A weeks sailing holiday with an 18month old?

[Kukri]

A Baby Blake will pass an entire disposable nappy, but the seacock won't.

Don't ask me how I know that.

 

[oldharry]

Did it right through from 6 months to teens with our two. Had the odd mishap but managed to avoid drowning either of them!

Rule 1, up to about age 8, one adult designated as childminder AT ALL TIMES. That is their only task. Doesnt matter who it is, but there must be SOMEONE whose only job is to ensure child safety on board. This can be shared round available crew, but everyone must KNOW who is on child duty at any given time, and they must NOT be given other jobs - ever. Even if the boat is sinking! Only relax when they are tucked up in the forecabin with their books/lego/computers or whatever and cant escape. Childminder has 1st priority if he/she needs assistance - like when transferring to a dinghy.

Rule 2.Harness on in cockpit or on deck, regardless.

Rule 2b (because its as important as rule 2) lJs on if going over the side into the dinghy or on to Marina pontoon . 2 adults to attend to transfer AT ALL TIMES one on deck, one in dinghy.



Otherwise relax and enjoy. Sailing with smalls has it's own rewards as well as hazards.

Long trips passages to be avoided. Allow plenty of time ashore. Have plenty of 'things to do' on board. 'Look at the lovely view' doesnt wash with kids - what can yo DO with a view. Involve them in navigation as they get a bit older: have an old chart which they can use to work out the course etc for example, even if you do it all electronically.

 

[Seajet]

One thing I'll add as no-one else seems to have; if either child ( or the adults for that matter ! ) are likely to make constant screaming crying noise, try to be considerate to others spending their hard earned leisure time.

They may be little darlings to you but fingernails on blackboard to someone else inflicted with it...

 

[sighmoon]

One thing I'll add as no-one else seems to have; if either child ( or the adults for that matter ! ) are likely to make constant screaming crying noise, try to be considerate to others spending their hard earned leisure time.

They may be little darlings to you but fingernails on blackboard to someone else inflicted with it...

I presume by that you mean that either you know how the OP can avoid the crowds in the med, or you know how to keep kids quiet. Either way: please tell.

 

[Ruffles]

A folding cot might be a good idea. We managed to turn the forepeak into a cot using fine netting, string and bungee. Worked well.

Sunlight on deck is a problem when they're very young. You can get brollies designed to clip onto prams that might fit a pushpit.

 

[Seajet]

I presume by that you mean that either you know how the OP can avoid the crowds in the med, or you know how to keep kids quiet. Either way: please tell.

I mean if the baby is proving to make a lot of incessant noise it would be considerate for the Cat' crew to choose relatively secluded spots, rather than go for the favourite bit and drive everyone else away.

Not always possible but it would be nice to consider it.

 

[Babylon]

One thing I'll add as no-one else seems to have; if either child ( or the adults for that matter ! ) are likely to make constant screaming crying noise, try to be considerate to others spending their hard earned leisure time.

They may be little darlings to you but fingernails on blackboard to someone else inflicted with it...

Do you suffer from a low tolerance threshold?

Babies (not usually toddlers or older children) only cry when they're ill, uncomfortable or in distress - as they have no other means of communication.

 

[mjcoon]

Babies (not usually toddlers or older children) only cry when they're ill, uncomfortable or in distress - as they have no other means of communication.

And I thought they cried when they want attention. And quickly realise it works whether they have a real grievance or not. Hence all the discussion (not that I have any personal interest) in whether they should be left to cry once the lack of problem has been established...

Mike.

 

[l'escargot]

Whatever the reason, babies cry, children play, people talk, dogs bark. If you want silence you have to take yourself somewhere secluded and away from it all...

 

[jac]

I mean if the baby is proving to make a lot of incessant noise it would be considerate for the Cat' crew to choose relatively secluded spots, rather than go for the favourite bit and drive everyone else away.

Not always possible but it would be nice to consider it.

Fair point if you don't single out boats with babies on board. Babies tend to sleep for most of the time.
Personally I find groups of adults who come back from the pub after closing time quite annoying if I'm asleep. And what about those evil early risers who want to get up before I do and insist on going to toilet/ shower at 6am.

Or people who insist on using the engine to get underway (or arrive ) at night.


Busy quays are busy and noisy. That's part of the attraction. If you want peace and quiet, anchor somewhere quiet.