Taking LO on a boat....help!

jporqueler

DH family lives on the lake during the summer and I know they want to get L out there asap, but I didn't grow up on the water as much and to be honest am quite frightened at the thought of her being so young on the boat.  Any advice to ease my fears, am I overreacting? I already feel like the bad guy expressing this to DH.

courtneyjean7

We also live on the lake and we took Nolan for his first boat ride the day we came home from the hospital (flame away). Stores like Walmart and Target sell infant life jackets and toddler life jackets. Nolan used an infant one last year and will use a toddler one this year as he is over 20 pounds. I personally think you are overreacting. Try to relax and enjoy yourself. LO will love it and make sure you bring your camera and gets pictures of her first boat ride!

Also, if this will ease your fears... Remember that every year there are more car accidents than boating accidents!

LollyBug18

First, you shouldn't feel bad about it. Its about the boat, not your ILs (or so it sounds...). He should understand you aren't familiar with what's involved and be able to reassure you. What kind of boat is it? Back in August, when DD was 3 months, we took a trip to the lake where DH's family always went and he wanted to rent a boat for the day. I was really apprehensive bc my family had never done anything like that and I had no idea how it would go but I trusted him bc he had lots if experience with that sort of thing. We got a pontoon and the whole day was great. The noise of the motor had her passed out nearly the entire time and she was ridiculously cute in her life jacket. I'm sure it'd be a little harder now with a mobile LO but I'm sure she'd love it and do great.

amberpro

We took C on a boat last summer several times and he was fine  We just didn't put him in the water at that point.  We have a life jacket like this one:

 https://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Neoprene-Flotation-Vest-for-Infants/product/97776/130969?hvarAID=shopping_googlebase&om_mmc=shopping_googlebase

He wore it last year and he still meets the weight requirements this year, so he'll wear it again.  

You may also want to sign up for mommy and me swim lessons.  They have Red Cross lessons at most community pools and YMCAs have good swim programs as well.  

This year, we will take him out again.  As long as he has one of those life jackets on, he'll be fine.  They are made to flip the baby face up if they fall in the water.  I'm excited about our lake trips this year, though, since now he can get in and swim with us .   

vigurl

Infant life vest are cheap on Craigslist!

rlmanning

I had Bay on my IL's sail boat on Catalina island when she was just a month old. The PP's life jacket link is GREAT! You will be fine. Just be sure to keep her in your reach! Have fun!!!

rlmanning

courtneyjean7:

We also live on the lake and we took Nolan for his first boat ride the day we came home from the hospital (flame away).

No flaming here momma! We had Bay on Catalina Island 4 times last summer. She sailed 4 hours 1 way to get there each time. And she LOVED it! ;-)

I consider her one lucky little girl to be able to experience these things that most other adults do not get to do

cyclek8bride

We have a boat and take DS out all the time.  When he was ten weeks we went on a three week cruise and had a blast.  Just keep LO in a life jacket and have fun.

 

jporqueler

Thanks for all the responses ladies.  I actually got her a life jacket at Christmas and swimsuits because I was so eager then, but now all of a sudden hesitation has clearly set in.  I am such a dork I know, but I think it is a reflection of unfamiliar territory.  I have obviously been on a boat numerous times but just never grew up being so young and on one.  Each family is different, we were the camping type and honestly that sounds less appealing than a boat ride 

JuneBugsMommy

DS will be going on his first boat ride in a couple of weeks. We just bought him his life jacket and we're keep in mind that he may or may not like the boat so we have to make sure we plan accordingly.

courtneyjean7

rlmanning:

courtneyjean7:

We also live on the lake and we took Nolan for his first boat ride the day we came home from the hospital (flame away).

No flaming here momma! We had Bay on Catalina Island 4 times last summer. She sailed 4 hours 1 way to get there each time. And she LOVED it! ;-)

I consider her one lucky little girl to be able to experience these things that most other adults do not get to do

amberpro

jporqueler:

Thanks for all the responses ladies.  I actually got her a life jacket at Christmas and swimsuits because I was so eager then, but now all of a sudden hesitation has clearly set in.  I am such a dork I know, but I think it is a reflection of unfamiliar territory.  I have obviously been on a boat numerous times but just never grew up being so young and on one.  Each family is different, we were the camping type and honestly that sounds less appealing than a boat ride 

No worries, mama  I think all parents have something that they fear, don't like, or are hard for them- water, boats, large adults in costumes, clowns, dogs, whatever.  I know I just have to do my best to try not to pass my own fears along to my children.  I'm sure they'll end up with enough fears of their own, lol.