baby lifjackets

[gimmesunshine]

Has anyone got any advice? we have new addition to our family, a baby daughter, 2 weeks old and the boating seasons just starting, we defiantly got the timing out there a bit !
She seems too small to use a lifejacket, had a quick look at crewsavers and found one Baltic.
I've seen other people out with them just in the car seat but I am not sure this is really suitable. Has anyone used anything else?, any advice would be useful
Most of our cruising is in and around Poole in on our sealine 195.

 

[Admiral]

PM sent

 

[Alistairr]

I am interested in any replies too, as we have one on the way.

Congratulations.

 

[Lilteenskiperjo]

Me too, the baby neice is often aboard.
Congratulations on your new family member

 

[jimg]

And me! We shall be taking out our grand-daughter this summer.

 

[DazedConfused]

I had all the above questions when mine was born but the best i got was a thing that looked like a moses basket or don't take them on the water until they're a bit older. Got a small life jacket from my marina and has been wearing it since he was about a year old (now 2 and spec still correct for him) Doesn't take them long to get used to the water anyway.

 

[andy_wilson]

The only 'lifejackets' available are CAA approved and cost about a £grand.

One of the big UK based suppliers (who's name will come to me) does a buoyancy aid which is best described as a bag that you zip the poor soddling into, up to the neck, whereby it is supported in the water by the neck!!! has a tether for mum or dad.

We have one, never used in anger of course.

Just done a web search to aid my memory, Cosalt International Ltd, Liverpool (friend of a friend).

http://www.cosalt.co.uk/marine/lifejack.html

Link shows one in action (well, being worn at least).

 

[gonfishing]

Marinepool make a Baby jacket, at around £30.00
It just so happens I am a Stockist of said Items!!

 

[CaptainThames]

Had one last year and still got it - baby that is, or at least the wife did. Remained on the Thames last year and did not use a jacket on the basis that he could not move about significantly and more or less remained where we left him. Used a car seat when mooring or going through locks so strapped in and could not get away anyway. This year at just past 1 year old have got a crewsaver jacket for up to 20 KG. He is presently about 12 KG. It appears to be OK, has a high collar and crotch straps. The foam padding might also cushion his fall as he is fast and mobile on all fours and almost walking. We now use a removable seat from a pushchair where he sits strapped in when necessary - he is not impressed but will have to get used to it - at least the lock keepers hear us coming and we get plenty of space around us when we moor up. If going to sea then I would think that some form of floatation device is essential, to deal with the worst case scenario. If we sink on the Thames we plan to sit on the roof and then row ashore without getting our feet wet. At sea it could be somewhat different. Intend to leave the cross channel bit till next year but might try him out in the estuary this summer. Not sure what he will think of a long period at high speed - time will tell. Either way, get him/her afloat - the sooner the better - have fun.