For many, a beach vacation is an ideal way to spend a week during the hot summer months—a way to recharge after a long, grueling winter and prepare for the fall.
However, several factors could add stress to a vacation for families with young kids and newborn babies. Determining what to bring, where medical facilities are in case of emergency, and what groceries sell the correct formula or diapers can be stressful research for new parents.
Another component could be finding equipment for a baby. For those driving to the Grand Strand, packing a crib, stroller, or play set could take up much-needed space for beach chairs or other luggage. For people flying, packing a stroller or crib might be infeasible.
It’s a problem Jim Markel ran into, too. A former Ohio resident now living in Myrtle Beach, he, too, had issues when bringing his kids to the Grand Strand for summer vacation.
“I actually came to Myrtle Beach years ago and had that issue and didn’t have the availability,” Markel said.
Now living in the area for the past 14 years, the issue came up again six years ago when his friends visited the area and needed a crib, but Markel didn’t have one for them.
Markel decided to act, and he has since run the Baby’s Away Baby Supply Rentals —an equipment rental company for babies throughout the United States—Myrtle Beach franchise.
Many parents use Markel or other services throughout the Grand Strand. He estimated that he receives between 40 and 50 rental requests a week during a typical vacation season. He usually delivers the rental equipment to parents staying in a condo or short-term rental on Saturday and picks it up a week later.
While strollers and cribs are the most popular products, Markel said that portable play areas have also become popular in recent years, allowing infants to play safely in an enclosed space and preventing them from wandering off.
Markel said parents often rent equipment for their babies because it’s too cumbersome to bring from home or because it’s convenient. Markel added that sometimes grandparents rent car seats or other equipment during the weeks their grandchildren are in town.
He added that renters staying in a short-term rental like a condo should check with their rental company for baby equipment recommendations.
He also said that parents should ensure the equipment they receive is clean. Markel added that he cleans rentals twice before giving them to customers. Markel also said parents generally pick products they are familiar with or use already at home with their infants. For safety-conscious parents, Markel also said that several different strollers have differing levels of safety and stability. Families can check with the rental company for the safest rental versions.
In case a car seat or play area breaks, some companies like Baby’s Away provide replacement options, too. However, Markel stressed that renters should try to return their rentals in the same state they received them.
“I have a huge problem with sheets. Nobody likes to return them,” Markel added. “Return everything in the shape that it was delivered in.”
However, Baby’s Away isn’t the only brand that provides baby equipment rentals along the Grand Strand. Here’s a list of other companies that provide services in the Myrtle Beach area:
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