Can you give a new father and mother advise on sailing with a baby on board? We are planning to wait till she is at least a month old to introduce her to our H31. Aside from all the saftey issues(she already has her own PFD), what tips can you give us to make "family" sailing more enjoyable?
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In the archives....
you will find another thread or two from the past on this topic. In the archives search area of this site, key in "baby on board" and also in another search "Sailing with children/Infant" I contributed to the latter thread a while back. We are now on season #3 with our 2.5 year old daughter. I can tell you that the first one while she was somewhat immobile was the easiest one so far, since she couldn't go far! Now more of a challenge to keep an eye on her, but we keep her on a tether when topsides--can't wait till she learns to swim. Regardless, go for it and just make accommodations for her just as you have already in your home and car. Ask more questions though if you want more experience!
you will find another thread or two from the past on this topic. In the archives search area of this site, key in "baby on board" and also in another search "Sailing with children/Infant" I contributed to the latter thread a while back. We are now on season #3 with our 2.5 year old daughter. I can tell you that the first one while she was somewhat immobile was the easiest one so far, since she couldn't go far! Now more of a challenge to keep an eye on her, but we keep her on a tether when topsides--can't wait till she learns to swim. Regardless, go for it and just make accommodations for her just as you have already in your home and car. Ask more questions though if you want more experience!
Bob, what PFD did you get
for your month old child. My two month old nephew will be "crewing" for me. I ordered the Sterns model 3001 infant PFD ( not delivered yet) but it is rated up to 30 lbs or so, but nephew Shane weighs about 12 lbs., so I figure this PFD will be a real compromise. Did you find anything more suitable for the new born? Scott
for your month old child. My two month old nephew will be "crewing" for me. I ordered the Sterns model 3001 infant PFD ( not delivered yet) but it is rated up to 30 lbs or so, but nephew Shane weighs about 12 lbs., so I figure this PFD will be a real compromise. Did you find anything more suitable for the new born? Scott
Same one.
I believe our PFD is the same one you bought. It is sized infant and is US Coast Guard approved. When I get home I'll see if I can get you more info. When she gets more mobile, we plan to get a childs harness,tether, and lifeline netting.
I believe our PFD is the same one you bought. It is sized infant and is US Coast Guard approved. When I get home I'll see if I can get you more info. When she gets more mobile, we plan to get a childs harness,tether, and lifeline netting.
No Problem Mon
Bob, no sweat. You will have great, lasting memories of these early sailing days with you expanding family. Well ok, ok, I can hear it coming; you will build those memories after your second or third day/night on the boat with the little one. First use your car seat, which is probably now the “cradle type” with a handle. (As they get older the larger seats still apply) This can easily be lashed into the your cockpit. We found that the motion of the boat put ours to sleep quickly. Remember at these early ages the kiddos can not cool them self’s off, they don’t sweat. So put your bimini up and give them a wipe down with a cool wash cloth during the heat of the day. We also found that we could wedge the seat into the opening to the forward birth with a couple of cushions. We made sure nothing could fall on them, like books, CD’s, Jimmy Buffet margarita glasses, etc. while underway. I think this was also the time we purchased that first nice 12volt fan. Now for the non-sailing times. The V-Berth makes into a fantastic play pen and crib. We built a lea cloth out of an old bimini that had a main sheet window in it. We cut it to be about 20” above the cushions at the head of the berth with the window centered on the cabin door. Then it was made fast to the lockers we had on each side of the boat with snap hooks and eyes. The “tail” was about 2’ long that we snapped underneath the berth cushions. It will store there nicely too. Keep them cool, take extra diapers, a rum punch or two for Mom and Dad also is not a bad ideal. Our kids are now 6 & 9 and to date I do not see a “art portfolio” from school with out at least 5 sailboat pics. Hint: teach them to grind at 7 yrs! When she gets a little older, a youth harness with PFD works well in the cockpit, a TV/VCR sure does wonders on rainy days or while you are docking and anchoring. Now mine read with us, take the wheel, the 9yr old trim sails, and of course swimming is a BIG hit. Have a great time. I had fun just remembering those times! Jay & Kara Meyer S/V MyKaraBBean
Bob, no sweat. You will have great, lasting memories of these early sailing days with you expanding family. Well ok, ok, I can hear it coming; you will build those memories after your second or third day/night on the boat with the little one. First use your car seat, which is probably now the “cradle type” with a handle. (As they get older the larger seats still apply) This can easily be lashed into the your cockpit. We found that the motion of the boat put ours to sleep quickly. Remember at these early ages the kiddos can not cool them self’s off, they don’t sweat. So put your bimini up and give them a wipe down with a cool wash cloth during the heat of the day. We also found that we could wedge the seat into the opening to the forward birth with a couple of cushions. We made sure nothing could fall on them, like books, CD’s, Jimmy Buffet margarita glasses, etc. while underway. I think this was also the time we purchased that first nice 12volt fan. Now for the non-sailing times. The V-Berth makes into a fantastic play pen and crib. We built a lea cloth out of an old bimini that had a main sheet window in it. We cut it to be about 20” above the cushions at the head of the berth with the window centered on the cabin door. Then it was made fast to the lockers we had on each side of the boat with snap hooks and eyes. The “tail” was about 2’ long that we snapped underneath the berth cushions. It will store there nicely too. Keep them cool, take extra diapers, a rum punch or two for Mom and Dad also is not a bad ideal. Our kids are now 6 & 9 and to date I do not see a “art portfolio” from school with out at least 5 sailboat pics. Hint: teach them to grind at 7 yrs! When she gets a little older, a youth harness with PFD works well in the cockpit, a TV/VCR sure does wonders on rainy days or while you are docking and anchoring. Now mine read with us, take the wheel, the 9yr old trim sails, and of course swimming is a BIG hit. Have a great time. I had fun just remembering those times! Jay & Kara Meyer S/V MyKaraBBean
infant on board
The most important issue is maximum UV protection- both w/ clothes, cover and cream. Ask the Dr. what type of sun screen to use. I believe BULLFROG products are safe as well as some Avon products. We've traveled w/ infants three times. Once w/our 11 year old, once w/our 9 yr old and once w/our 5 year old. The 1st year is the best they just sleep and eat. Wait till you need to pack toys to keep them occupied!! Sometimes I think we'd be better off loading up the dinghy w/kid's stuff and tow the thing!! Enjoy these moments and take lots of photos.
The most important issue is maximum UV protection- both w/ clothes, cover and cream. Ask the Dr. what type of sun screen to use. I believe BULLFROG products are safe as well as some Avon products. We've traveled w/ infants three times. Once w/our 11 year old, once w/our 9 yr old and once w/our 5 year old. The 1st year is the best they just sleep and eat. Wait till you need to pack toys to keep them occupied!! Sometimes I think we'd be better off loading up the dinghy w/kid's stuff and tow the thing!! Enjoy these moments and take lots of photos.
Harness
When our kids were young, we always used a harness or some other sort of restraint, rather than relying on a PFD. Keeping the kids on the boat was definitely the first priority. When the girls were tiny, like yours, we used a Snugli a lot. The only drawback there is that the person wearing the Snugli couldn't really go on deck to help in docking or at the mast. The other person sort of sailed single-handed. But overall, I encourage you to bring the baby aboard. That's how kids become natural sailors.
When our kids were young, we always used a harness or some other sort of restraint, rather than relying on a PFD. Keeping the kids on the boat was definitely the first priority. When the girls were tiny, like yours, we used a Snugli a lot. The only drawback there is that the person wearing the Snugli couldn't really go on deck to help in docking or at the mast. The other person sort of sailed single-handed. But overall, I encourage you to bring the baby aboard. That's how kids become natural sailors.
Watch Out For Big Powerboat Wakes
Guess my advice would be to watch out for big powerboat wakes. When they hit the boat can really get knocked around and anything inside and get slammed. See photo attached. Furtunately this boater slowed down - somewhat. He had hundreds of feet of sea room and could have slowed down much more. Some wakes can travel hundreds of feet and still cause a tremendous impact. If you see something that looks like it might be a problem be prepared to document what is hapening and if it results in a problem get on the radio or cell phone. Consider trying to hail the boat although the boat name on the stern is usually covered by the dingy. You will need witnesses. I'm no expert in this so the above is just some suggestions. It would be good to find out what you should do in this kind of situation before it happens, both with inter-boat situations and preparation such as a bassenette in a secure location where nothing will fall on it.
Guess my advice would be to watch out for big powerboat wakes. When they hit the boat can really get knocked around and anything inside and get slammed. See photo attached. Furtunately this boater slowed down - somewhat. He had hundreds of feet of sea room and could have slowed down much more. Some wakes can travel hundreds of feet and still cause a tremendous impact. If you see something that looks like it might be a problem be prepared to document what is hapening and if it results in a problem get on the radio or cell phone. Consider trying to hail the boat although the boat name on the stern is usually covered by the dingy. You will need witnesses. I'm no expert in this so the above is just some suggestions. It would be good to find out what you should do in this kind of situation before it happens, both with inter-boat situations and preparation such as a bassenette in a secure location where nothing will fall on it.
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