This holiday season, travelling with baby means packing light.

A Calgary business is making it easier for young families to come home for the holidays. Launched June 2006, Little Traveller Rentals Ltd. rents easy-to-use, sanitized, CSA-approved baby equipment to travellers visiting Calgary and nearby mountain parks.

According to owner Colleen Thorpe, hiring baby gear such as a car seat or stroller should be part of planning any family trip. Car rental companies often don’t provide car seats, or offer them only on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure a car seat is available when they land in Calgary, parents can reserve one when they make the rest of their travel arrangements. “Book your plane, book your hotel, book your baby equipment,” Thorpe says.

The company specializes in compact, practical baby gear, such as sleeping solutions for small spaces. Thorpe has travelled overseas, across Canada, to Grannie’s house, and even to the Calgary Zoo with her two young children. Each trip presents its challenges and she has tailored her rental business to help parents or grandparents deal with each adventure.

This holiday season, family and friends can rent a “Pick me up, Mommy!” package that includes a playpen, high chair and safety gate - essential hire when visitors come to town. Thorpe says, “Having a place for the kids to sleep and eat when a worn out family arrives is like the sun coming out after a cloudy day.” Instructions are available at all pre-arranged deliveries so Grandma has more time for hugs.