Anyone who has traveled with young children know the amount of gear that one small person needs. From a pack-n-play to a stroller, a high chair to toys, sometimes it doesn’t all fit in the car or on a plane. Mainely Babies to the rescue.
Mainely
Babies is a new company that rents out gear for newborns through 5-year-olds
through their web-based business at www.mainelybabies.com. The company is the
creation of Cari Turnbull and Rebecca Spear, who are both mothers of two
children under 5-years-old.
“We
have things that you don’t want to travel with,” said Turnbull.
The
idea came from a trip that Turnbull took to Florida where she used a baby gear
rental service. When she returned to Windham, she spoke with her friend Rebecca
and found out that Rebecca had used a company like this on her trip to Florida.
Since there was nothing like this is the greater Portland area, the two started
their own company.
Rental
equipment can be delivered up to 35 miles away from Portland, meaning that they
will travel to Augusta, Poland, Kennebunk and anywhere in between for a small
fee. For under 15 miles, there is no charge.
“There’s
nothing like it in Portland. It’s a popular family destination,” said Turnbull.
The
company rents baby and toddler equipment to anyone who needs the gear. Perhaps
it is a grandparent who’s having company for the weekend or travelers who are
renting a house on Sebago for the week. Mainely Babies can accommodate almost
any need and if they don’t have it and someone asks, they expect they can find
the item.
All
of the items they have in stock can be seen on their website and can also be
ordered and paid for with a credit card as soon as the vacation is booked. Each
item is checked and cleaned with green cleaning products after it is used.
“You
can still afford your kids the comforts of home. It makes it easier for
everyone in the family,” Turnbull said.
The
service isn’t only for tourists. Local moms might want to try before they buy
expensive equipment to see if a baby likes a swing, for example.
“We
want to be known for quality stuff,” said Turnbull.
Mainely
Babies also rents car seats, which they don’t install. Prices range from $2 per
day for a bathtub to $10 to $12 a day for a good, sturdy stroller.
With
Memorial Day weekend coming up, Mainely Babies is taking reservations. They are
partnering with inns, hotels, wedding coordinators and rental companies to
offer their services.
The
goal of Mainely Babies is to have happy, satisfied customers who come back
summer after summer, Turnbull said. They two women would like to open other
locations and possibly have a storefront where they can have mom and child
classes and sell gear as well as rent it.
A
lifesaver rental, according to Turnbull, is an age appropriate basket of toys
to entertain and keep children happy while on vacation.
“The
response has been really positive. We’re really excited about it,” said
Turnbull.
For
more information, email info@mainelybabies.com or call 207-200-4613.
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