What Baby's Away Offers for Renting and Buying Baby Gear in South Carolina
Baby's Away rents and sells new and gently used baby equipment across South Carolina
Baby's Away is a rental and retail service that stocks cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs, pack-and-plays, and other gear parents need. You can rent items for a few days or weeks, buy new equipment, or purchase their used inventory at lower prices. The company operates multiple locations across South Carolina and also ships to some areas, making it useful whether you're traveling to the state, moving temporarily, or looking to avoid the cost of buying gear you'll use only briefly.
The rental model works well for families visiting relatives, staying in vacation rentals without equipment, or testing whether a particular item suits their needs before committing to purchase. Buying used through Baby's Away can cut costs significantly compared to new retail prices, and the rental option means you don't need to store bulky items after your child outgrows them.
Key Takeaways
- Baby's Away rents baby gear by the day or week and also sells new and used equipment at multiple South Carolina locations.
- Rental items arrive cleaned and ready to use, which is useful for short trips or when visiting family without bringing your own gear.
- Used inventory prices are typically lower than new retail, making this option practical if you want to own gear without the full cost.
- Locations and inventory vary by store, so contacting your nearest Baby's Away location directly confirms what's in stock and current rental rates.
How Baby's Away rental works
When you rent from Baby's Away, you reserve items online or by phone, then pick them up at your nearest location or arrange delivery. Rental periods typically run by the day or week, and rates depend on the item and how long you need it. A crib might rent for one price per day, while a stroller could be different. The company cleans and inspects all rental equipment before it goes out, so items arrive ready to use.
You'll need to provide a credit card and contact information when you reserve. Return is usually as simple as dropping the items back at the location where you picked them up, or arranging a return delivery if that's how you received them. Late fees apply if you don't return by your agreed date, so confirm your return deadline when you pick up or receive your rental.
Buying new gear through Baby's Away
Baby's Away carries new equipment from major brands, so you can purchase items the same way you would at other baby retailers. New gear typically costs the same as or similar to what you'd pay at big-box stores or online retailers, but buying locally means you can see and test items in person before taking them home. Staff can answer questions about specific models and help you choose what fits your space and needs.
Prices and brand selection vary by location, so call ahead or visit the store to see what's currently in stock. Some locations may special-order items if they don't have them on hand.
Buying used equipment at Baby's Away
Used inventory at Baby's Away includes items that have been returned from rentals, traded in by customers, or consigned. These items are inspected and cleaned before being offered for sale. Prices are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than new retail, depending on the item's condition and age. Used cribs, strollers, car seats, and other gear rotate through inventory, so what's available changes frequently.
When buying used, inspect the item in person if possible to check for wear, missing parts, or damage. Ask staff about the item's history and whether it comes with original instructions or parts. Some used items may have minor cosmetic wear but function perfectly; others might be nearly new. Prices reflect the condition, so a lightly used item costs more than one with visible wear.
Baby's Away locations and how to contact them
Baby's Away has multiple locations throughout South Carolina, including stores in the Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville areas. Each location stocks its own inventory, so availability of specific items varies by store. Hours and services may differ between locations as well—some may offer delivery, while others handle pickup only.
The best way to find your nearest location, confirm current hours, check what's in stock, and learn about rental rates is to contact Baby's Away directly by phone or visit their website. Staff can answer questions about specific items, reserve rentals, and discuss pricing for both new and used gear. If you're traveling to South Carolina and need gear delivered to your hotel or rental home, ask about delivery options when you call.
When renting makes more sense than buying
Renting is most practical for short stays—a week-long family visit, a beach vacation, or a temporary move while your permanent home is being prepared. Rental costs add up quickly over months, so if you'll need an item for more than a few weeks, buying used through Baby's Away or elsewhere usually costs less overall. Renting also works well if you want to try a specific brand or model before deciding whether to buy it.
Families relocating to South Carolina temporarily might rent for a few months while deciding whether to stay permanently, then buy if they do. Parents of multiples sometimes rent extra gear during the newborn phase, then return it once the babies are older and need less equipment at once.
What to know before you rent or buy
Car seats have expiration dates and safety recalls, so ask Baby's Away about the manufacturing date and recall status of any used car seat before buying. Rental car seats should also be current and recall-free. If you're renting a car seat for travel, confirm it's compatible with your rental car or your own vehicle before you pick it up.
Cribs and other furniture must meet current safety standards. Baby's Away's new inventory should meet these standards, but when buying used, check that the crib has no recalls and all hardware is intact. Mattresses and bedding are often not included with used cribs, so ask what comes with the item and what you'll need to buy separately.
Strollers and carriers vary widely in weight and size, so if you're renting for travel, test the item's weight and folded size before committing. A lightweight stroller might rent for more than a full-size model, but the convenience of carrying it through an airport or onto a beach might be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reserve rental items in advance?
It's best to reserve ahead, especially during busy seasons like summer or holidays, to ensure the items you want are available. You can usually reserve by phone or online. Walk-in rentals may be possible depending on inventory and location, but calling first guarantees you get what you need.
Can I rent items for just one or two days?
Yes, Baby's Away offers daily rental rates. A one-day or two-day rental costs less than a weekly rate, though there may be a minimum rental period depending on the item. Call your local store to confirm daily rates and minimums for the specific gear you need.
What happens if I return a rental item late?
Late fees apply if you don't return items by your agreed return date. The amount varies by location and how late the return is. Confirm your exact return deadline and any late fees when you pick up or receive your rental so there are no surprises.
Are used car seats safe to buy?
Used car seats are safe if they have no recalls, have not been in an accident, and have all original parts and instructions. Before buying a used car seat, ask Baby's Away about its history, check the manufacturing date, and verify there are no active recalls through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Can Baby's Away deliver rental items to my hotel or vacation home?
Many Baby's Away locations offer delivery, but availability and fees vary by store and distance. Ask about delivery options and costs when you call to reserve. Delivery is especially useful if you're flying in and don't want to pick up items yourself.