Child Safety In Boat Mobile: A Parent's Priority

Boating with a baby requires careful planning and safety precautions. The US Coast Guard recommends that infants should not travel on boats until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a personal floatation device (PFD). This is typically achieved between 4 and 11 months old, and there are several infant life jackets available that fit snugly and effectively. When boating with an infant, it is important to ensure they are always accompanied by an adult and are properly shaded from the sun. Additionally, infants should not be placed in car seats or other non-floating devices while on a boat. Instead, they can be worn in a wrap or kept in a narrow sleeping cot with padding on all sides. For older babies who are more mobile, a non-inflatable baby life jacket with a lanyard can provide freedom of movement while ensuring safety.

Baby safety on boats

When to take a baby on a boat

According to the U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety, an infant should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Most babies reach this weight when they are between 4 and 11 months old. However, some parents take their babies on boats at a younger age, as long as the boat is docked, anchored or moving slowly (at no-wake zone speeds of 6 mph).

Choosing a life jacket

It is important that everyone on the vessel, including babies, has a life jacket that fits them properly. Very few life jackets come in infant sizes, so it is recommended to buy one specifically designed for babies under 30 lbs. Infant life jackets have a built-in "heads-up" cushion with a loop handle at the top, along with a strap that goes between the legs to prevent the jacket from sliding up. They are designed to fit snugly and raise the infant's head out of the water.

Staying safe on the boat

When on the boat, babies should always be within arm's reach of an adult. It is not safe to place an infant in a car seat or other non-floating device while the boat is moving. Instead, babies can be held in an adult's arms or placed in a baby carrier or bouncer seat. Netting can also be installed around the boat to provide an extra layer of protection. When the boat is docked or anchored, it is fine for babies to sit in an infant carrier or bouncer seat without wearing a life jacket. However, they should never be left unattended.

Sun protection

It is important to protect babies from the sun while on a boat. Shade should be provided to shield them from direct sunlight, and sunscreen should be applied if they are over six months old. For babies under six months, sunwear such as hats and lightweight clothing with long sleeves and pants can provide additional protection.

Sleeping arrangements

When it comes to sleeping on the boat, some parents choose to bring a pack-and-play or a portable crib. Others opt for a baby carrier or wrap, which can also be used during the day. It is important to ensure that the sleeping area is safe and secure, with no loose objects or hazards nearby.

Life jackets for infants

When taking your infant out on the water, it is imperative that you ensure their safety by providing them with a life jacket. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing and using a life jacket for your baby:

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4, so it is crucial to take precautions when your baby is near water. Benjamin Hoffman, MD, and president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), advises that "any child on a boat on water should always be in a life jacket—no questions asked, no exceptions."

Choosing the Right Life Jacket

When selecting a life jacket for your infant, there are a few key factors to consider:

• US Coast Guard Approval: Choose a life jacket that is approved by the US Coast Guard. Look for a Type II vest, which is designed to keep your baby upright and floating face-up in the water. Type III vests, such as puddle jumpers, are only suitable for calm, shallow waters like pools.
• Fit: Ensure the life jacket fits your baby properly. Check the weight range and adjust the straps at the shoulders, waist, and crotch for a snug fit. The vest should be snug enough that your baby cannot slip out, and it should not ride up above their chin or ears.
• Head Support: Look for a life jacket with ample head support to keep your baby's head above water. A squared-off headrest can provide maximum buoyancy and prevent your baby from rolling over in the water.
• Grab Handles: Opt for a life jacket with grab handles, which can aid in rescue situations.
• High Visibility: Choose bright and vibrant colors for your baby's life jacket to make them easier to spot in the water.

Recommendations for Infant Life Jackets:

• Overton's Infant Nylon Life Vest: This life jacket offers excellent buoyancy, ease of use, and quality materials at an affordable price. It features soft materials in key areas to prevent chafing and has adjustable straps for a secure fit.
• Airhead Treasure Infant Life Jacket: This life jacket stands out for its kid-friendly, under-the-sea graphics, available in both blue and pink colorways. It performed well in float tests and is easy to put on and take off.
• Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket: This life jacket has a slim profile and is easy to carry, with thinner front panels and a headrest. It allows for more mobility and is comfortable for babies to wear.
• Coleman Stearns Classic Series Infant Life Jacket Vest with Rescue Handle: This life jacket features a large, squared-off headrest that provides maximum buoyancy and keeps your baby's face away from the water.
• Full Throttle Infant Nylon Life Jacket (Red): The bright red color of this life jacket makes it highly visible in the water. It offers buoyancy, security, and ease of use with its adjustable straps.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Always supervise your baby when they are near water.
• Use barriers to prevent your baby from accessing water, such as four-sided pool fencing or toilet locks.
• Enroll your baby in swimming lessons once they are over the age of one.
• Choose life jackets over pool toys or flotation devices, as these are not reliable for ensuring your baby's safety.

Remember to follow safety guidelines and use a life jacket whenever your infant is on a boat or near water. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure your baby's safety and enjoy your time on the water.

Bedding options for babies on boats

When boating with a baby, it is important to consider safe and space-saving compact bed solutions. The gentle water movement and rocking of a boat are soothing and calming for a baby, and many babies sleep very well onboard. However, finding the right bedding option for the tight space in a boat cabin that is also safe for the baby can be challenging.

Newborn Infant Sleeper Bed Options

A co-sleeper bed is a good option for newborns on boats as they take up very little floor space. A foldable co-sleeper is even more space-efficient and can be placed in the back aft-cabin bed area of a boat. These sleepers are very portable and fold up into small self-carrying cases. However, babies may outgrow these beds by 2-3 months old when they start to move around more.

• The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper: Can be anchored to a bed mattress and has a U-shaped design to keep the baby secure.
• Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Bassinet: Features lightweight design and sturdy sidewalls to keep the baby contained. It is also foldable for portability.

Newborn Infant Rocker Sleeper

The Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper is another good choice for a baby bed on a boat. It takes up very little floor space and is extremely portable as it can fold in half when not in use. The rocker design cannot tip over sideways and has stoppers to prevent excessive rocking. It is also elevated off the floor, making it safer if there is an older sibling around.

Travel Bed Options for Babies 6 Months and Older

As babies learn to sit up, roll over, and move around more, they will need a bigger baby bed. This can be challenging due to the limited floor space on a boat. Here are some travel baby bed options suitable for older babies:

• Kidco Peapod: This indoor/outdoor baby travel bed has a small footprint and can be brought into the boat cockpit to provide a safe and shaded play space with UV protection. It has an inflatable mattress and measures 47 x 30 x 19 inches when open.
• BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light 2: This compact and lightweight travel crib folds up into a carrying case and is ideal for older babies or toddlers on boats. It has a sturdy base with slanting edges, making it a safe place for babies to stand and play.
• Gocrib Portable Baby Travel Crib and Play Yard: This standard-size travel crib packs into a lightweight backpack and features a 27″ x 39″ insulating mattress and a 25″ depth sleeping and play area.

Pack-n-Play

When your baby is old enough to sit up or roll over but is not yet big enough to sleep in a regular bed, you will likely need to make room for a pack-n-play on board.

Additional Tips

• Bassinets are a good choice as they usually have a small footprint and can be placed near you but not directly next to you in bed.
• A rocker/bassinet can be helpful for babies with colic as it slightly elevates the head and makes the baby feel snug and secure.
• If you have room on your boat, a portable crib or play yard can be useful as your child grows but is still too young to sleep in a berth. Choose a compact option with a small footprint.
• Always use a non-inflatable life jacket for babies and toddlers on boats, as these are safer in the event of an accident.

Safe ways to board a boat with a baby

When it comes to boarding a boat with a baby, safety is paramount. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure a safe boarding experience:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you even get to the boat, there are some crucial steps to take:

• Ensure your baby is old enough and weighs at least 18 pounds, as recommended by the US Coast Guard, to ensure a proper fit for their life jacket.
• Pack all the essentials for your baby, including sunscreen, hats, extra clothing, diapers, and food and drinks.
• Bring a properly fitting life jacket for your baby. It should be an infant life jacket with a built-in "heads-up" cushion, a loop handle, and a strap between the legs to prevent sliding.

Boarding the Boat:

Now, for the actual process of safely boarding:

• If possible, have someone already on the boat to receive the baby. Pass the baby to them while they are wearing their infant life jacket. Ensure the handoff is not done over the water.
• Alternatively, you can hold the baby securely in your arms while boarding. Have someone alongside you to steady and assist you if needed.
• Once on board, keep the baby in your arms or place them in an infant carrier or bouncer seat, but only when the boat is stable and not underway.

Additional Safety Measures:

Keep these extra precautions in mind to enhance safety:

• Always provide proper shading to protect your baby's sensitive skin from the sun.
• Never place your baby in a car seat or other non-floating devices while the boat is cruising.
• If the baby needs to nap, bring a portable rocker or pack-n-play tent and place it in a protected area of the boat.
• If the baby is mobile, ensure they are always supervised and never left unattended, especially near the edges of the boat.

Remember, the safest place for your baby on the boat is in your arms, and they should always wear their life jacket. With these safety measures in place, you can enjoy your boating experience with your little one.

How to entertain a baby on a boat

Entertaining a baby on a boat can be a challenging task, but with some careful planning and safety precautions, it can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one. Here are some tips to make your boating trip with your baby a success:

Safety First:

The US Coast Guard recommends that infants should not travel on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds and can wear a personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket. Ensure you get a properly fitting life jacket for your baby, and make sure they wear it at all times while on the boat. Additionally, never place an infant in a car seat or other non-floating devices when cruising. Instead, hold them securely in your arms or use a baby carrier.

Create a Comfortable Space:

Find a protected area on the boat where you can safely secure your baby, such as a portable rocker or pack-n-play tent. This will give them a safe space to relax, play, and nap while you attend to other tasks. Make sure to create some shade to protect your baby from overheating. Use a bimini top, sun hat, or umbrella to provide extra shade.

Bring Plenty of Supplies:

Stock up on essential supplies for your baby, including waterproof diapers, sunscreen, and a well-stocked diaper bag. Pack a cooler with juice, water, baby formula, and snacks. It's also a good idea to bring some familiar toys, books, or other items that can help keep your baby entertained and comfortable during the trip.

Choose the Right Time:

Try to plan your boating trip during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. This will help you avoid the heat and heavy boat traffic, making the experience more enjoyable for you and your baby.

Stay in Your Comfort Zone:

Choose a body of water that you are familiar and comfortable with. Consider the distance to shore, boating wake, current speed, and any potential obstacles. It's important to stay within your comfort zone to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for both you and your baby.

Bring a Babysitter:

Consider inviting a friend or family member to join you on the trip to help care for the baby. This will allow you to take breaks, attend to boat-related tasks, and ensure that someone is always keeping a close eye on the baby.

Plan Fun Activities:

Bring some waterproof toys, such as sand and bath toys, to keep your baby entertained. You can also pack a travel bouncer or camp chair for shore breaks, providing a comfortable space for your baby to play and explore.

Remember, the key to entertaining a baby on a boat is to prioritise their safety and comfort. By following these tips, you can create a fun and memorable boating experience for you and your little one.

Frequently asked questions