Hosting Families with Kids & Babies in Your Short-Term Rental: Safety, Comfort, and 5-Star Experiences

Families make up a huge portion of short-term rental (STR) travelers. Whether it’s parents booking a cozy weekend with their toddler, or a multi-generational family reunion with teenagers in tow, hosting children (ages 2–18) and babies (0–2) requires some extra thought and preparation. Done well, it can open your property to a much wider audience and generate rave reviews. Neglected, it can lead to unhappy guests and missed bookings.

Let’s break down what families really look for, how to make your space kid- and baby-friendly, and how to protect both your guests and yourself as a host.

Features for Babies (0–2 Years Old)

Traveling with infants is stressful enough, and if you can lighten the load for parents, you’ll be a hero. Consider offering:

Portable/foldable crib or Pack ’n Play – A safe sleep solution is often at the top of parents’ lists.
High chair or booster seat – Compact, easy-to-clean versions are best.
Changing pad – Saves space in diaper bags and makes travel easier.
Blackout curtains – Great for naps and early bedtimes.
Sound machine or small fan – Helps babies sleep in new environments.
Baby-safe dishware – Plastic bowls, sippy cups, and spoons go a long way.

Features for Children (2–18 Years Old)

Once kids are walking, climbing, and exploring, hosts need to think about both safety and entertainment. Here are family-friendly features parents appreciate:

Board games, puzzles, or card decks – Easy, low-maintenance fun for a rainy day.
Books or coloring supplies – A thoughtful touch that helps kids settle in.
Kid-sized dishes and utensils – Durable plates and cups mean fewer broken glasses.
Bunk beds or flexible sleeping arrangements – Popular with siblings or cousins.
Outdoor games or yard equipment – Cornhole, frisbees, or a soccer ball if you’ve got the space.

Safety Features Every STR Should Consider

Safety is the foundation of a family-friendly rental. Airbnb and Vrbo don’t require all of these features, but offering them can make a world of difference:

Childproof outlet covers – Simple, affordable, and reassuring to parents.
Stair gates – Critical in multi-level homes.
Corner protectors for sharp furniture edges – Especially around coffee tables.
Secure window locks – Particularly for upper floors.
Pool safety – Gates around swimming pools, alarms, and clearly labeled depth markers.
Life jackets at waterfront properties – Sizes for kids and adults.
Safe, stable cribs – Avoid hand-me-downs that don’t meet current safety standards.

Policies on Infants & Kids Across Platforms

It’s important to understand how booking platforms define children and infants:

Airbnb – Infants (under 2) do not count toward your total guest count. Children (2–12) and everyone older do.
Vrbo – Children count as guests, but you can clarify age policies in your house rules.
Booking.com – Children are generally included in the guest count, but age policies can vary depending on property setup.

👉 Pro tip: Always state clearly in your listing whether you provide cribs, high chairs, or other baby items. Parents will filter by these amenities when searching.

Guest Commentary: Families Share Their Experiences

Cynthia, a mom of two in Denver, CO:
“When we booked a beach rental in Florida, the host had a baby gate already installed at the top of the stairs. It was such a relief not to worry about our toddler tumbling down. We’ll definitely prioritize homes with built-in safety features in the future.”
David, father of a 6-month-old from Manchester, UK:
“We chose an Airbnb in California over a hotel because the host provided a Pack ’n Play and blackout curtains. Those small details made it feel like home and gave us peace of mind for our baby’s sleep schedule.”
Maria, traveling with three kids (ages 4, 8, and 11) from Dallas, TX:
“We loved staying at a cabin in the mountains because the host had board games and a foosball table. The kids were entertained, and we didn’t feel trapped when it rained all weekend. STRs just feel more family-friendly than hotels.”

Protecting Your Property While Hosting Kids

It’s true—kids add wear and tear. But there are smart ways to protect your investment while still being welcoming:

Durable furniture and fabrics – Consider stain-resistant upholstery and washable slipcovers.
House rules on supervision – Politely remind parents that children should be supervised at all times, especially around water.
Clear boundaries for guest visitors – Note in your listing whether outside guests are allowed.
Extra cleaning deposit or fee – If your market allows, this can offset the increased cleaning needs after family stays.

Why Families Choose STRs Over Hotels

Parents know the struggle of cramming into one hotel room with kids. STRs offer:

Separate bedrooms (for better sleep).
Kitchens (to save money and avoid restaurant meltdowns).
Laundry access (a must with babies and active kids).
Play space indoors and outdoors.

When you position your rental as family-friendly, you open the door to longer stays and repeat bookings.

Final Thoughts

Hosting families with babies and kids may require a little more setup and maintenance, but the payoff is worth it. Parents will go out of their way to book a property where their children are safe, comfortable, and entertained—and they’ll leave glowing reviews when their stay exceeds expectations.

If you want to stand out in a competitive market, think like a parent. From a Pack ’n Play to pool safety gates, the small details you add today will make a big difference in guest satisfaction tomorrow.