Lifejackets

Any experienced boaters out there?
Do you have any recommendations for good infant life jackets? They will be 8 months when we take them out and probably around 15 and 16 lbs.
Any good advice for taking infants on a boat?

 

Good question! We are lake people too. We bought a 24' 2007 Bentley pontoon boat last year. I just figured we would NOT get out on the water this year. Our twins will be 6.5-9 months. It is a 30 minute drive to the lake, plus 20 to get the boat in and by the time we get out on the water, it will be time for the babies to act up. My hubby seems to think that we will still be out on the water every weekend... ummmmmmmm, WRONG! <_<

 

We have something similar to this.

My kids all hated them until they were upright and walking well. I can't say that I blame them, as they can't move very well in them! Good luck!

 

We decided not to take the boys out on the boat until they are over a year old, simply because the baby life jackets we've found are from something like 15-30 lbs, and they don't fit small babies very well. You can tighten them down and all, but still, not close enough for ME to be comfortable.

 

I'm glad to read this thread. I'm trying to figure the logistcs of boating with 10-12 month old twins. Is it even possible?-- My dh is all revved up about going out out on our boat this summer--We didn't put it in last summer because I was pregnant. So what are you or anybody else thinking? Obviously, lifejackets, but where will you put the babies? I know you don't want them buckled in, but will you bring carseat carriers?--but then how will they wear their jackets?

I'm just thinking out loud. Hopefully, someone will have ideas--maybe we should post this on twins 1-4??

Lisa

 

As for where to put them--My friends have brought their children on our boat and they always sat on an adult's lap. I would say there should always be a minimum of three adults with two small children on a boat--one to watch each child and one to drive.

 

They do sell good infant lifejackets. Make sure you get one with a big collar and a strap going between their legs. We always have one big person per child, but we also only go boating at my grandparents where there are always a thousand people around to help. They're kind of cumbersome, but between the immobilization and the noise and motion of the boat, it's a great way to get them down for a nap

 

QUOTE(becky5 @ May 7 2008, 08:53 AM) [snapback]760159[/snapback]
We have something similar to this.

My kids all hated them until they were upright and walking well. I can't say that I blame them, as they can't move very well in them! Good luck!


We have something similar to those too (except with Dora on them because my SIL bought them and despite us saying "No characters on clothing" she thought they were cute). Anyway... They are rated for over 15lbs. Our boat isn't in the water yet, so we haven't tried them out, but they look like they will work well.

Boating tips? I don't have any. The girls were too small last year so we didn't even put our boat in the water. This year we will go out with them, but momma might need to get some anxiety meds because it stresses me out to think about them wanting to run around on the deck of our sailboat.

 

QUOTE(motherof5 @ May 7 2008, 06:07 AM) [snapback]760187[/snapback]
I'm glad to read this thread. I'm trying to figure the logistcs of boating with 10-12 month old twins. Is it even possible?-- My dh is all revved up about going out out on our boat this summer--We didn't put it in last summer because I was pregnant. So what are you or anybody else thinking? Obviously, lifejackets, but where will you put the babies? I know you don't want them buckled in, but will you bring carseat carriers?--but then how will they wear their jackets?

I'm just thinking out loud. Hopefully, someone will have ideas--maybe we should post this on twins 1-4??

Lisa

My Dh is pumped too, b/c I was pregnant last summer as well. The USCG says that they have to wear a life jacket (type 2 and USCG approved) and not be in thier carrier. It makes sense because if you did get into an accident and they were in thier carriers they would sink, so there is no reason I see to bring them. We plan on taking it slow the first time and if they don't like it then we'll be out one more summer. As pp stated, I think that we will need an extra person to help out, which shouldn't be a problem. I'll bring a blanket so they can hang on the floor and roll around. After doing more research I think that we will be going with this life jacket
http://www.iboats.com/Infant_Baby_Safe_Ser...-view_id.341124

 

QUOTE(*amp* @ May 7 2008, 07:29 PM) [snapback]761577[/snapback]
My Dh is pumped too, b/c I was pregnant last summer as well. The USCG says that they have to wear a life jacket (type 2 and USCG approved) and not be in thier carrier. It makes sense because if you did get into an accident and they were in thier carriers they would sink, so there is no reason I see to bring them. We plan on taking it slow the first time and if they don't like it then we'll be out one more summer. As pp stated, I think that we will need an extra person to help out, which shouldn't be a problem. I'll bring a blanket so they can hang on the floor and roll around. After doing more research I think that we will be going with this life jacket
http://www.iboats.com/Infant_Baby_Safe_Ser...-view_id.341124

I have never seen one like that! They look a little less bulky! Let us know how you like them.