Infant PFD

[mthieme]

Okay guys. I need an infant PFD quick, not 0-50 lbs child. We're talking brand new from the factory Grand Nephew baby boy - 1 month old.
I found an Stearns 8-30# infant online, but I need it for this Saturday.
West Marine had nothing (online), Wally World - same (this is usually where I get the kids vests). I'm thinking I should walk up around the neighborhood and see anyone has one laying around at this point.

 

[109jb]

Re: Infant PFD

Its been a few years, but when my son was an infant, I got a life vest for him at my local Farm and Fleet type store. I have also seen them at Wally world (You checked there I see), and also other sporting goods stores, and also the Bass Pro, Cabellas type stores. If you were close to me I'd just give you the one I have. I think you have a good idea about checking other boaters in your area. Could you order one online and have it shipped Fedex 2 day or something? Good luck in the search.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Infant PFD

I don't think these are "true" infant vests, but may fill your needs (see link). Overtons will overnight things. I had a vest for infants that was guaranteed up-right floating with head out of water, but it was so uncomfortable, I could never get it on anyone. It had a full collar that was like a firm inner tube attached to the vest. The vest zipped up from crotch to the chin and the tube completely surround the neck, supporting the head. Looked very safe, but like I said, I never succesfully got it on an infant (I think it was made by Stearns). Check these out.
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/search.cgi?str=infant+life+vest&r=search&x=31&y=10

 

[mthieme]

Re: Infant PFD

Bass Pro is a good idea - got one of those fairly close by....I'll check.
I'm sure some of the stores might have them in stock, their online store is usually incomplete. I don't really have the time to run around town though.

They show the 0-50# online and call it infant.

Just had to run up the food store. Next door is a West Marine. They have the vest. Brand is Mustang - top of the line $62.99. I'll let the parents know !

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Infant PFD

this is the best one, http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...e_II&str=infant life vest&merchID=1008&r=view

second best, http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro..._lbs&str=infant life vest&merchID=1008&r=view

keep that baby out of the sun, nothing worse at 2-3 am, than a sunburnt baby

 

[mthieme]

Re: Infant PFD

Thanks.
The first is the one I just saw up at West Marine for $62.99. I like it a lot...probably won't find a better vest.
The second one I have a couple of. While they are rated for 0-50#, they are really not appropriate for a 10# infant. The first one is rate for 8-30# and looks like it would much more comfortable for an infant.
I've got a small child orange vest - rating is 0-30#. I just thought since I think 4 y.o. and under require the bottom groin strap, head support and handle...does that nullify the orange vests ? I keep a couple of these on board just to cover any strays.

 

[109jb]

Re: Infant PFD

this is the best one, http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro...e_II&str=infant life vest&merchID=1008&r=view

second best, http://www.overtons.com/modperl/pro..._lbs&str=infant life vest&merchID=1008&r=view

keep that baby out of the sun, nothing worse at 2-3 am, than a sunburnt baby

The one I bought at Farm and Fleet was the second one.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Infant PFD

All those online sellers are your best bet at this time of year. I got the very last one at my local Academy Sports store two months ago as they were clearancing all watersport stuff out to make room for Hunting Season.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Infant PFD

I hear ya but time is an element.

When I was in West Marine tonight, I noticed manual inflatable Type V's at $62 and $71. I've been wanting one of these. I have a bulky Type IV which looks like it was on the Titanic. I can't fit in the cockpit of my hydroplane with this thing on. A Type II is about useless on this boat, I suppose it will help them find the body.
I'll take your advice in this area and look around. Whatever I see at West Marine, I know I can get cheaper (usually 50%) somewhere (anywhere) else.
thanks

 

[marine4003]

Re: Infant PFD

Okay guys. I need an infant PFD quick, not 0-50 lbs child. We're talking brand new from the factory Grand Nephew baby boy - 1 month old.
I found an Stearns 8-30# infant online, but I need it for this Saturday.
West Marine had nothing (online), Wally World - same (this is usually where I get the kids vests). I'm thinking I should walk up around the neighborhood and see anyone has one laying around at this point.

Please tell me your joking..a 1 month old shouldn't be out on a boat,,,there neck muscles aren't able to support the head..there VERY susceptible to sunshine,and God forbid what with all these idiot boaters out there.......P.S. My wife is a doctor...so the horror story's are out there.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Infant PFD

note on the adult inflatable vest, i have the stearns, auto/manual vest that is great, i wear when alone, other 1/2 wears also, and then i wear my stern belt, auto belt pack. i like both of them very much. true the are $$$$, but worth it.

 

[109jb]

Re: Infant PFD

Please tell me your joking..a 1 month old shouldn't be out on a boat,,,there neck muscles aren't able to support the head..there VERY susceptible to sunshine,and God forbid what with all these idiot boaters out there.......P.S. My wife is a doctor...so the horror story's are out there.

This definitely needs consideration, but while a 1 month old's neck muscles aren't strong enough to support their head, I am sure they won't be left unattended either.As for the sun, he has a bimini in the picture of his boat and blankets, clothes and hats can be used to protect from the sun. My 8 year old was in a boat when he was about 1-1/2 months old and it can be done safely. I didn't just have my son flopping around in the bottom of the boat naked at high noon, and I'm sure mthieme wouldn't do that either. The infant PFD's actually have good head/neck support and my wife always held my son. Yes there are horror stories, but they happen in all aspects of life and if I spent my life worrying about all of the horror stories then I would probably never leave my house.

 

[Irv964]

Re: Infant PFD

This definitely needs consideration, but while a 1 month old's neck muscles aren't strong enough to support their head, I am sure they won't be left unattended either.As for the sun, he has a bimini in the picture of his boat and blankets, clothes and hats can be used to protect from the sun. My 8 year old was in a boat when he was about 1-1/2 months old and it can be done safely. I didn't just have my son flopping around in the bottom of the boat naked at high noon, and I'm sure mthieme wouldn't do that either. The infant PFD's actually have good head/neck support and my wife always held my son. Yes there are horror stories, but they happen in all aspects of life and if I spent my life worrying about all of the horror stories then I would probably never leave my house.

Agreed, I want to say "as long as you use common sense" then taking an infant boating shouldn't be a problem, but the trouble with common sense is that it is not very common! I am sure most your wifes Horror stories are from irresponsible people who probably shouldn't be having kids in the first place!........Irv964

 

[marine4003]

Re: Infant PFD

I stick to my opinion, First lets review the possible reasons to have an infant on a small boat, 1) - because they enjoy it.2) - get out into some fresh air 3) - cant find a babysitter. of all the above..none make sense,nor could anyone give me a plausible enough reason to bring an infant on a small boat,aside from "common sense" boating,there are too many variables to "safely" bring along a child of less than 6 months, first..there eyes are very light sensitive,so a bimini doesn't cover it,second..do you think they enjoy it,,after the quiet ,security and comfort of being in the womb,to be put in an environment only 30 days after, that's bright,hot, noisy,and subject to bumps,shakes and rolling, yea i'm sure they are "enjoying" themselves, and what if i am called overprotective...so be it, ive been in Bosnia,all over the Middle East and tons of other 3rd world cesspools,the one common thread is the children: no legs,,arms,no food,nowhere to live ect...so if i want to "coddle" my child by doing everything in my power to insure its safety,well that's my prerogative,but ,please don't try to belittle me by justifying it with generic explanations.And the "horror story's" also have one common thread...the accidents were caused by others outside the parents boat,always by other boaters who made a fatal mistake,and guess what ???Theirs no way to guard against that.

 

[Irv964]

Re: Infant PFD

I stick to my opinion, First lets review the possible reasons to have an infant on a small boat, 1) - because they enjoy it.2) - get out into some fresh air 3) - cant find a babysitter. of all the above..none make sense,nor could anyone give me a plausible enough reason to bring an infant on a small boat,aside from "common sense" boating,there are too many variables to "safely" bring along a child of less than 6 months, first..there eyes are very light sensitive,so a bimini doesn't cover it,second..do you think they enjoy it,,after the quiet ,security and comfort of being in the womb,to be put in an environment only 30 days after, that's bright,hot, noisy,and subject to bumps,shakes and rolling, yea i'm sure they are "enjoying" themselves, and what if i am called overprotective...so be it, ive been in Bosnia,all over the Middle East and tons of other 3rd world cesspools,the one common thread is the children: no legs,,arms,no food,nowhere to live ect...so if i want to "coddle" my child by doing everything in my power to insure its safety,well that's my prerogative,but ,please don't try to belittle me by justifying it with generic explanations.And the "horror story's" also have one common thread...the accidents were caused by others outside the parents boat,always by other boaters who made a fatal mistake,and guess what ???Theirs no way to guard against that.

I have no problem with you coddling your child, if that is what you choose then so be it! Your story is much better than hearing about a parent who doesn't care than one who does, and thanks for that. I wish there were more like you.
Not wishing to continue this argument, but Marine, did you not start this by questioning/belittling mthieme's request? Don't expect it is ok for you to do so and not receive some sort of retort back. It is not uncommon for people to take their little ones boating but as long as they are safe about it and go out on a non-busy, calm, quiet, not too hot of a day than I see no problem with it. Yes, sheet can happen but if you are smart about it, you can have an enjoyable couple of hours on the water. My 2 cents..............Irv964

 

[marine4003]

Re: Infant PFD

Irv964,

Yea, your right....didn't mean to go off on a rant,friends ( served with him 6 yrs) 7 mon. old son just passed away from cancer,hit home. Sorry Guys.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Infant PFD

Some of you have made an awful lot of assumptions such as the use of the boat in the picture (small boat), sun, head support, etc. which happen to incorrect in this specific case. The infants mother, who has not decided if the infant will go or not, happens to be a nurse. (They also have a boat and have full intentions of him being on their boat.
I have been on the water my ENTIRE life. I learned how to swim before I could walk. Admittedly, things were much different a half century ago. I'm perfectly fine and have better character for it. Now that I think of it, any and all accidents my brothers and I suffered, trouble we got into, etc. all happened on land. Go figure.