Let me tell you something I see every week: families arriving in Madrid wide-eyed, dragging enormous suitcases, with a stroller that's half-broken after the flight, a travel crib that weighs a ton, and a kid who's already crying before they even leave the airport.
And then there's the other group: families who show up with a regular suitcase, pick up the baby equipment they reserved, and half an hour later they're at their hotel setting up the crib while the little one takes a nap. No drama, no stress, no paying $70 for extra baggage on the plane.
The difference between these two groups isn't money. It's knowing that baby equipment rental exists. And the reality is that a lot of people still don't know about it.
At Equipme, we've spent years helping families travel light with young children. And in this article I'm going to explain exactly what you can rent, why it makes sense, and how our service works in Madrid.
The problem with traveling with babies (that nobody tells you)
Before having kids, traveling was easy. A carry-on, your phone, and off you go. Then the baby arrives and suddenly you need: a travel crib, stroller, car seat, high chair, baby bath, baby monitor, toys, and an arsenal of stuff that won't fit in even an SUV's trunk.
I've talked to hundreds of parents who've been through this. The stories repeat themselves: the stroller that came out destroyed from the plane's cargo hold, the travel crib so heavy it ended up in a separate cab, the car seat that didn't fit in the rental car, the moment of panic realizing the Airbnb didn't have a crib and the baby can't sleep in the queen bed.
Baby equipment is bulky, heavy, expensive to transport, and often unnecessary to buy if you're only going to use it one week a year. And yet, most families keep dragging it from place to place because they don't know the alternatives.
Why baby equipment rental makes total sense
Let's crunch the numbers, because that's more convincing than any sales pitch.
The cost of bringing your own equipment. An average family traveling to Madrid with a baby pays: $60-90 to check the stroller and car seat (depending on the airline), plus the risk of damage, plus the oversized taxi because the regular one won't fit everything, plus the hassle of dragging all that with a small child. If you bought the travel crib just for the trip, add another $120-180.
The cost of renting at your destination. A travel crib, lightweight stroller, and car seat for a week costs less than the extra baggage fees on the plane. We deliver it to your hotel or apartment, and we pick it up when you leave. No dragging, no worrying.
But beyond the money, there's peace of mind. Traveling with kids is stressful enough without adding moving-day logistics. Baby equipment rental takes that weight off your shoulders — literally.
What baby gear you can rent (and what we recommend)
At Equipme we have practically everything a family might need. But not every family needs the same things. Here's an honest breakdown:
Strollers and pushchairs. Stroller rental is our flagship product. We have everything from ultra-light travel strollers to more robust pushchairs. For Madrid, where you'll walk a lot and use public transportation, we recommend compact models that fold easily and fit anywhere.
Car seats. Car seat rental is essential if you're going to use taxis, rideshares, or a rental car. We have all groups: infant seats for newborns, convertible seats for bigger kids. Don't gamble with your child's safety — always use an approved seat.
Cribs and bassinets. Crib rental solves the problem of where your little one will sleep. We offer lightweight travel cribs and bassinets for the smallest babies. All come with mattress and sheet, ready to use.
High chairs. High chair rental is in high demand because many vacation apartments don't have one. We have portable clip-on chairs that attach to any table and traditional standing high chairs.
Baby baths and bathing equipment. Baby bath rental seems secondary until you realize the apartment only has a shower and your 6-month-old can't sit up on their own. Problem solved.
Baby carriers and backpacks. Baby carrier rental is perfect for excursions, museum visits, or just having your hands free while walking around. We have everything from wraps for newborns to hiking backpacks for bigger kids.
Baby monitors. Baby monitor rental gives you peace of mind if the little one is sleeping in another room. Especially useful in large apartments or rural houses.
Toys and entertainment. Baby toy rental saves you from having to lug half a toy store. We have everything from rattles to foldable play yards.
Gates and safety equipment. Baby gate rental is essential if your accommodation has stairs or dangerous areas. Better safe than sorry.
How delivery works: airport, hotel, Airbnb
One of the things our customers value most is delivery flexibility. You don't have to come pick anything up or stop by any store. We come to you.
Airport delivery. Airport baby equipment rental is the most convenient option if you're flying in. We meet you at the terminal, hand over everything, explain how it works, and you head straight to your accommodation with the gear already loaded in the taxi.
Hotel delivery. Hotel baby equipment rental works great if you'd rather not worry until you arrive. We coordinate with the front desk so when you get there, the crib is already waiting in your room.
Airbnb or vacation apartment delivery. Airbnb baby equipment rental requires a bit more coordination with the owner or property manager, but we do it all the time. We drop off the equipment before your arrival so everything's ready.
Pickup works the same way: we come get everything on your last day, at whatever time works for you. If your flight leaves at 6 AM and you need us there at 4, we'll be there at 4.
Safety and hygiene: what you should always ask
When it comes to baby equipment, safety is non-negotiable. And I know some parents have doubts about renting items other children have used. That's normal. I'd have the same concerns.
That's why I want to explain exactly how we work:
Professional cleaning. All equipment goes through a professional cleaning process between each rental. It's not a quick wipe-down: it's thorough cleaning, disinfection, and complete drying. Sanitized baby equipment is our obsession.
Safety inspection. Before each delivery we check that everything works correctly: locks, anchors, wheels, harnesses. If something isn't perfect, it doesn't go out. We work with certified baby equipment that meets European safety standards.
Constant renewal. Equipment doesn't last forever. We retire items when they show wear, even if they still work. We'd rather lose money than compromise safety.
Insurance included. All our rentals include insurance. If something breaks during normal use, you don't pay anything extra. Insured baby equipment rental gives you total peace of mind.
If you're considering renting baby equipment from any company, my advice is to always ask about these points. A reliable baby rental service should be able to answer without hesitation.
Who actually benefits from baby gear rental
After years doing this, I have a clear picture of which families get the most out of rental:
Families coming to Spain on vacation. Baby equipment rental for tourists is our bread and butter. Families from all over Europe and the world who come to Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia and don't want to drag half their house. We deliver everything and solve their trip.
Spanish families traveling within Spain. If you live in Seville and you're coming to Madrid for a week, why cram the crib and stroller in the car? Daily baby equipment rental saves you the loaded-down trip.
Grandparents hosting visitors. I love this group. Grandparents who don't have equipment because their grandchildren live in another city, but who want everything ready when they visit. We set up the crib, the high chair, everything — and when the family leaves, we pick it up.
Families with fast-growing babies. Sometimes renting makes more sense than buying, especially for items used briefly. The rent vs. buy debate is one every family should have, but if your baby is only going to use the bassinet for three months, is it worth buying?
Why Equipme and not another option
I'm not going to tell you we're the best because everyone says that. I'll tell you how we work and let you decide:
We specialize in families. We don't rent a little of everything. We focus exclusively on family and baby equipment. That means we know what each type of family needs and can give you real advice.
Delivery and pickup wherever you want. Airport, hotel, Airbnb, grandparents' house, train station. Wherever you say, we'll be there.
Real flexibility. Short-term baby equipment rental: one day, three days, a week, a month. If your plans change, we adapt.
Quality equipment. We don't work with cheap brands or second-rate products. All our gear is from top brands, inspected and certified.
Personal service. When you write to us, a person answers, not a bot. If you have questions about what to rent, we help you choose. If a problem comes up during the rental, we fix it.
Frequently asked questions about baby equipment rental
Is it safe to rent baby equipment?
Yes, as long as you rent from a company that cleans, disinfects, and inspects equipment between each use. At Equipme, all gear goes through a professional sanitization and safety check before every delivery.
Is the equipment cleaned before each rental?
Absolutely. It's not just cleaned, it's thoroughly disinfected. Fabric parts are washed, hard surfaces are sanitized, and everything is inspected before going out. It's our top priority.
What items are essential for traveling with a baby?
It depends on age and trip type, but the basics are usually: crib or bassinet, stroller, and car seat if you'll use a vehicle. A high chair is highly recommended for apartments. The rest depends on your specific needs.
Can I rent for just a few days?
Yes. No minimum. One day, a weekend, a week — whatever you need. Daily rental is actually our most common option.
Do you deliver to hotels and vacation apartments?
Yes, both. Also to airports, train stations, and private homes. We coordinate delivery so everything is ready when you arrive.
Is it better to rent or buy baby equipment?
Depends on how much you'll use it. For a one-time trip, renting is cheaper and much more practical. If you'll use it daily for years, buying probably makes more sense. For vacations, renting wins almost every time.
What happens if the equipment breaks during the rental?
If it's from normal use, nothing — it's covered by the included insurance. Let us know and we'll replace it. If it's from intentional misuse, we'd have to assess, but in years of service this has barely happened.
Traveling with kids doesn't have to be chaos
Look, traveling with babies and young children is always going to have its adventures. But it doesn't have to be a logistical obstacle course. Equipment shouldn't be a problem — it should be a solution.
At Equipme we've spent years helping families travel lighter, more comfortably, and with less stress. If you're coming to Madrid with your family — or Barcelona, or Valencia — reach out. We'll help you build the perfect pack for your trip.
And if you still have questions, ask. That's what we're here for.
Planning a family trip to Madrid? Book your baby gear with Equipme and travel light.
Delivery to airports, hotels, Airbnbs, and apartments throughout the city.
