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Old 21-01-2025, 23:55   #1
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The day sailor meets baby

My wife and I predominately day sail our boat and do some overnights or long weekend trips. We are also now expecting our first child here in a couple months. What are some tips and advice for sailing with a new child? I know the non inflatable jacket goes on before we go down the dock ramp and stays on (and eventually tethered in when mobile). What about below deck on longer passages? Car seat? Padded Lee cloth? Always wearing the jacket below decks? I know many have raised their kids while cruising full time so just want to learn more to ensure saftey.
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Old 22-01-2025, 04:23   #2
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Re: The day sailor meets baby

We raised both our children aboard from infancy. We followed the common rule; "You can't fall off the floor."
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Old 22-01-2025, 07:28   #3
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Re: The day sailor meets baby

IMHO lifejackets are not a good choice for toddlers. Since you can't explain them beforehand what might happen and how to react when in the water they will likely panic wildly. And the parents also. You just don't want them to reach te water at all. We chose to use a harnass with a tether attached to the back and to a central point on the cockpit floor, the length so adjusted that they could reach the coaming, but not over it.

At the age of three or so, when more freedom is required and explanation is possible we switched to foam filled jackets. Also great bump-stops. At the age of 8 or so self inflating jackets. Below deck wearing a PFD is not necessary and even potentially dangerous.

A berth with a leecloth is also excellent for children. BTW, both our children are still alive, QED
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Old 24-01-2025, 18:49   #4
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Re: The day sailor meets baby

Mine rode on the cabin sole in a laundry basket. Any time on deck is in a life jacket, and once they get mobile, they will want to explore, so a line attached to the back of the life jacket kept him in the cockpit. Mine is 2 now and has logged a few hundred miles now.
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Old 24-01-2025, 20:53   #5
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Re: The day sailor meets baby

LetterKenny the best thing you can do is give your baby swim lessons so they're comfortable around water. Both our kids were in swimming lessons long before they could walk.
You might want to go easy on the lifejacket. Plenty of days are just too hot to be wearing one.
You might have to do more around the boat while the wife is occupied/worn out with the baby. Remember "happy wife happy life"
Cheers

https://www.aquapros.org/swim-lessons/#parent-tot
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Old 25-01-2025, 00:36   #6
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Re: The day sailor meets baby

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fore and Aft View Post
LetterKenny the best thing you can do is give your baby swim lessons so they're comfortable around water. Both our kids were in swimming lessons long before they could walk.
You might want to go easy on the lifejacket. Plenty of days are just too hot to be wearing one.
You might have to do more around the boat while the wife is occupied/worn out with the baby. Remember "happy wife happy life"
Cheers

https://www.aquapros.org/swim-lessons/#parent-tot
I am lucky here that my wife was a lifeguard back in the day and taught swim lessons including infants (and knowing infant CPR). We are avid water people (sailing, diving, surfing) so this kid will likely be going in the ocean quite promptly
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