Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

[ezmobee]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

This is a TOUGH decision. I understand and largely agree with Jay's arguments for leaving the child in the boat as opposed to the vehicle. However, I don't think the (uninformed) court of public opinion would agree. I can only imagine the dirty looks I'd get for leaving my 19 month old in the boat by himself while I park the truck.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

True, but you do have to factor in age. I didn't start with my son until he was 2-1/2 and he is now a bit over 3-1/2. Also, I don't leave him in the boat while I park or retrieve my van - he is only in the boat while I back down the ramp or pull the boat out. He is never out of my sight.

 

[Schmoe]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

Daughter is 5 but has been to the lake since infant. Around here, your boating season is end of April to about Halloween. I've even had her on the Seadoo at age 3 up to about 50 mph. She seemed to like it so much that she fell asleep in my arms. I knew right then and there, she's a boater! My experience: take lots of moist baby wipes, swim diapers and have lots of fluids on hand. Those instant foldaway play pens come in real handy too! As others mentioned, sun screen and bug repellent, they just love baby soft skin. Shade and liquids.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

Kids really don't notice the difference unless the parents get stressed. I remember taking out my first mate when she was less then one. I was a passenger and she was strapped to me. She just looked about and smiled. My brother maintained at trolling speed. It was a great hour in boating.

 

[JH3]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

We had both our girls out on the water as new borns.I don't know where you're boating. Maybe in your signature, i didn't look. Here in Ga. they will ticket you if you have a child in a car seat (strapped or not). Also if the PFD doesn't fit properly they'll ticket you and put you off the water. It is difficult to find one that fits proerly with the head floatation. But they are out there.

We went several places trying them on the girls and finally found some at a walmart. We kept them covered in sunblock under the shade and cool. They seemed to love it and we did too.

Y'all will have a blast on your almost new boat!

 

[gazelle]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

We are getting ready to take our 10 1/2 week out old for the first time today. He's over 15 pounds, so bigger for his age than normal. We just purchased a new boat, and made sure it had a cuddy cabin for the purpose of shade.

We were advised by our pediatrician not to use sunscreen until he's 6 months old, and based on articles I have read, we are going to keep him in the shade and covered, instead of using the sunscreen. The AAP says you can use it on small areas such as face and hands, when you can't sufficiently cover those areas.

We purchased a pfd that fits him well, mainly his head isn't going slip through the hole.

Good luck with you little one!

 

[ScottinAZ]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

We have had our son out with us on a few occasions. Infants love boats. Just make sure that he is covered, cool and that the "squirt" has their own fitting PFD, and all will be good

 

[HappierWet]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

We took our son out when he was 5 or 6 months old, but he was born in December. My brother took all of his out when they were equally young or younger. We alternated between holding them and using the car seat with the cover for a sunscreen. As previously noted, a sunburned or windburned infant is something to be avoided. Also be prepared to start with short outings til they get use to it. As long as things are quiet, the infant will sleep a lot.....unless they're hungry. Enjoy, but plan around the child.

 

[esobofh]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

My son was born March/08 - and he's been in the boat since we could find a pfd to fit him properly. We go fishing and crabbing in a 14' aluminum open utility, with all the gear (traps, rods, coolers, etc.)

My advice, bring along the kid - But Be safe! - which usually means have someone along to help you. Never leave the child unattended, always wear a life jacket, start in on the safety training early. Don't restrain him/her in a seat, and make sure all on board know safety procedures should something happen.

Never too young to learn the right way to do things!!

Good luck, and safe boating!

 

[gazelle]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

We had a very successful trip, and have been out again since Sunday. He started crying, but was hungry and cured by a bottle. He fell instantly asleep when the boat was underway.

When he was asleep we rested him in the car seat (did not secure it) and he slept for a good hour and a half. The cabin was actually cooler than the deck, b/c it was out of the sun, but still had the breeze.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Just had first child, is the boating season done? How did you do it?

We had a very successful trip, and have been out again since Sunday. He started crying, but was hungry and cured by a bottle. He fell instantly asleep when the boat was underway.

When he was asleep we rested him in the car seat (did not secure it) and he slept for a good hour and a half. The cabin was actually cooler than the deck, b/c it was out of the sun, but still had the breeze.

haha poor thing.....that doesnt look very comfortable lol.