Want to tap into the lucrative family holiday market? Turn your Airbnb into a haven for families and unlock a world of potential guests.
Creating unforgettable experiences for families with children can be a game-changer in the short-term rental market. At Frank Porter, we understand the importance of catering to the family demographic. By incorporating essential child friendly amenities and thoughtful touches, you can elevate your guest experience and truly set yourself apart as a top choice for families seeking memorable accommodations. Many families take on meticulous research in order to find the perfect stay.
To offer an unquestionably welcoming environment, consider these essential tips in this guide on creating a child-friendly Airbnb.
Safety and comfort
Here are some tips to maintain the comfort and safety of your family renters during their stay.
Prioritizing safety
Many short-term rentals aren’t equipped for the unique needs of families. This can leave parents feeling anxious and unsure whether their little ones will feel comfortable and safe. Incorporating child-friendly amenities into your Airbnb will create peace of mind by eliminating one less worry for parents on holiday — allowing the whole family to sit back and relax during their trip.
Just like the saying goes — “safety first” — it’s important to ensure your Airbnb is free of potential hazards.
These may include:
- Loose cords and wires, which can be a tripping and choking hazard for little ones, also pose a danger if plugged into an outlet.
- Cleaning supplies, often readily accessible in short-term rentals, should be kept well away from children. Keeping these products out of reach is vital to create a safe environment for families.
- Sharp edges on furniture, such as dining tables, as well as tipping furniture, are further points that should be considered when catering to child-friendly stays.
To tackle these safety concerns, several steps can be taken:
- Anchoring furniture
- Keeping wires and cords hidden away
- Installing outlet covers
- Considering door knob covers
- Using locks on medicine and kitchen cabinets
- Putting cleaning supplies in child-proof cabinets
Prioritizing comfort
A soothing night’s sleep is essential for everyone, especially young children. To prioritize comfort for families, consider equipping your Airbnb with essential sleep items. These include providing cribs or ‘pack and plays’ (portable playpens) with clean bedding for infants and toddlers. For older children, it’s a good idea to offer extra blankets and pillows to cater to their individual preferences. Additionally, blackout curtains can help create a dark and calming sleep environment, promoting sound sleep for the whole family. By addressing these simple needs, you can contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families you are hosting.
Child-friendly fun
Cater to the creativity and curiosity of young guests by stocking your Airbnb with a selection of children’s games, books, and toys. From puzzles and building blocks for little ones to art supplies and board games for older children, keep your guests engaged and entertained during their stay. You could also consider adding DVDs or streaming services (such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+) that provide family friendly content in order to keep children occupied during the day and allowing parents and friends to unwind.
Understanding the needs of families with young children
There are a few points to consider when hosting a family with children in your Airbnb property — one being the importance of flexibility. It’s a good idea to be with check-in and check-out times in order to accommodate families with infants who require nap times.
Giving local recommendations is another way to enhance a family’s stay. Provide insider tips on family-friendly attractions and restaurants in the area to give a more personal touch. One effective method for this could be to create a family-friendly guest experience handbook highlighting nearby attractions, events, and venues, especially if your Airbnb is located near a zoo, aquarium or theme park. Integrate schedules for local sports teams, and ensure to provide information on average ticket costs and ride-sharing services.
Furthermore, it’s essential to maintain open communication before, during, and after the stay. This is especially important for families with young children who may have unexpected needs.
Extra touches
Why not go the extra mile to create a truly memorable guest experience? Surprise them with a welcome basket filled with snacks, drinks, and age-appropriate toys. By offering extra touches such as welcome baskets, childproofing kits, and themed decorations (especially if the booking is for a child’s birthday), you can benefit your Airbnb in a multitude of ways.
Firstly, it broadens your appeal to families with children, leading to more bookings and potentially higher rates. Moreover, with an influx of positive reviews from satisfied families, your rankings and visibility will soar. . Secondly, these touches enhance the guest experience by reducing stress for parents, creating a warm and welcoming environment, and make the stay overall more memorable. This, in turn, fosters loyalty and encourages repeat visits, which will set your Airbnb apart from the rest.
Conclusion
By implementing these essential tips, Airbnb hosts can unlock a world of potential guests and establish themselves as a top choice for families seeking memorable vacations. Creating welcoming and inclusive environments that cater to the unique needs of families with children goes beyond just offering a place to stay — it fosters a safe and worry free environment that translates into stress free holidays for parents, and positive feedback for you.
Here at Frank Porter, we understand the importance of prioritizing both comfort and safety. Our commitment extends beyond simply providing a platform; our Guest Support Team is dedicated to helping you deliver exceptional experiences that keep guests coming back for more. Implement these essential tips to create a safe and comfortable environment for families, and watch your Airbnb become a popular choice for unforgettable stays.