Community› The Bump Month Clubs› April 2014 Moms
April 2014 Moms
New Discussion

Boat ride with baby

PearlvirusPearlvirus member
in April 2014 Moms
My husband wants to take our 8 week old daughter on a pontoon boat. He found a life jacket that she fits the weight range and it says it is designed to make sure they float face up. I'm nervous not just of her falling the water but also of all the sun and wind she will be exposed to. And also worried that she is going to hate wearing the jacket and will cry the whole time.... Is it even possible to breast feed while she's wearing a life jacket? Am I being overly cautious? What is the right age to allow a boat ride?
Report Reply to Post

Re: Boat ride with baby

  • JessimaxJessimax member
    We have a cottage that is only accessible by boat so DS was on a boat at only a few weeks old. It was only in transit though, for the reasons you mentioned I can't see spending a lot of time on a boat would be that enjoyable.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • Avion22Avion22 member
    If you really want to, then I think a sun hat with long sleeves and pants would be okay to protect from sun exposure.   I would feel comfortable removing the life jacket to nurse if the boat was stationary in really calm water (like in a lake, in a no-wake zone) away from the side of the boat.   Does the pontoon boat have a canopy you can put up?    
    imageDSC_9275  image



    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • PearlvirusPearlvirus member
    Yes there is a canopy but no there's not really calm water. We dock out of Stillwater, MN onto the river.
    Report Reply
  • joyfullyfoundjoyfullyfound member
    I grew up on boats and DS will be going on his first trip in a couple weeks. It's my dad or husband driving, though, so I have complete trust in them... if it was a stranger I'd be more nervous. But those lifejackets do work well... and I can breastfeed with them! With DD I always unzipped mine and then just held her at an awkward angle ;) She has always slept AMAZINGLY on boats! It's the combination of white noise, rocking on the water, fresh air.... works like a charm. 

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickersLilypie First Birthday tickers


    Report Reply
  • Bagnell11Bagnell11 member
    My husband is ITCHING to bring the baby on the boat. So we have been in search of the best life jacket. Are all life jackets coast guard approved. I found one from LL Bean that says its is coast guard approved. Is that a bonus or are they all that way?
    Also, would love any suggestions on what kind yall are using.
    Report Reply
  • Avion22Avion22 member
    Bagnell11 said:
    My husband is ITCHING to bring the baby on the boat. So we have been in search of the best life jacket. Are all life jackets coast guard approved. I found one from LL Bean that says its is coast guard approved. Is that a bonus or are they all that way? Also, would love any suggestions on what kind yall are using.

    I'm not an expert, but I don't think I'd buy anything that didn't say "Coast Guard Approved."  I'm pretty sure they have to be to claim to be a life-saving device. However, there are some pool-toy type things that should clearly state "not a life-saving device" if they aren't Coast Guard Approved.  
    imageDSC_9275  image



    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • amandamatt72409amandamatt72409 member
    Isn't the river really high right now? Or maybe it's just the Mississippi that's really high? I just ask as it was brought up with an avid fisherman friend of ours last week who frequents the Mississippi (we are in St. Paul). If it is, I would be cautious of the current and probably not go. But if it's calm conditions probably no big deal. Follow your gut, if it's saying no, than I think you have your answer? Mom knows best right?!
    Report Reply
  • PearlvirusPearlvirus member
    Yes, the St. Croix River is still high too, but it is so wide near Stillwater anyway that it doesn't impact the current much.

    I think we will probably just go for it when the life jacket arrives... Maybe it will be a short trip and maybe we go really slowly, but that's ok. It seems important to try and do normal stuff and it doesn't seem like there is that much more risk to her then for anyone boating.
    Report Reply
  • Bailey'sbrideBailey'sbride member
    My family has a cabin on a lake in northern Michigan. Both my DH and I grew up going up north and being out on the water. We bought LO, who is 6 weeks old, a life jacket yesterday and went out on the pontoon today. She loved it!! My dad drove and went pretty slow, so I felt really comfortable. There's a huge canopy on the pontoon, so she was in the shade the whole time. All in all, it was a great first boat trip. I hope yours goes well, also!
    Report Reply
  • Bailey'sbrideBailey'sbride member
    Also, LO didn't mind her life jacket (thankfully!) and I nursed her twice while we were out. It was easier than I had thought it would be.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"