Boating with an Infant

[steven_ickman]

Hope everyones holidays are well. My wife Donna and I are in the process of adopting a new born baby girl. She should be born sometime between Dec 29th & Jan 6th. We got our C28 in March and were fortunate enough to make it out for a couple of the rendezvous in the San Juans this summer. Our current plan is to cruise this summer as well so we'll be bringing our new first mate along and are just looking for any tips. Matt & Heather have already given us a couple of ideas but thought I'd ask the broader groups for suggestions. I saw one post mention a 12v bottle warmer & extra diapers which is a good idea. Any other suggestions?

Steve

 

[adventres]

I have never boated with an infant. We started boating with our girls on a bowrider when they were about a year and half and 3 years. They are currently 9 and 11 years. As with any travels, in a car to a hotel, or camping, you tend to bring everything that is necessary for the baby. The nice thing about the tugs, it is like having a second home, you have the microwave, sink, etc. So, basically, whatever you have at home, you will need on the boat. And yes, lots of diapers and bum cream! =) Congrats!!!

 

[Two killicks]

Hello Steve,

On a longer trip, you might want to carry the car seat in case that you need to rent a car along the way...

 

[adventres]

If you attended the rendezvous, you must be in the PNW. I have an extra "baby" life jacket for 0-30 lbs. LMK if you are interested in the life jacket.

 

[oldteaman]

Steve and Donna, congrats from the crew of "Kerb Appeal", we enjoyed our travels with you last summer and look forward to more next year. Sounds like adding a car top carrier (Thule) would be helpful, we added one this summer to carry folding bikes, the only mods we needed to make were to move the solar panel to port side (needed a little more cable which Mark at Bellingham added for us) and to move the rear sports rack forward about 3 inches.
Really happy to hear your news.

Terry and Sue

 

[steven_ickman]

Thanks Terry & Sue we hope to see you guys this summer as well. And thank you everyone else for the tips. Good suggestion to bring the car seat just in case. I had already bought an infant life vest so we're good there.

Steve

 

[doke01]

We've taken our son boating since he was 6 months old. He was also adopted and he is 11 years old now and loves the boat and the water. I would suggest lots of pillows and stuffed toys. Make sure you get a life vest that fits well and pay the extra $$ for a good one. We would often leave him in his while he slept. They helped him stay in place when we were under way and he was napping. Using the sink for a baby bathtub also worked well. Baby sunglasses and a little ball cap protected his eyes and head.

Check out some pics: http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=43064