows and blankets in the living spaces
- Wall art that coordinates with your overall décor and brand, that will delight children and parents alike.
- An outdoor play area with fun activities that are safe for all ages (chalk, corn hole, ball games)
- Include local area children’s attractions (parks, playgrounds, museums, etc) in your guest book
- Baby-proofing mechanisms like outlet covers and cabinet locks
- A high chair that can be stowed away
- Natural soaps and other toiletries that won’t irritate young skin
SHOP THIS ARTICLE
- Kid-approved Duvet Cover
- Zippered Mattress Cover
- Portable BabySuite Deluxe
- Contoured Changing Pad
- Changing Pad Covers
- Crib Sheets
- Diaper Pail
- Night Light
- Baby Gate
- Unbreakable Plates
- Kids Cups & Plates
- Kids Spoons & Forks
- Convertible High Chair
- Children’s Books
- Jenga
- Puzzles
- throw pillows and blankets
- Seal Wall Art by Jorey Hurley
- Cornhole Game Set