How to Make Your Short-Term Rental Family-Friendly
There is no doubt about it - family-friendly short-term rentals are in high demand. Many families seek out properties that go beyond basic amenities, offering convenience, safety, and comfort for both adults and children. Making a rental family-friendly can help you stand out, attract bookings, and increase occupancy rates.
Here’s a guide to creating a family-friendly short-term rental, from must-have items to things to avoid.
1. Safety First
When hosting families, safety is the top concern. Parents want to feel that a property is safe for their children, particularly young ones.
Considerations:
Childproofing: Install outlet covers, secure heavy furniture to the walls, and ensure there are no accessible sharp objects.
Safety gates: Provide adjustable safety gates for properties with stairs to prevent accidents.
Window guards and cords: Place guards on low windows and secure or shorten cords on blinds.
Balconies and Pools: If your property has a balcony or pool, ensure these areas are secure. Consider installing locks on balcony doors and a fence around the pool.
Items to Purchase:
Outlet covers
Childproof cabinet locks
Safety gates
Non-slip mats in bathrooms
Furniture anchors
Items to Avoid:
Sharp-edged furniture
Low-glass coffee tables
Small decorative items that could pose a choking hazard
2. Cozy Sleeping Environment
Families often travel with babies and toddlers who have specific sleep needs. Providing a good night’s rest for everyone will set your short-term rental apart.
Considerations:
Sleeping Arrangements: Consider flexible sleeping options, such as twin beds, in addition to a queen or king-size bed for parents.
Crib or Pack ‘n Play: Parents often look for rentals that provide a safe place for their babies to sleep.
Noise Machines and Blackout Curtains: A quiet, dark room helps children and babies sleep well, which means more rested parents and happy guests.
Items to Purchase:
Pack ‘n Play or portable crib
High-quality mattress protectors
Blackout curtains for bedrooms
Nightlights
Sound machine
Items to Avoid:
Fragile or cumbersome decorations in kids’ bedrooms
Strongly scented bedding or cleaning products
3. Kid-Friendly Entertainment
Keep children entertained, and their parents will be grateful! A few well-chosen entertainment options can make a significant difference.
Considerations:
Indoor Activities: Include a selection of board games, puzzles, coloring books, and toys. Choose items that appeal to a range of ages.
Outdoor Activities: If you have an outdoor area, provide kid-friendly sports equipment like soccer balls, jump ropes, or chalk.
Technology: A streaming service, kids’ movies, or child-safe YouTube options on the TV can provide a great break for parents.
Items to Purchase:
Kid-friendly board games and puzzles
Outdoor toys (e.g., sports balls, chalk)
Age-appropriate books and coloring supplies
Streaming services or kids’ movie library
Items to Avoid:
Fragile or electronic items that children can easily damage
Large toys that take up too much space
4. Kitchen Essentials
Many families like the option to cook or prepare meals during their stay. A family-friendly kitchen setup will make it easy for parents to cater to their children’s needs.
Considerations:
Child-Friendly Utensils and Dishware: Stock the kitchen with unbreakable plates, cups, and utensils suitable for young kids.
High Chair: For younger children, having a high chair on hand can make mealtime much easier.
Snacks and Basics: Consider leaving a welcome basket with snacks or quick-prep items that appeal to kids, like fruit, crackers, or cereal.
Items to Purchase:
High chair
Plastic or silicone dishes, cups, and utensils
Kid-friendly snacks or a welcome basket
Items to Avoid:
Glass or fragile dishware
Sharp or easily accessible kitchen tools (keep knives and heavy items out of reach)
5. Bathroom Essentials
Make the bathroom child-friendly by providing items that make it safe and convenient for parents with young children.
Considerations:
Bathing Needs: A non-slip mat in the tub is essential, and if possible, provide a child’s step stool so young children can reach the sink.
Toiletries: Include child-safe toiletries, such as gentle shampoo and body wash.
Additional Towels: Provide extra towels, washcloths, and a few hooded towels for young kids.
Items to Purchase:
Non-slip bath mat
Step stool
Gentle, unscented toiletries
Extra towels and washcloths
Items to Avoid:
Harsh or strong-smelling cleaning products
Easily breakable soap dispensers or items
Low storage of hazardous items (like cleaning supplies)
6. Plan for Downtime and Relaxation
Families are often on the go, so it’s nice to create spaces for them to relax and unwind.
Considerations:
Comfortable Common Spaces: Arrange furniture so the whole family can relax together. A cozy living room with seating for everyone and plenty of pillows and throws can create a welcoming environment.
Reading Nooks: Consider adding a small reading nook or a cozy chair for quiet time with books.
Items to Purchase:
Large, comfortable couch
Throw blankets and pillows
Book nook or cozy chair
Items to Avoid:
Expensive or overly delicate fabrics that can be easily stained
Any décor that is sharp-edged or fragile
7. Practical Additions
The small details often make the biggest impact. Parents want convenience, and providing practical items can make a stay more enjoyable.
Considerations:
Laundry: Families may need to do laundry, so if you have a washer and dryer, make sure they’re easy to use and stock fragrance-free detergent.
Cleaning Supplies: Basic cleaning supplies and a vacuum or broom will help families keep things tidy.
Storage: Ample storage in bedrooms and common areas gives families space to store toys, clothing, and other personal items.
Items to Purchase:
Fragrance-free laundry detergent and stain remover
Broom, dustpan, and vacuum
Storage baskets for toys and essentials
Items to Avoid:
Chemical-heavy cleaning supplies
Final Thoughts
Making your rental family-friendly doesn’t require an overhaul—just a few thoughtful additions and safety features can make a world of difference. By investing in family-oriented amenities, you’ll not only improve your guest experience but also attract a wider market and potentially increase your booking rate.
We Can Help!
At COHO Collective, we have properties that appeal to couples, small groups, and large families. If your property is conducive to hosting families, we can help you make the necessary adjustments and purchases to ensure even the tiniest of tikes are oh-so comfy.
