LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Babies Coming for the Holidays? Try Renting Equipment To Make Stay Easy


Baby bouncers similar to this one are offered to rent through Babierge East Bay. Photo provided

When Sharon Simpson first had her twin infant grandchildren visit at four months old, she knew they needed all of the baby gear essentials in the home. But the Orinda resident did not want the expense of buying two cribs, two bouncy chairs, two swings and two sets of bedding or the hassle of storing it when they were gone.

The proud and practical grandma found Babierge East Bay and has been renting baby equipment from them ever since. Recently during Thanksgiving, Simpson ordered doubles of everything in anticipation of the twin's arrival for the holiday from the local service, which delivers, sets gear up and then returns to pick up the rented items on the departure day.

"It's wonderful to have this service in our area," Simpson said.

Simpson noted that Babierge Independent Trusted Partner Trish McDermott was very helpful in delivering the baby gear and putting it all together and was also punctual and professional. During the last few weeks, McDermott has been busy delivering and setting up cribs, infant swings, changing pads, play mats, baby monitors, bouncy chairs and exersaucers in the homes of Lamorinda grandparents and extended families who are hosting infants and toddlers for the holidays.

The Orinda mom of four also has grandparents and clients who pick items up from her home. Delivery fees in the East Bay range from $10 in Lamorinda to $25 in San Ramon, Dublin and Pleasanton and she travels to the Oakland airport, East Bay hotels and other locations.

"She is so easy to work with and seems to love helping people," Simpson said of McDermott. "I can't imagine ever going anywhere else after service and equipment like she offers."

McDermott said that she enjoys helping her clients make traveling and hosting easier and less hectic. One of her favorite things is creating fun play spaces in grandparent's homes.

"For grandparents who may not be familiar with the latest gear, I also demonstrate how gear works," McDermott said.

Safety of children is a top priority, according to the company's website. They register equipment and act quickly to fix any recall or safety issues. They clean the items after each rental with natural-based cleaners that are safe for babies, and launder and wash all linens in chemical and fragrant-free detergent.

So far, Simpson's favorite pieces of rental equipment were an exersaucer and an activity chair. At seven months, she said that her grandchildren needed more stimulating and active toys that spin, twist and turn and they loved them during the visit.

According to McDermott, Babierge is a growing collaborative economy marketplace and not a franchise. She added that it is similar to "gig economy work."

For more information, visit www.babierge.com/trish742/about or call 707-529-1509 for more details.

Lamorinda Weekly business articles are intended to inform the community about local business activities, not to endorse a particular company, product or service.