Baby on board advise please.

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bazza

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Hi All,
Can you please share your experiences of boating with a new baby on board? Do I have to invite the mother in law to baby sit whilst we sort ropes, fenders etc.? Any thoughts on using car seats to strap the baby in? Boat is a 35 foot Windy.
 
Depends on the age of the baby to some extent, I guess. While you're doing warps and fenders I'd just strap him/her in the baby seat and leave it somewhere safe - either in the cockpit if you want to be able to keep an eye on it, or in the saloon. You won't be able to keep an eye him/her in the saloon, but you won't have to worry about tripping over the seat.

Our eldest was out in a 17' ski boat from 8 weeks old, FWIW. Only ever had the mother-in-law down once: never again...
 
Our son was on board from 3 weeks old, and regularly since then. Yes, a car seat strapped in to the passenger seat is the way to go, as they normally fall asleep with the noise of the engines, plus you know they're safe while you and swmbo sort ropes and fenders etc.
 
Been there done that. We used a combo of car seat (old one due to sea salt) and push chair depending on conditions.
Ours went aboard from about 1 wkd old. now with 2 seasons under his belt all going well, Sort of. Lots of things to hang onto, climb, bang his head etc etc.
Sleeps well. Lots of people talk to you, well him actually. He decides how far we go and the conditions.
My boats about the same size as yours. Ropes, berthing leaving all needs planning.

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gifenjoy.
 
Forgot to say Get some straps for the car seat to hold it in position.

6 mths old is easy. You wait till he is moving about crawling or walking. Then it gets harder.

He seems to know when we're coming in to the marina. It's his cue to wake up and let you know 'i've been in this seat for ages, now get me out'
Our boating has changed but still enjoyable.
 
We have taken our youngest on the boats since he was two weeks old. The car seat idea is a good one and we also found something like this works well as it absorbs some of the bouncing of the boat.

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For peace of mind when they get a little older and todling we found tying a line to their life jacket which was long enough for them to have a bit of freedom around the cockpit but not long enough for them to get over any sides worked well.
 
Sorry, I've just realised I've said "I've got this problem". Clearly, in view that I want to show the wife this thread, it isn't a problem. It's a wonderful addition to our life that we both look forward to with the sleepless nights, screaming and arguments...erm..that's not right either I'll shut up.

Keep the advice coming it's brilliant!

T
 
Our young bloke (now nearly 21) was out with us from 9 months of age in our 16 ft half cab. We only waited this long to get thru the Aussie winter. I manufactured a "padded baby seat back rest" which combined with the bunk cushion and automobile seat belt, held him securely. We stayed close to shore and in sheltered waters. He was overnighting with us by the time he was 12 months old. Only trouble, is now he wont leave. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Peter
 
We have always put our youngest in an old car seat strapped onto a seat in the cockpit. He wears a lifejacket even in the car seat. Keep journey times down and give them something to entertain them. As others have said they usually go to sleep pretty quickly - one tip that ours has always liked (and helps him go to sleep) - put a hat on him to cover his ears when on the move - he prefers a warm wind free head when on the move - even in the summer !!!
Good luck - don't let it stop you (all) enjoy your boating - they love it as they grow up around boats.
 
I wouldn't be too quick to trade up (unless you want to, of course). We have a similar sized boat (OK, its got the funny pole and flappy things, but you get the drift), and found it well-suited to having an extra littl'un on board. Size won't matter (honest) until they're toddling, as they'll be strapped into the seat anyway.
Once the Midshipman was more active, however, we found that our small boat had a major advantage: the forward berths (with infill in place and door shut) take up the entire forecabin. Now when we are at close quarters, we can lob him down the forehatch, from where he can either watch procedings in safety or (more likely) amuse himself bouncing around and doing forward rolls on the berth cushions.
You can't do this on larger boats, and somebody will need to keep an active eye on your pride and joy (as well as the baby).
 
Well, thought I'd re-open this. Izzy is now 3.5 months old and I hope to take her down on the boat within 2 months. What do peopler recommend for a baby life jacket please!

What's the best top 3 in peoples opinion?

Regards,
T
 
Congratulations, hope everything goes smoothly

The Bambi is the best one for very young babies I think, at least we felt it was when we looked at all those available. It has two positions for the crotch strap, which makes it more secure.

It worked on our son at 3 weeks old

DSC00333.jpg
 
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