Baby & Toddler Gear Rentals

Traveling to Nantucket with babies and toddlers does not mean lugging cribs, strollers, and car seats across ferries and through airports. Smart parents rent baby gear on island instead, arriving with just a carry-on and picking up everything they need upon arrival. This guide covers everything you need to know about baby and toddler gear rentals on Nantucket.

Getting to Nantucket already involves some logistics. Whether you are taking the ferry from Hyannis or flying into ACK airport, traveling with bulky baby equipment adds stress, expense, and hassle to your journey.

Here is why renting makes sense:

• No checked bag fees: Airlines charge $35-50 per checked item. A crib, stroller, and car seat could cost you $100+ each way.
• Ferry logistics simplified: Walking onto the high-speed ferry is easier without wrestling a stroller and pack-n-play through crowds.
• No damage risk: Checked baby gear often arrives scratched, dented, or broken. Car seats that have been dropped may be compromised.
• Beach-ready equipment: Rental companies offer beach wagons, umbrellas, and sand toys that you would not bring from home anyway.
• Quality gear: Most rental companies maintain high-quality, well-cleaned equipment that may be nicer than what you have at home.
• Delivery included: Everything arrives at your accommodation before you do and gets picked up after you leave.

The math is simple: renting often costs the same or less than airline baggage fees, and you arrive relaxed instead of exhausted.

Nantucket baby gear rental companies offer comprehensive inventories covering everything from sleeping to playing to getting around.

Sleep Equipment

• Full-size cribs: Standard wooden cribs with mattresses and sheets. Best for longer stays or babies who sleep better in full cribs.
• Pack-n-plays: Portable playpens with bassinet attachments. Good for younger babies and shorter trips.
• Toddler beds: Low beds with safety rails for toddlers who have outgrown cribs.
• Baby monitors: Audio and video monitors so you can enjoy the deck while baby sleeps.

Strollers and Carriers

• Lightweight umbrella strollers: Perfect for downtown cobblestones and ferry terminals.
• Jogging strollers: Great for beach paths and more rugged terrain.
• Double strollers: Side-by-side and tandem options for two kids.
• Baby carriers and wraps: Hands-free options for hiking and beach walks.

Car Seats

• Infant car seats: Rear-facing seats for babies under 1 year.
• Convertible car seats: Grow-with-baby seats for toddlers.
• Booster seats: For older children who still need a boost.

Feeding Equipment

• High chairs: Full-size or portable clip-on options.
• Booster seats: For toddlers at the dinner table.
• Bottle warmers and sterilizers: Essential for formula-fed babies.

Bath and Safety

• Baby bathtubs: Infant tubs that fit in standard bathtubs.
• Baby gates: For stairs and room doorways.
• Outlet covers and cabinet locks: Childproofing essentials.

Nantucket is all about the beaches, and rental companies understand this. Beach gear rentals are especially popular and practical since this equipment is bulky to transport and you will use it daily.

Beach Wagons

The beach wagon is the Nantucket parent's best friend. These collapsible wagons with big wheels roll easily over sand, carrying kids, coolers, towels, and toys to your beach spot. Most families say this is the single most useful rental item.

Beach Tents and Umbrellas

Sun protection is essential for little ones. Pop-up beach tents provide shade and a contained play area for babies. Beach umbrellas with sand anchors stay put in Nantucket's famous breezes.

Beach Chairs

Low beach chairs and backpack-style chairs are available. Some companies offer chair and umbrella packages at discounted rates.

Sand Toys and Gear

Buckets, shovels, sand molds, and beach balls can be included in your rental package. Much easier than buying and leaving behind.

Several established companies provide baby gear rentals on Nantucket. All offer delivery and pickup at your accommodation.

Nantucket Baby Rentals

The island's dedicated baby equipment rental specialist. They focus exclusively on baby and toddler gear with an extensive inventory and flexible rental periods. Known for excellent customer service and well-maintained equipment.

Baby's Away Nantucket

Part of a national baby equipment rental network with a local Nantucket franchise. Offers online booking with transparent pricing and a wide selection of name-brand gear.

Nantucket Bike Shop

In addition to bicycle rentals, they offer bike trailers and child bike seats for families who want to explore the island on two wheels. Not a full baby gear company but useful for active families.

Beach Gear Rentals

Specializes in beach equipment including wagons, umbrellas, tents, and chairs. Good option if you only need beach gear rather than full baby equipment.

Baby gear rental prices on Nantucket are reasonable, especially compared to airline fees and the hassle of transport. Here are typical price ranges:

• Full-size crib: $75-125 per week
• Pack-n-play: $50-85 per week
• Car seat (infant or convertible): $60-95 per week
• Stroller (single): $45-75 per week
• Jogging stroller: $65-95 per week
• Double stroller: $75-110 per week
• High chair: $35-55 per week
• Beach wagon: $55-85 per week
• Beach tent: $40-60 per week
• Baby monitor: $30-50 per week

Most companies offer package deals that bundle popular items together at a discount. A typical "beach baby package" with a crib, stroller, car seat, and beach wagon might run $200-300 for the week instead of $250-380 if rented individually.

Daily rentals are available but the weekly rate usually makes more sense even for shorter trips.

Timing matters for baby gear rentals, especially during peak summer season when inventory is limited.

When to Book

For summer visits (June through August), book your baby gear at least 2-4 weeks in advance. July and early August are the busiest weeks, and popular items like beach wagons and jogging strollers can run out. Shoulder season visits in May or September require less lead time but booking a week ahead is still wise.

Delivery Process

All reputable rental companies deliver directly to your accommodation and pick up after your departure. Here is how it typically works:

1. Book online or by phone, providing your arrival and departure dates
2. Share your accommodation address and any special instructions
3. Equipment is delivered the day before or morning of your arrival
4. Gear is set up in your rental house, hotel room, or accommodation
5. Pickup happens after your checkout, so no need to be present

Coordinate with your accommodation host or front desk to ensure someone can accept the delivery if you are arriving late.

Mid-Stay Changes

Most companies can accommodate additions or changes during your stay. Need an extra beach umbrella after day one? They will usually deliver it within 24 hours.

This is one of the most common questions for traveling parents. Both options work, but they serve different needs.

Choose a Pack-n-Play If:

• Your baby is under 6 months and still fits in the bassinet attachment
• Your baby sleeps well in pack-n-plays at home or at grandparents' house
• You want the flexibility to move the sleep setup between rooms
• Your accommodation has limited space
• You are staying for just a long weekend

Choose a Full Crib If:

• Your baby is 6+ months and accustomed to sleeping in a full crib
• Your baby has trouble sleeping in pack-n-plays
• You are staying for a week or longer
• Sleep is a priority and you want to replicate home conditions
• Your accommodation has a dedicated nursery or baby room

When in doubt, ask the rental company for their recommendation based on your baby's age and your specific situation.

Strategic packing means bringing the small essentials and renting the bulky items. Here is the breakdown:

Always Bring From Home

• Medications: Any prescription medications, infant Tylenol, diaper cream
• Comfort items: Favorite blanket, lovey, or stuffed animal
• White noise machine: Small and essential for sleep consistency
• Portable changing pad: Useful for on-the-go changes
• Baby carrier: If you have one you love, bring it
• Formula: Specific brands may not be available on island
• Swim diapers: Bring a supply; island prices are high

Always Rent on Island

• Crib or pack-n-play: Too bulky to transport
• Full-size stroller: Especially jogging strollers
• Car seat: Unless driving to the ferry
• Beach wagon: Essential and impossible to fly with
• Beach tent: Another bulky beach essential
• High chair: Most accommodations do not have them

Could Go Either Way

• Umbrella stroller: If yours is ultra-light and you use it at the airport, bring it
• Booster seat: Compact inflatable ones pack easily
• Baby monitor: If you have a travel monitor, bring it; otherwise rent

With baby gear rentals handling the big items, here is how to minimize what you bring:

• Ship ahead: Send a box of diapers and supplies to your accommodation via Amazon or UPS
• Use delivery services: Nantucket has grocery delivery; order baby food and snacks to arrive when you do
• Pack versatile clothing: Quick-dry fabrics work for beach and town
• Minimize toys: The beach is the toy; bring one or two favorites only
• Coordinate with your accommodation: Many rental houses have basic baby items already
• Use a soft-sided cooler bag: Doubles as a diaper bag and beach bag

The goal is to board the ferry or plane with just a carry-on and a diaper bag. Everything else is waiting for you on island.