Infant boating how early?

[Kirk]

I just bought the DGB a type II life vest and I'm dying to go out on the lake - How early would you take an infant out?

 

[shortbun]

I would not take an infant out. IMHO, one doesn't take an
infant on these types of adult entertainment. Houseboat is
one thing- this quite another. Way too bumpy. Risking shaken
baby syndrome, really.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Shortbun brought up a point I didn't think of, i.e., shaken infant syndrome.

Regardless, I would assume that you wouldn't want to do this before the child is walking, at least. What's the point in doing it at all if the child won't get something out of it?

I'd ask the peditrician and others at your local marina and/or boating club to get a fair idea. I can't envision bringing a newborn onto a boat, yet I don't think you have to wait until she's in school.

Bottomline--get expert advice.

 

[LvsTnk]

Ohhh Yaaa Shaken BabY....I would wait.

 

[Lynn CC]

We took our son out on our boat his first summer. He was born in May, he went out from July on...we put him in his car seat on the boat and went on the pond, he slept the whole time, just like the car. No waves, but we did water ski and he was fine! Have fun.

 

[Kermit]

I know people do it early, but I wouldn't do it with my own baby for quite a while. Of course, I'm scared on boats myself, so that affects my perception. In addition to the effects of being on the boat itself, remember the sun. You can't use sunscreen on a newborn. You have to keep them out of direct sun.

 

[Dan Murphy]

At first I was trying to figure what DGB was, knowing Catryna was a little girl, and thinking DGD in my mind, LOL, but then Dear Grand Baby came to mind. Neat. And how is Chrissy doing? And Catryna, for that matter?

Some good tips here on your question, Kirk, the DIS is sure a great sounding board.

 

[debster812]

DS was born in June, and was boating (albeit VERY sedately) by August. Teeny Tiny PFD, and a place to rest and chill on my parent's boat.

I think, that with like everything, common sense should rule. No wake jumping, no going out in 8 foot seas, etc. But for a few leisurely cruises, you should be fine. My bigger concern would be a place for the baby to get out of the sun, since she is still a tad young for sunscreen, and the sun out on the water can be brutal.

I saw her on the other thread, she is a cutie pie.

How is your daughter doing?

Debbie

 

[Lorix2]

I think she's too young personally.

The sound of the motor starting is startling and the movement on the boat wouldn't be to good for her. I can't imagine how tiny this life vest must be, but how comfortable can it be for her, especially out in hot weather?

I guess if you were just trolling along it shouldn't be an issue since it's really just floating along...

It's your DD's and your call. Have fun.

(watch those hooks! I hooked my DH last year )

Sweet looking boat Kirk

 

[KathyTX]

Also, be very, very careful to protect that delicate baby skin from the sun!

 

[disdreams]

We took our DD on our boat when she was an infant. We kept her in the carrier (car seat) most of the time, and part of the time we held her. We had a little baby life vest on her. She loved it. The only thing I was wondering about is, do you have a tarp? We do, and I tried to keep her in the shade so she wouldn't get burned. She also had sunscreen on. If your not driving like a maniac, she will be just fine. I understand some people like to be extra cautious, but we take our kids to do a lot of things and just take all the precautions necessary, and we have never had a problem. I see a lot of people on boats with infants, babies, kids. Just watch her/him closely and keep her hydrated. Have fun!

 

[bumcat]

As soon as she can hold onto a fishing pole.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Both our kids have been boating since their very first summer. Be sure your life jacket is coast guard approved and use common sense. While you can use the car seat type things DO NOT strap the baby into it as it will not float. Our kids know they DO NOT set ONE FOOT onto the dock without a jacket on EVER! The jacket goes on before they leave dry land ALWAYS or they do not leave dry land. Set the rules clearly and do not make exceptions and your little one will have many happy days at the lake!

 

[DSNY FN]

Our oldest daughter was in the boat at 8 months old and less our other 2 have been in boats as early as 3 months old.

 

[CajunDixie]

Both of my sons were in a boat (Ski Supreme and Ski Nautiques) within the first week that they were born. An inboard's motor is the same as a car's engine....cools differently but basically the same and not harmful. As for shaken baby syndrome Inboards on a smooth lake are no worse than a car. Typically if the lake is rough peeps (unless they are lakers) are not going to be skiing on it. Depending on what exactly you're doing on the lake will depend on how much she wears the lifejacket. If your just idling around the lake you'll prolly find that she'll fall asleep. I mostly had the boys in one of those front carriers when we were in the boat. Some sort of sun protection is a must though. Only you know what types of driving you'll be doing and what your lake is like. Around here Monday-Thursdays are grand....weekends we get the lakers and learn to ski early in the morning.

adult entertainment

Boating/skiing is not adult entertainment. Kids around here ski as soon as they walk.