Having two small kids and a medium-size dog means I pay extra attention to details when I look for an Airbnb. The accommodation needs to be practical, sure. Ideally, I like to have at least one high chair and baby cot available. But that’s not all I watch out for.

Does the host mention any safety features? Maybe the electrical outlets are baby-proof or out of reach for small kids, or the living room features a plush rug that kids can play on? I know I’m not the only parent thinking about these things. And most families I know prefer to book Airbnbs over hotel rooms, a trend that keeps going up.

So making your rental child-friendly isn’t just about safety – it’s a smart business move! Let me show you exactly how to transform your property into a place that parents will love (and book repeatedly).

Essential safety features every child-proof Airbnb must have

After hosting over 100 families in my vacation rentals, I’ve learned that childproofing isn’t just about following a checklist – it’s about thinking like a curious toddler. They’ll find ways to explore that you never imagined! 

Safety locks

Let’s start in the kitchen, since that’s where most accidents happen. All lower cabinets need child-safety locks – and not the cheap magnetic ones that clever toddlers figure out in minutes. I invested in proper latches after my 2-year-old toddler managed to access my cleaning supplies cabinet (talk about a heart-stopping moment!). Which brings me to my next point: keep all chemicals, medications, and sharp objects at least 5 feet high.

Baby gates

Speaking of heights, stair safety is non-negotiable in a child proof vacation rental. I now have two removable baby gates to use at both the top and bottom of my staircase. They are pressure mounted so if I know a family with small children is coming, I set them up. 

Non-slip mat

Bathrooms require special attention in any child safe accommodation. I don’t have a toilet lock in my Airbnb because I want my toilet to stay practical for guests without toddlers, too. That’s a personal choice, though. But a must-have is a non-slip mat to put in the shower or bathtub.

Smart (and safe) storage

I remove any decorative items that might tempt little climbers. And the hair dryer stays in a high cabinet, not plugged in under the sink where a little human might find it.

Outlet covers

Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of creating a family friendly Airbnb. Every single accessible outlet needs a cover – and I mean accessible for a toddler’s perspective. I’m not joking when I say I do regular “crawling inspections” to spot hazards from a child’s perspective. Make sure you pick covers that aren’t too tricky to use for us big humans too.

Temperature control

Something that’s often overlooked in vacation rentals. Install anti-scald devices on all faucets and set your water heater no higher than 120°F. 

Night lights

I also provide plug-in night lights for bathrooms and hallways. They are stored in a basket labeled “night lights” in plain sight in the bathroom so guests can use them if needed.

Furniture anchoring

I have actually always anchored some of my furniture, whether kids were around or not. To me, narrow items like a bookcase, are best anchored for the safety of everyone. That being said, for kid friendly rental properties, every bookcase, dresser, and TV must be secured to the wall. 

Windows safety locks

These locks limit how far windows can open – that’s important especially in upstairs rooms. 

Here’s my top tip for maintaining these safety features: create a monthly maintenance checklist. I check every lock, gate, and anchor point at the start of each month. It takes about an hour, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. When you’re running a toddler proof home rental, you can’t afford to let safety features fail.

Keep in mind that child-proofing isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process. Each family that stays at your property might notice different potential hazards. I keep a dedicated notebook for parent feedback and continuously update my safety measures based on their observations. 

Creating kid-friendly spaces without compromising style

When I first started hosting families, my rental looked like a daycare center threw up everywhere. Plastic covers on everything and safety gadgets that screamed “this is a baby zone!” But over time, I’ve learned that safety and style aren’t mutually exclusive in a family friendly Airbnb.

Soft edges whenever possible

I’ve also replaced items with sharp corners with rounded alternatives. The key? Think layers of safety that blend into your décor. Take my living room transformation. Instead of traditional glass coffee tables (every parent’s nightmare), I got a gorgeous oval ottoman with soft edges. It doubles as storage for toys and looks sophisticated enough for adult guests. 

Smart and safe storage, again

Storage need extra thought in a toddler proof home rental. I installed floor-to-ceiling cabinets with childproof locks that look like part of the kitchen design. The upper shelves hold hazardous items, while lower ones store kids’ dishes and safe items. The locks are nearly invisible unless you know they’re there.

Choosing the right color

Color choices matter too. Instead of going full-on kid-themed, I use neutral bases with pops of playful colors. Washable paint in a matte finish hides tiny handprints better than glossy alternatives – a lesson learned after repainting my hallway three times in one season.

Rugs for families

Rugs are another opportunity to combine safety and style in your baby proof vacation rental. I invested in low-pile wool rugs with non-slip backing. They’re naturally stain-resistant, provide cushioning for tumbling toddlers, and still look sophisticated. The geometric patterns I chose also hide spills.

Furniture with built-in safety features

Think dining chairs with washable cushions and sturdy bases that can’t tip over. They look high-end but can handle the chaos of family mealtimes. I use performance fabrics on all upholstered pieces – they resist stains and can handle heavy use while looking upscale. The sofa might look like elegant linen, but it’s actually nearly indestructible synthetic material that wipes clean.

Top amenities that attract families to your rental

Now that safety’s covered, let’s talk about the little extras that will get you 5 star reviews with families. This is my fine-tuned my amenity list to match what parents actually need, not just what I think they want.

High chair and baby cot

I provide two pack-n-plays with new mattresses, a sturdy high chair that actually cleans easily (unlike my first cheap plastic one), and a baby monitor that connects to the rental’s WiFi. These items save parents from packing bulky gear on their trip.

Toys

I maintain three toy boxes: one for babies (soft blocks and toys), one for toddlers (duplos, board books), and one for older kids and adults (board games, puzzles). Depending on who’s coming, I leave box A, B, C at the property. Used boxes get sanitized between guests – a process I learned to streamline after way too many late-night cleaning sessions.

Kitchen equipment

Plastic plates, spill-proof cups, and child-sized utensils are stored in a low drawer that kids can access safely. I also provide a bottle sterilizer and bottle warmer – items that have earned me countless five-star reviews from grateful parents.

Sleeping help

I installed black-out curtains in all bedrooms, that’s beneficial to both adult and children’s sleep. If requested, I provide a white noise machine to help with babys’ sleep.

Detergent

Parents need a washer and dryer, but I also make sure to include sensitive detergent for baby clothes. 

Outdoor fun

If you have outdoor space, you can also include something for the little ones. My small backyard includes a safety-rated sandbox with a cover. I also chose patio furniture that’s heavy enough so it won’t tip but light enough to rearrange.

Additional ideas

If you have space, a changing table will be much appreciated by parents who are changing diapers multiple times a day. I include a changing pillow so parents can do this on the carpet or on a bed. I’ve also been to Airbnbs that offer guests a stroller during their stay. I love this idea!

Time to market your child-friendly Airbnb!

Photos

Photos will be your main tool for getting the word out. Make sure you photograph all your child-safety, baby equipment, toddler fun amenities. Always use captions to describe the features captured in the photo, too.

Listing description

The key to writing compelling listings for your family friendly Airbnb lies in addressing parents’ real concerns. Instead of just listing safety features, I tell the story of how my space works for families. “Enjoy morning coffee on the patio while kids play in the sandbox.”

SEO optimization focuses on terms parents actually search for. Beyond obvious keywords, I include practical phrases like “toddler-safe beach house” or “baby-friendly mountain cabin.” My description includes specific details about child safety locks, vacation home features, and available baby equipment rental.

Pricing your Airbnb for families

Pricing strategy for a baby proof vacation rental requires careful consideration. I price slightly higher than comparable non-child-proofed properties, but I emphasize the value. Parents gladly pay more when they realize they won’t need to rent or bring expensive baby equipment. I offer clear pricing for extended family stays and highlight how my space accommodates multiple age groups.

Use the positive reviews you get

Reviews from families are so helpful for marketing kid friendly rental properties. I actively encourage parents to mention specific safety features and amenities they appreciated. One time, a guest left a review about how my childproofing saved their curious toddler from accessing cleaning supplies. I made a screenshot and added it to my listing’s photos. I’ve gotten multiple family bookings since.

Local recommendations for families

Local marketing also makes a huge difference. In my listing and in my welcome book, I highlight activities suitable for different age groups.I make sure to mention nearby playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, and rainy-day entertainment options. This targeted approach helps families plan their entire stay.

I also make sure to include the contact information of local baby equipment rental services. When families need items I don’t provide, I connect them with trusted vendors.

Your takeaway

Start with the biggest impact item – install safety locks on all lower cabinets today. This simple step costs under $30 and immediately makes your property more appealing to families with young children.

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