Any suggestions for sailing with an 1 year old? Does anyone make a "boat seat" for children? thanks
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Try this
There was an article in the sailing press recently (can't remember exactly where) in which an infant car seat was somehow attached to a half-height hatchboard that dropped into the companionway frame. The seat faced aft so the person at the helm could monitor the child while steering. Sorry I can't do better. Peter H23 "Raven"
There was an article in the sailing press recently (can't remember exactly where) in which an infant car seat was somehow attached to a half-height hatchboard that dropped into the companionway frame. The seat faced aft so the person at the helm could monitor the child while steering. Sorry I can't do better. Peter H23 "Raven"
E
ed
this worked for me
I raised both of mine sailing. We made a playpen below worked well. then we used a net hammock for naps. the hammock has to be set up so the baby can swing and not hit the wall. we used a teather to restrict to motion.
I raised both of mine sailing. We made a playpen below worked well. then we used a net hammock for naps. the hammock has to be set up so the baby can swing and not hit the wall. we used a teather to restrict to motion.
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Nathan
Sailing with Children
We generally held our 6-9 month old while in the cockpit through the first season. Occasionally, we'd put her in a car-seat on the cockpit floor- not buckled in. Next season at 18 months was more of a challenge as she was VERY mobile. We used a harness & tether, but she had a difficult time being restrained. Consequently, my wife spent the better part of the season chasing her around the boat. We ALWAYS made sure she had a lifejacket on while on deck under way. Below deck and while at the dock, we didn't require it, but always kept a sharp eye on her. This season, in addition to the now 2 1/2 year old we've added a 4 month old to our inventory, should be interesting to see how it shakes out. Couple of pointers- the first season, the motion tends to lull a baby to sleep. Maddie slept 85% of the time we were underway that year. - If your child is mobile, I'd recommend netting. Maddie has been in swimming lessons since around 4 months, so while she was not yet strong enough to support herself in the water, she has no fear of it. We spent a LOT of time pulling her away from the rails to prevent her from jumping in. The netting would have been a big help to us last year. - sail with a third hand on-board. If your wife starts to associate the boat with chasing after your child all afternoon- it won't be long before you're sailing alone. - if you don't already have one, install a roller-furler. Do whatever you can to prevent the need for you to leave the cockpit. Your wife will thank you and you'll be amazed at how much simpler sailing can be. - Whatever you decide to do with the lifejacket- be consistent, no exceptions. Bear in mind, though that making a child wear a heavy, hot lifejacket below deck on a ninety-degree day treads a thin line between safety and cruelty. Good luck, and remember that you are bringing your child up into an experience that will broaden his/ her horizons and offers rewards too numerous to count. I dream of the day when I can turn the tiller over to my daughter for her first race or just a leisurely family cruise. You are teaching your child to slow down and bask in the world around him/ her- "to drink life to the lees" Enjoy it.
We generally held our 6-9 month old while in the cockpit through the first season. Occasionally, we'd put her in a car-seat on the cockpit floor- not buckled in. Next season at 18 months was more of a challenge as she was VERY mobile. We used a harness & tether, but she had a difficult time being restrained. Consequently, my wife spent the better part of the season chasing her around the boat. We ALWAYS made sure she had a lifejacket on while on deck under way. Below deck and while at the dock, we didn't require it, but always kept a sharp eye on her. This season, in addition to the now 2 1/2 year old we've added a 4 month old to our inventory, should be interesting to see how it shakes out. Couple of pointers- the first season, the motion tends to lull a baby to sleep. Maddie slept 85% of the time we were underway that year. - If your child is mobile, I'd recommend netting. Maddie has been in swimming lessons since around 4 months, so while she was not yet strong enough to support herself in the water, she has no fear of it. We spent a LOT of time pulling her away from the rails to prevent her from jumping in. The netting would have been a big help to us last year. - sail with a third hand on-board. If your wife starts to associate the boat with chasing after your child all afternoon- it won't be long before you're sailing alone. - if you don't already have one, install a roller-furler. Do whatever you can to prevent the need for you to leave the cockpit. Your wife will thank you and you'll be amazed at how much simpler sailing can be. - Whatever you decide to do with the lifejacket- be consistent, no exceptions. Bear in mind, though that making a child wear a heavy, hot lifejacket below deck on a ninety-degree day treads a thin line between safety and cruelty. Good luck, and remember that you are bringing your child up into an experience that will broaden his/ her horizons and offers rewards too numerous to count. I dream of the day when I can turn the tiller over to my daughter for her first race or just a leisurely family cruise. You are teaching your child to slow down and bask in the world around him/ her- "to drink life to the lees" Enjoy it.
R
Ruth
Another point or two....
All of the above sound great. We didn't start sailing until our guy was about 18mos or so, so I didn't have to deal with an infant on board. However, a toddler will be more of a challenge. Get a babysitter sometimes so it can be a relaxed sail for everyone. The more you can sail the boat single-handed, the better, so this is a great time for the furling mainsail and jib. And realize that the little guys can learn how to open those hatches a lot quicker than you realize. We thought the tyke was asleep in the v-berth one evening when he started toddling out of the hatch and onto the forward deck. So please, have fun and BE CAREFUL.
All of the above sound great. We didn't start sailing until our guy was about 18mos or so, so I didn't have to deal with an infant on board. However, a toddler will be more of a challenge. Get a babysitter sometimes so it can be a relaxed sail for everyone. The more you can sail the boat single-handed, the better, so this is a great time for the furling mainsail and jib. And realize that the little guys can learn how to open those hatches a lot quicker than you realize. We thought the tyke was asleep in the v-berth one evening when he started toddling out of the hatch and onto the forward deck. So please, have fun and BE CAREFUL.
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Bob C.
Babies and Boats
We strapped our babies in their car seats right to the settee. If you don't have a spot to strap them in, pick a spot and install attachment points. If your boat is a small boat and prone to flipping, I would never consider taking anyone on it that can't swim. If it is large enough and there is room below deck for the child, make it their area. Rule one which you never break is that no child can come up top with out a life vest on. Not only is it law but it is common sense. If they happen to come up with out one on, send them back down and make them put it on, of course you assist them. Always put PDF’s on below deck and it will become second nature as they get older. I would not strap a child in anything above deck. If children are in the cockpit plan on long tacks and be prepared to motor. Children love to play with anything they can and lines seem to be a favorite. Always think safety and teach them a lifetime of habits. It is a great family adventure!
We strapped our babies in their car seats right to the settee. If you don't have a spot to strap them in, pick a spot and install attachment points. If your boat is a small boat and prone to flipping, I would never consider taking anyone on it that can't swim. If it is large enough and there is room below deck for the child, make it their area. Rule one which you never break is that no child can come up top with out a life vest on. Not only is it law but it is common sense. If they happen to come up with out one on, send them back down and make them put it on, of course you assist them. Always put PDF’s on below deck and it will become second nature as they get older. I would not strap a child in anything above deck. If children are in the cockpit plan on long tacks and be prepared to motor. Children love to play with anything they can and lines seem to be a favorite. Always think safety and teach them a lifetime of habits. It is a great family adventure!
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Dillon Waltner
We have a 3 month old
We ended up adding anchor points to the settee to strap the carseat in using nylon webbing. We took her out for her first sail last weekend on a calm day and she slept a lot of the time. When she was awake and inside the cabin she seemed to get a bit seasick and then Mom held her up on deck. We've only had her out sailing the one time, but she has been fed inside the cabin several times and has been out motoring. She seems to be adjusting very well to the boat. When she starts toddling, I suppose we'll have a whole new world of challenges.
We ended up adding anchor points to the settee to strap the carseat in using nylon webbing. We took her out for her first sail last weekend on a calm day and she slept a lot of the time. When she was awake and inside the cabin she seemed to get a bit seasick and then Mom held her up on deck. We've only had her out sailing the one time, but she has been fed inside the cabin several times and has been out motoring. She seems to be adjusting very well to the boat. When she starts toddling, I suppose we'll have a whole new world of challenges.
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