Jan 6, 2009

Car Seat Safety and Rental Car Companies

I ran across this story by Delicious Baby from a few months ago regarding rental car companies providing unsafe car seat rentals. If you plan on getting your car seat from a rental car company, be sure to call ahead to ensure that they have one available and verify models they provide if possible. In most cases, they can't or won't tell you and you never know what may or may not be waiting when you get there. These are some photos they complied of the selection they were given.







In summary, the story is regarding Advantage Rent A Car's LA location and is appalling. They were (and still may be) providing dilapidated car seats estimated to be up to 22 years old, horribly dirty, missing parts, and far out of current safety standards. Why I say they still may be is here in a follow up story after Advantage had supposedly "fixed" the problem. Both accounts involve parents unable to find a seat with enough parts to even install it correctly, let alone be safe for their child to ride in. Although I haven't relied on a car rental agency for a car seat, I would have expected something dirty but at least within current safety standards. But I certainly never would have expected expired car seats, ones smelling of vomit, infant carriers missing the bases, or ones so outdated that they didn't have 5-point harnesses.

In general, manufacturers recommend car seats are replaced every 5 to 8 years depending on the model, except some intended for longer term use like the new Graco Nautilus (available in our car seat rental inventory). Think about bringing your child's seat with you or save the hassle and rent one from a dedicated baby equipment rental agency at your destination. Many companies, including Sweet Pea Baby Rentals, will deliver your car seat to your rental car counter and can ensure and safe, sanitzed, like new car seat. Even if you are at the center in a last minute bind for a safe car seat, call a baby equipment rental company. Most were born out of mom's and dad's having these same experiences and try to accomodate emergency situations.

Jan 2, 2009

Vacationing to Phoenix or Scottsdale? Rent baby gear here!

Renting baby gear at your destination can save you time, space, and stress. Let Sweet Pea Baby Rentals provide all the necessities delivered and set up at your location of choice anywhere in the Phoenix or Scottsdale metro areas.

We carry top of the line baby equipment for rent, all in new condition including:
  • Britax Marathon and Graco Nautilus car seats
  • Strollers by Bob, Phil & Ted's, Joovy, and Maclaren
  • Chicco high chairs
  • Kelty Kids hiking backpacks
  • Toddler Aero beds
  • Delta full sized cribs
  • Toys, infant items, supplies, and much more

Check out our ongoing package deals and current specials. Right now you can get a FREE CARES harness rental for your flight when you rent from us! The CARES (child aviation restraint system) is a revolutionary new product for air travel designed for children 22-44lbs who are able to sit forward facing in their own car seats. No longer do you have to lug your car seat onboard to ensure your child's safety. Read Travels with Baby's review of the system too. Shelly and her two young daughters borrowed two of our harnesses for a recent flight. She wrote up a great review, both pros and cons, of the system from the standpoint of a first time user and frequent flyer with her children.