What Happens If You Damage Rented Baby Gear? (Honest Breakdown)

You've decided to rent a stroller or car seat. Smart move. But then the anxiety kicks in: 'What if my baby vomits on it? What if a wheel breaks? Will they keep my entire deposit?' These are completely valid concerns and we answer every single one below.

• Baby spit-ups and milk spills — babies are messy, we know
• Food stains from feeding — dal, cerelac, banana mush, all covered
• Diaper leaks — it happens, no penalty
• Minor scratches from regular use — small surface marks are expected
• Fabric wear from daily use — fading, light pilling, normal signs of use

• Damage from children over 3 years old — older kids are rougher
• Damage from adults, pets, or accidents — not baby-related wear
• Broken parts from misuse — jumping, throwing, dropping from height
• Permanent stains — paint, ink, henna, markers
• Missing parts or accessories — lost canopies, trays, harness clips

We're fair, not greedy. Here's the actual structure:

• Minor damage (small parts): You pay only for that specific part. Example: Broken wheel = ₹150-250, not your full deposit.
• Major damage (frame/structure): Only if the main frame is cracked or item is unusable — up to 70% of item value, never 100%.
• Lost item: Full deposit retained.
• Our promise: We photograph any damage at pickup and show you. We provide the repair bill. No hidden deductions.

At delivery, you MUST record a short video (10-15 seconds) showing all sides of the item. Our executive will remind you. This video is your proof. Without it, any damage found at return is assumed to have happened during your rental. If you spot existing marks, tell our executive immediately — we note it in our system.

Our executive inspects at pickup and takes photos. The deposit is refunded within 24-48 hours after the final quality check via UPI or bank transfer. If deductions are needed, we share photos and the repair quote BEFORE processing. No surprises.

Abstract policies are confusing. Let us give you concrete, real-world examples of damage we have seen and how we classified each one. These are actual cases from our Delhi NCR operations.

• A stroller returned with dried cereal stuck in the cup holder and mild food stains on the seat fabric. Verdict: Normal wear. No charge. Babies eat in strollers. This is expected.
• A car seat returned with a small milk spit-up stain on the shoulder pad. Verdict: Normal wear. No charge. We wash all fabric after every return anyway.
• A high chair tray returned with scratch marks from metal spoons. Verdict: Normal wear. No charge. Babies bang spoons. This is what trays are for.
• A crib returned with teething marks on the top rail. Verdict: Normal wear. No charge. We expect babies to chew on crib rails. We refinish the wood between rentals.
• A stroller returned with a cracked front wheel axle because an older sibling (age 5) stood on the footrest. Verdict: Damage charge. Rs 350 for the replacement axle. Not normal baby use.
• A swing returned with permanent marker drawings on the fabric seat. Verdict: Damage charge. Rs 600 for fabric replacement. Marker stains do not come out.
• A car seat returned missing the infant insert cushion. Verdict: Lost accessory charge. Rs 800 for replacement insert.

Notice the pattern? If a baby did it during normal use, you are covered. If an older child, adult, or pet caused it, or if something is permanently stained or missing, there may be a charge. And even then, you pay only for the specific part, not the entire item.

Most damage charges are easily avoidable with basic precautions. Here are practical tips from our operations team based on the most common damage scenarios we see.

• Keep older children off baby gear. The number one cause of structural damage is an older sibling (3-6 years) sitting in, standing on, or riding the rented stroller or swing. Baby gear has strict weight limits, and a 20kg child on a stroller rated for 15kg will break something.
• Use a bib and splat mat during feeding in the high chair. A Rs 100 silicone bib and a Rs 200 floor mat will prevent 90% of food stain issues.
• Store small accessories (cup holders, toy bars, rain covers) in one designated spot. Lost accessories are the most common charge we process. Keep them together when not in use.
• Keep pets away from fabric seats. Cat claws and dog teeth cause the kind of damage that fabric washing cannot fix. If you have pets, drape a thin cotton sheet over the stroller or swing seat when not in use.
• Avoid leaving gear in direct sunlight on balconies for extended periods. UV exposure fades fabric and makes plastic brittle over time.
• Do not attempt DIY repairs. If a wheel squeaks or a latch feels stiff, WhatsApp us. We will either fix it on-site or swap the unit. DIY repairs with wrong tools often cause more damage.

The return process is designed to be transparent and quick. Here is exactly what happens when our executive arrives to pick up your rental.

• Our executive arrives at the scheduled pickup time (you will receive a WhatsApp notification 30 minutes before arrival).
• They inspect the item visually and functionally: checking the frame, fabric, wheels, harness, and all accessories.
• If any damage beyond normal wear is found, they photograph it on the spot and show you the photos.
• You can discuss and explain any marks or issues. Context matters. If a scratch was there at delivery (and you have your delivery video), we will not charge for it.
• The executive notes the condition in our system. You receive a digital pickup confirmation via WhatsApp.
• If deductions are needed, our quality team reviews the photos and sends you a detailed breakdown with the repair or replacement cost within 24 hours. You can dispute any charge.
• The remaining deposit (minus any agreed deductions) is refunded to your UPI or bank account within 24-48 hours.

We are not perfect, and sometimes there are genuine disagreements about whether damage was pre-existing or caused during your rental. Here is how we handle disputes fairly.

First, your delivery video is your strongest evidence. If you recorded the item at delivery and it shows a scratch that we are now claiming as new damage, that settles it immediately in your favour. Second, if there is no video evidence either way, we give the benefit of the doubt to the customer for minor damage under Rs 500. We absorb that cost. Third, for major disputes, you can request a review by our operations manager who was not involved in the original assessment. We aim to resolve all disputes within 48 hours.

Our goal is long-term relationships, not squeezing Rs 200 out of a deposit. A customer who feels cheated never comes back. A customer who feels treated fairly rents again and recommends us to friends. We know which outcome we prefer.

We are working on an optional damage protection plan that would cover accidental damage (drops, spills that cause permanent stains, broken parts from falls) for a small additional fee. This is not yet available but is planned for late 2026. In the meantime, the security deposit serves as your damage coverage, and our fair assessment policy ensures you are never overcharged.

Here are the typical security deposit ranges for different product categories. The exact amount depends on the specific product and rental duration.

• Strollers: Rs 1,000-3,000 deposit depending on the brand and model.
• Car Seats: Rs 1,000-2,500 deposit. Higher for premium certified models.
• Baby Cribs: Rs 2,000-4,000 deposit due to higher item value and assembly complexity.
• Automatic Swings: Rs 1,500-2,500 deposit. Electronic components increase the value.
• High Chairs: Rs 500-1,500 deposit. Lower-value items have lower deposits.
• Baby Carriers: Rs 500-1,000 deposit. Fabric items with lower replacement cost.
• Wheelchairs and Medical Equipment: Rs 1,500-3,000 deposit depending on the item.

All deposits are fully refundable if the item is returned in the condition it was delivered (accounting for normal baby wear and tear). We process refunds via UPI for fastest transfer, typically within 24 hours.

• What if I spill coffee on the stroller fabric? Coffee is a tough stain but it is an accident. If our cleaning team can remove it, no charge. If it leaves a permanent mark, a partial fabric replacement charge may apply (typically Rs 300-500, not your full deposit).
• My toddler threw the toy bar and it cracked. Is that covered? If your baby (under 3 years) threw it during normal play, it is covered as normal wear. If an older child broke it, a replacement charge applies.
• Can I clean the item myself before return to avoid charges? You can do a basic wipe-down, but we clean everything professionally after every return regardless. Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach as that can actually cause damage to the fabric or finish.
• What if the item was already damaged when I received it? This is exactly why we insist on the delivery video. Show the video to our team and the pre-existing damage will be noted. You will never be charged for something that was already there.
• Is there a maximum I can be charged? Yes. Damage charges never exceed 70% of the item's current value for major damage, and we never charge for the full replacement cost of the item. The only exception is a completely lost item, where the full deposit is retained.

Still worried? Read our full FAQ or talk to us. Read the complete FAQ.