Boating With Babies: Safe Or Not?

Boating with an infant comes with its own set of challenges and risks. However, with the right safety precautions and planning, it is possible to enjoy a day on the water with your little one. One of the most important considerations is the infant's life jacket, which must be properly fitted and US Coast Guard-approved. In the US, the Coast Guard recommends infants weigh at least 18 pounds before coming on board, and in Canada, there are no Coast Guard-approved life jackets for babies under 20 pounds. Other safety measures include creating a designated safe space for the infant, providing shade and sun protection, and ensuring the boat has necessary supplies like food, water, and diapers. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of the weather and water conditions, as well as the boat's speed and motion, to prevent injury or discomfort for the infant.

Life jackets for infants

Life jackets are essential safety gear for infants on boats, and there are several excellent options available on the market. When choosing a life jacket for your infant, it is crucial to prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of use. Here is a detailed guide to help you select the best life jacket for your child:

US Coast Guard Approval:

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) sets safety standards for life jackets, and it is imperative to choose a life jacket that meets these standards. Opt for a USCG-approved Type II vest for boating, as these are designed to keep your infant's face up and out of the water. Type III jackets, also known as puddle jumpers, are suitable only for calm and shallow waters like pools.

Weight Range and Fit:

Infant life jackets are typically designed for babies under 30 pounds. Ensure the life jacket has adjustable straps on the shoulders, waist, and crotch to secure a snug fit. A proper fit ensures that the infant cannot slip out of the vest, and it should never ride up above the baby's chin or ears.

Head Support and Grab Handles:

Look for a life jacket with an extra head cushion or support. This feature provides additional protection and helps keep your infant's head above water in case of an accident or boat capsizing. Grab handles or loops at the top of the life jacket aid in rescue and make it easier to lift your child out of the water.

High Visibility:

Brightly coloured life jackets with vibrant patterns are easier to spot in the water. Opt for bold colours like red, yellow, or pink, especially if you plan to boat in open waters. This will help you quickly locate your child in an emergency.

Comfort and Materials:

Some life jackets feature softer materials in key areas like the armpits to prevent chafing and provide comfort. Consider the climate and water temperature when choosing a life jacket. Neoprene life jackets, for example, are ideal for keeping infants warm in colder waters.

• Overton's Infant Nylon Life Vest offers excellent buoyancy, comfort, and ease of use. It features adjustable straps and a sturdy grab handle.
• Airhead Treasure Infant Life Jacket stands out for its unique and playful under-the-sea graphics, making it appealing to children. It also performed well in float tests and is easy to put on and take off.
• Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket features a slim profile, making it easy to carry your child in and out of the water. It has an oversized front zipper, making it convenient to put on and remove.
• Coleman Stearns Classic Series Infant Life Jacket Vest excels in headrest safety, keeping your child's head well above the water. It has a squared-off headrest that adds bulk but provides maximum buoyancy.
• Full Throttle Infant Nylon Life Jacket is highly visible due to its bold, bright red colour. It offers buoyancy, security, and ease of use with its zipper and adjustable straps.

Remember to always follow safety guidelines and use life jackets as part of a comprehensive approach to water safety.

Sun protection for infants

Sun protection is extremely important for infants, as their skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to serious burns. Here are some tips to protect your baby from the sun's harmful UV rays:

• Keep your baby in the shade as much as possible. Seek natural shade, such as under a tree, or create your own using an umbrella, canopy, stroller, or the boat's Bimini top.
• Dress your baby in sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Make sure the fabric has a tight weave, as loose weaves may not offer enough protection.
• Ensure your baby always wears a wide-brimmed hat that shades the neck and ears, as these are sensitive areas. Avoid baseball caps, which don't provide shade for these areas.
• Use sunglasses with UV protection to shield your baby's eyes from harmful UV rays. Baby-sized versions with soft elastic straps are available.
• Minimise sunscreen use on infants younger than six months old. If necessary, use a minimal amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
• Stay safe on hot days by ensuring your baby doesn't get overheated and stays hydrated. Offer formula or breast milk if you're out in the sun, and take your baby indoors if they show signs of overheating, such as fussiness, crying, or redness on exposed skin.
• Avoid sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 am and 2 pm, when UV rays are most intense.
• If your baby does get sunburned, get out of the sun immediately and apply cold compresses to the affected areas. Contact your pediatrician right away.

Hypothermia risk for infants

Hypothermia is a very serious risk for infants on boats, and it can be fatal. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and it is often caused by cold, wet conditions, such as immersion in water. Infants are at a higher risk of hypothermia than adults because they lose heat through their heads more quickly, and their bodies are less able to regulate their temperature.

To prevent hypothermia in infants while boating, it is essential to follow these safety precautions:

• Ensure the infant is wearing an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD) that is appropriately sized for their weight and age. The US Coast Guard recommends that infants should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a PFD.
• Dress the infant in layered clothing for insulation, including a hat, to retain body heat.
• Avoid boating in potentially dangerous weather conditions and cold water.
• Take measures to avoid capsizing the boat or falling into the water.
• If the infant gets wet, dry them off as quickly as possible.
• Keep the infant in a protected area on the boat, away from the water and any potential hazards.

It is also important to be able to recognise the symptoms of hypothermia, which include:

• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Bluish lips and fingernails
• Loss of feeling in extremities
• Rigidity in extremities

If you suspect an infant is experiencing hypothermia, it is crucial to act quickly. Move them to a warm area, remove any wet clothing, and wrap them in dry blankets or clothes. Do not massage the infant or give them a hot bath, as this can be dangerous. Seek medical attention immediately.

Head and neck support for infants

If you are taking your infant on a boat, their safety is paramount. It is recommended that infants should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a personal floatation device (PFD). Once an infant reaches this weight, usually between 4 and 11 months old, they can safely travel on a boat with the correct safety gear.

Life Jackets

Life jackets are a crucial safety measure for infants on boats. Infant life jackets feature a built-in "heads up" cushion with a loop handle at the top, as well as a strap that goes between the legs to prevent the jacket from sliding up. They are designed to fit snugly and keep the infant's head above water in the event of an accident.

When choosing a life jacket for your infant, ensure it is Coast Guard-approved and specifically designed for infants under 30 lbs. Some recommended options include:

• Salus Bijoux Baby Vest
• Line + Cleat Infant Life Jacket
• Stohlquist Life Vest
• Level Six Puffer Baby Vest
• Hyperlite Indy Neo Girls Infant Life Jacket
• Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends Infant Jacket
• O’Brien Biolite Eco-Friendly Infant Jacket

Boarding and Deboarding

When getting on and off the boat with your infant, it is important to take extra care. Some people prefer to pass the baby to someone already on the boat while the infant is wearing a life vest. Others feel safer holding the baby tightly and climbing onto the boat without making a hand-off over the water.

Onboard Safety

While on the boat, the infant should always be accompanied by an adult. Proper shading and sun protection are crucial to shield their sensitive skin. It is also important to have a designated protected area on the boat where the infant can stay safely while the boat is in motion or during emergencies.

Sleeping Arrangements

Instead of bringing a crib, consider a portable baby boat seat, infant carrier, or bouncer seat. These options provide a comfortable space for your baby when you are not holding them and take up less space. However, bouncer seats should only be used when the boat is stable and not underway.

Additional Tips

• Breastfeed or bottle-feed your infant during take-off and landing to help equalize their ear pressure.
• Dress your infant in layers to accommodate temperature changes.
• Bring extra clothes and diapers to prepare for spills or messes.
• Be mindful of noise levels and sudden movements, especially with newborns.

Motion sickness for infants

Motion sickness is a common reaction that occurs in 25% of people. It is caused by increased sensitivity in the inner ear, which helps maintain balance. While motion sickness can affect people of all ages, it is often worse in children, and infants may experience dizziness and the need to lie down.

If you are planning to take an infant on a boat, it is important to take precautions to prevent motion sickness. Firstly, ensure that the infant is at least 4 months old, as the US Food and Drug Administration suggests that you should only use sunscreen on babies who are at least this age. It is also recommended to avoid peak sun hours and provide shade for your infant, as the heat can contribute to motion sickness.

Additionally, you should ensure that your infant is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. The US Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety recommends that infants should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a personal floatation device (PFD). Most babies reach this weight between 4 and 11 months old. When choosing a life jacket, look for one with a built-in "heads up" cushion and a strap that goes between the legs to keep the jacket from sliding up.

To prevent motion sickness, it is also recommended to offer your infant small sips of clear fluids, such as water. If your infant does experience motion sickness, symptoms usually go away within 4 hours of stopping the motion. You can also give them dimenhydrinate tablets (Dramamine) to prevent motion sickness in the future, but only for infants older than 2 years.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your infant has a safe and enjoyable experience on a boat.

Frequently asked questions