Boating with a toddler

[mthomasff]

I would appreciate any suggestions on boating with my 15 month old. We have a 20ft JC pontoon and I'm looking for some small playpin or portable crib to put her in when she gets wild, but something that won't take up a lot of space. I'ld appreciate all comments

 

[albany joe]

Re: Boating with a toddler

My partner who has boated with two newborns got them used to life jackets as soon as they were mobile. They were put on as a matter of course when the kids got on the boat. Getting your kids into boating young is a great idea. Good luck with both.

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: Boating with a toddler

I don't think the terms wild baby and boats go together. The 1st thing you should do is make sure she doesn't get wild, because it can cost you... make her wear the right life vest and be darn sure she listens to your every command...

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Boating with a toddler

I have boated with my young kids (8,7,5, and just 2) for a few years now. PFD's not optional. If the little one gets too hot or uncomfortable, we beach it until he's OK.<br /><br />I have a pontoon as well. One thing I do is to lock the pontoon gates shut with bungee cords before getting underway. Those latches are not intended to be very secure.<br /><br />Also, the person not driving is dedicated to the little one. Making sure he doesn't climb on th furniture and to hold him while underway.<br /><br />The older kids know the rules, but we also make sure they do not climb or hang on the rails or generally move around while riding.<br /><br />Also, each one of my kids can swim (sans 2 year old). We start them very early and get them comfortable around the water.<br /><br />One thing you do not want to do is to strap your child in a car seat while on the boat. If you think about it the reason is obvious.. But some people do it..

 

[Newhook]

Re: Boating with a toddler

There is a thing called a "pack-n-play". It's a portable play-pen that doubles as a crib when you are on the road. There is a stiff thin mattress on the bottom, and when packed it looks like a small tent. It is very compact and sturdy and assembles in 10 seconds. Ask at any dept. store. Pop the little one in that if there is space with the PFD and you should be fine. We also sewed a "crotch strap" on the PFD's that we had that did'nt come with them. It prevents it from riding up too high when they are in the water. Makes them more fun and comfortable when they play in the water. too. <br /><br />We found that the biggest challenge was sun exposure. The little ones heat up quick and don't know what's happening. Shade,shade shade is our rule. Sunscreen does'nt prevent cooking, only browning.<br />Have fun!

 

[Baldguy]

Re: Boating with a toddler

We have a "pack-n-play." Department stores have them but you can find them a lot cheaper at a second hand store; one the specializes in childrens' stuff.<br /><br />We also have the situation that the person not driving attends to the kids. Our now three year old knows that before getting to the dock, the life jacket must be on. She also knows that when the motor's running the butt has to be in a seat.<br /><br />Now, this summer will be teaching our 11 mo. old these same rules.<br /><br />Dave

 

[Anchor Man]

Re: Boating with a toddler

Take a look at these: http://www.aquaforce.com They're USCG approved life jackets for kid's but they're actually swimsuits with floatation devices built in. We've been using them since my daughter was one (now almost 3). She calls it her "boatsuit". We've found it to be great since she seems to be much more comfortable than in a life jacket. If it's a little chilly, we just put a sweatshirt over it and she's fine. PFDs are not an option on kids.

 

[TxRiverRat]

Re: Boating with a toddler

I was going to mention this before, but forgot. With a child as young as 15 months, they do tend to overheat quite easily - especially in Texas. You will know it's happening when he/she turns red. You might think its a sunburn, but if they've been in the shade all day with 50 sunblock, it's the heat thats making them red. What we did when this happpened was to dip the kiddo in the water and their rosey color comes right back...