How Hotels Can Prioritize Crib Safety for Traveling Families
By Katherine Furbee
For hotels, providing safe, high-quality cribs isn’t just a service—it’s a way to stand out and earn family loyalty. From selecting commercial-grade wood, steel, or travel yard cribs to maintaining strict safety, sanitation, and training standards, these best practices help hospitality providers create a trusted, family-friendly experience that boosts ratings and ROI.
A major concern for any traveling with an infant or newborn is having access to a safe and secure crib during their stay. For hotels, prioritizing the safety of their youngest guests is not just about guest satisfaction - it's about standing out in a competitive market. By offering high-quality cribs and childcare amenities, hotels can build brand loyalty with families, maintain higher occupancy rates, secure more 5-star ratings, and ultimately enjoy a more favorable return on investment.
Hotel Crib Basics
When choosing cribs for your hotel, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Choose Commercial-Grade Cribs: Commercial-grade cribs are built specifically for the rigors of the hospitality industry, offering superior safety, durability, and a higher return on investment.
- Stay Up to Date on Safety Standards: Cribs manufactured before 2010 do not meet current safety regulations, so ensuring that all your cribs are compliant with the latest standards is essential.
- Ease of Setup and Storage: Cribs should be foldable for easy storage and portability and equipped with commercial-grade casters for smooth transportation to and from guest rooms. If travel yards are the right choice for your hotel, opt for models that come with carrying bags to further streamline storage and setup.
There are three main types of cribs commonly used in hotels: wood, steel, and travel yards. Each type offers unique benefits depending on your property's needs and guest demographics.
Folding Wood Cribs
Wood cribs provide a home-like, warm atmosphere that families with young children will appreciate. Models like the Boutique mini crib come in modern colors and offer a stylish, high-end look that aligns with upscale hotel aesthetics. For hotels with both small and large rooms, consider versatile options like the Travel Sleeper, which is available in both compact and full-size versions. Whichever wood crib you use, opt for a high-sheen finish for protection and easy cleaning.
Folding Steel Cribs
Steel cribs such as the Pinnacle and StowAway models feature a timeless look with unmatched durability. Built with heavy-duty steel and utilizing a 360-degree welding process, these cribs are designed to withstand long-term use, making them ideal for extended stay hotels. Additionally, steel cribs with a powder-coated finish resist corrosion and scratches, offering easy maintenance in high-use environments.
Travel Yards
Travel yards are a more casual option, often suited for shorter stays. Models like the Sleep 'n Store offer versatility by including optional bassinets for younger infants. Meanwhile, travel yards such as the SnugFresh Elite and SnugFresh Celebrity are fitted with commercial grade covers designed to endure repeated washings, ensuring they fit seamlessly into your hotel's established laundry protocols.
Best Practices for Hospitality Providers
To truly stand out as a family-friendly hotel, having the right cribs is just the beginning. Follow these best practices to ensure your property is a go-to for traveling families:
- Prioritize Safety and Compliance: Make safety a top priority by ensuring all cribs meet the latest safety standards and are regularly inspected for wear. Replace any damaged or outdated cribs to maintain a high level of guest trust.
- Standardize Setup and Storage Protocols: Cribs should be easy to fold, store, and move. Staff should be thoroughly trained to set up cribs quickly and efficiently, creating a seamless experience for families.
- Sanitation and Cleanliness: Maintaining strict sanitation protocols for cribs is crucial. Choose cribs made from non-porous materials for easy cleaning and ensure regular laundering of any fabric components like crib covers and travel yards between guests.
- Tailor Crib Options to Guest Needs: Stock a variety of crib types to suit your guests' needs. Offering both wood and steel cribs, as well as travel yards with bassinets, give families the flexibility to choose what's best for their stay.
- Staff Training: Proper staff training is essential for ensuring the safety of young guests. This includes knowing how to set up, inspect, and sanitize cribs while following safety protocols.
By following these best practices and investing in high-quality cribs, your hotel can create a safe, welcoming environment for traveling families. Whether you cater to long-term guests or weekend travelers, the right childcare amenities can help set your property apart and build long-lasting brand loyalty.