Infant life preservers

[EricR]

Does anybody make a true "infant" life preserver? Our six month old son is 16lbs and 26" long stem to stern.

We bought him an "infant" life preserver, and it is way too long for his torso. If we try to put it on and zip it, it covers half his face and he begins screaming, the fabric scratches him.

I have looked in Bass Pro Shops and Walmart and can't find anything for a child so small. We went out last weekend but he rode in his car seat/carrier and had a great time, but I don't want a tragedy nor a huge fine and lecture from law enforcement.

 

[WaterWitch2]

Re: Infant life preservers

I believe I got my infant PFD at West Marine but that was about 2 years ago. It fit pretty well. He was about 6 months old but I dont remember his length.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Infant life preservers

We went out last weekend but he rode in his car seat/carrier and had a great time, but I don't want a tragedy nor a huge fine and lecture from law enforcement.

Dumb move. Sorry.

Car seats act just like anchors when they go overboard. Throw yours in and see what happens.

I know the infant pfd's don't fit real well, but at least they give you a chance to grab them before they sink! If your pfd is too scratchy, try getting a different one. I always use the Mustang brand with my babies.

 

[EricR]

Re: Infant life preservers

Yes, Rubber Frog, I fully understand that- he was not buckled in, and rode on mom's lap quite a bit. The river was calm, I would not do anything to endanger my child's life. Yeah, I know, a freak tidal wave could swamp the boat or something.

I checked with GA law (I'm there) and all under ten years of age must wear a PFD at all times unless in an eclosed cabin. They also don't reccomend infants under 18 lbs use a PFD though the wording is vauge, they say the infant "should" be "tested" in a swimming pool or body of water to see if the PFD floats them upright....

Meanwhile I hope a growth spurt is emminent, he's eating more than mom can produce and we have started him on rice cereal. Perhaps I will mix it with some Mega Gain 4000 from GNC or something.

His 2.5 yr old sis was 1 yr and a half by the time the boat was usable after it's two year on and off rebuild, so she fit an infant preserver OK but she was about 6 or 7 lbs heavier and taller.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Infant life preservers

The Mustang Lil' Legends worked for my son. We took him out when he was 3 weeks old in the infant Lil' Legend. I tested it in the bathtub first and even though it's a type II, it floats the baby face up with their head out of the water.

http://www.iboats.com/Mustang_Survi...ry_id.15--list_time.1184955520--view_id.52140

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Infant life preservers

Here's my little guy wearing his.

 

[EricR]

Re: Infant life preservers

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

He was smaller than mine is now, so I am off to procure a Mustang little legends!

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Infant life preservers

One other small suggestion from experience: If your baby goes in the water while wearing a diaper, the diaper will become VERY heavy as it soaks up water and in an emergency type situation, that could spell trouble, so I recommend you come up with an alternative plan such as swimmies for when he is on the boat. Pee will leech through, so you have to pay attention a little more, but you don't have to worry that you are sticking a water anchor on him either. Just my $.02 for what it's worth. Cute kid by the way.
--
Stan