Traveling with babies and all the paraphernalia can be quite the challenge. On winter sports trips, the burden can sometimes put off even the most avid skiing family. But help is at hand with a new Sun Peaks service that means cots, highchairs and baby carriers can be left at home and rented here.
When Lauren Birchard began her maternity leave last year, she started to appreciate how difficult it is to travel light with a baby.
“I love to travel, but even traveling to town with my nine month old seems to require so many things – and a lot of preparation,” she told SPIN. “I decided that I would love to start a service supporting parents along their travels by providing the essentials they would need for their little ones, so they have one less item to worry about when preparing for their trip, especially if traveling internationally.”
Her company, Peak-A-Boo Baby Equipment Rentals, launched in February with items ranging from cribs, pack-n-play sleep options, highchairs, booster seats, baby carriers, jogging strollers, sound machines, toys and activity centres.
“I’m a small home-based, family-run business so things are starting on a smaller scale inventory wise,” Birchard said. “But depending on interest I’m hoping to triple my inventory for the 2024 winter season and be able to provide this service to as many families as possible.”
Many locals and visitors will know Birchard from her two seasons working for Sun Peaks Spa. Having lived in the village full-time for three years, her goal is to spend more time on the mountain and at home with her son.
“I love this community and love the idea of making people’s visit to the mountain a little more comfortable and their prep to get here a lot less stressful,” she explained.
Using a ‘soft launch’ in February to gauge efficiency, Birchard has ironed out her systems for delivery, pick up and pre- and post-booking item inspections. So far her marketing has focused on an awareness campaign via Facebook and leveraging her networks in the village.
“Right now it’s been word-of-mouth, making connections on the mountain with homeowners and property management companies. Everyone has been very receptive and supportive of my business which I’m really grateful for!”
With a current focus on sleep options, Birchard is planning to build her outdoor portfolio for the summer including strollers and hiking backpacks.
“I want to keep things basic initially,” she explained. “Just the items that are necessities and can eventually move into more luxury/convenience items as the business grows.”
Strapping her little guy to her back, she is dealing with all the deliveries and pick-ups, as well as all the other tasks such as linens, sanitizing and disinfecting all equipment prior to every rental.
“I also have to inspect all equipment before each rental, making sure the equipment is safe for guests to use,” she added. “Each piece of equipment is registered with the manufacturer to monitor recalls as well. There is quite a bit that goes into making sure the items are ready for rental but I wouldn’t want to rent anything that I wouldn’t feel comfortable using for my own child.”
With a business plan to reinvest earnings to expand her equipment stocks, she hopes to grow organically over the next year.
“I may look into grants at some point,” she said. “I have quite the entrepreneurial circle of friends, even my partner owns his own business, so I’m hoping to learn as I go, but will always be open to learning better, more efficient ways of running my company.”
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