August 2013 Moms

Infant Life jackets

Any btdt moms have an infant life jacket they recommend?  We are going to e spending a lot of time on the lake this summer and I want to find a good one. I've been looking around and researching some, but just curious if any of you have any suggestions of ones that you have used and liked.

Also, this may sound silly, but anyone have any experience with infants on a pontoon boat?  Since LO will only be 9+ months when she starts going on our boat, she will be able to sit on her own but I feel like we should have some sort of seat for her.  I think she will be grown out of her bumbo seat then, and I don't want to bring any sort of high chair on the boat in fear that it will tip over.  Is there such thing as a boat seat for infants?

Anniversary


Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
 

 




Re: Infant Life jackets

  • Loading the player...
  • Katie6202Katie6202 member
    edited January 2014
    We just held my niece in our laps when she was that young... We have an entertainment (towing and waterskiing) type of boat. We just went slower around the lake w her in it, and counted her towards the 8 ppl limit.

    yes, of course she wore an infant life jacket while we held her

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Katie6202 said:
    We just held my niece in our laps when she was that young... We have an entertainment (towing and waterskiing) type of boat. We just went slower around the lake w her in it, and counted her towards the 8 ppl limit.
    Wow that seems incredibly reckless.
    image image

  • Soleil3Soleil3 member
    edited January 2014
    What about something like this?
    Along with a Type 1 pfd?

    image image

  • We had this one with Ds1. Will use it this summer with DS2. My parents have a pontoon boat.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005TCIBYQ?cache=1390442353&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70#ref=mp_s_a_1_6

    There isn't any kind of seat they should be in. In case something does happen, you wouldn't want them strapped in a seat or stuck in a bumbo because if they were ejected, the life vest wouldn't be able to do it's job.

    He was on my lap or another family members lap with the vest on the whole time.

    Boating with an infant is no fun IMO. we stay on the beach in our little sun canopy most summer days.
     DS1 8/2011. DS2 8/2013.

  • Katie6202 said:

    We just held my niece in our laps when she was that young... We have an entertainment (towing and waterskiing) type of boat. We just went slower around the lake w her in it, and counted her towards the 8 ppl limit.

    yes, of course she wore an infant life jacket while we held her

    Oh, ok I see that you edited your post. I was about to flame the shit out of you.

    Phew....
        DS born 8-16-2013
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    image
  • Coming from my hubby (he is a deputy in boating safety, in California):

    He suggested going to a marine store and ask what they carry in ways of infant jackets. DH does not recommend the inflatable ones (he said he is cautious of whether or not they will actually inflate when hitting the water, he prefers the puffy ones). He said when you look on the inside of the life jacket it should say "US Coast Guard approved" and have a weight rating. The important part is to have a head support collar (big and bulky) and a safety crotch strap. He said for some reason if the baby is unconscious and the adults are too (so you don't see LO go into the water)this will keep their head up. Generally his rule is that an adult needs to be holding the LO at all times unless there is a cabin he/she can go inside.
    He said you would want to research boating safety laws in the state you're in. He said in CA it's a sheriff's boating unit, but if you're east of the Rockies, it would probably be the Fire Dept.

    Sorry if my post ran on, I was typing as he spoke.

    Hope that helps!!

     Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

  • We whitewater kayak and have a preference on PFDs and other gear brands. That being said, we've always trusted Stohlquist. 

    This goes up to 30 lbs: 

    But I have to say it'd be a good idea to go with PB's recommendation and maybe check out a local marine store. 

    Good luck :) 




    image
    image
  • We have a pontoon boat and I grew up around them. We love the neoprene vests best just because it is more comfortable for the child and they are happier in it. Also when I was growing up my neighbors put the pack n play on the boat. The boat didn't go while the child was in it but when anchored it was great. They would put a crib sheet on the top for shade and to keep the bees out. Have fun
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"