When you start to prepare for baby’s first day out on a boat, you might feel both excited and a little nervous. The good news is that taking infants and young children on a boat can be a fun family activity. You’ll need some gear and a little preparation to ensure that everyone can have a safe day of entertainment on the water. With these tips, you’ll know just what you need to enjoy a great boating day with your baby.
Safety
A safe trip on a boat starts with the right gear. Everyone should have a personal flotation device, commonly known as a life jacket. When shopping for an infant life jacket, look for the following qualities:
- Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Rated for the infant’s weight
- Padded head support
- A grab handle and a crotch strap
Avoid using a life jacket that is too large or too small because it may fail to work as needed.
Don’t forget about other safe boating practices. Consider installing netting around the lifeline to prevent a crawling infant or toddler from climbing over. Designate one person to keep a constant eye on any children.
Comfort
A comfortable baby is a happy baby, and you need a contented baby to have a successful trip. Take stock of the comfort items that your baby needs and prioritize the ones that will work the best. When dressing your child for the outing, use layers that you can remove or add if the temperature changes.
The feel of the air on the water is often colder than it is on land, and babies are more susceptible to weather changes than adults. Expect that your baby might get cold on the trip and bring a couple plush baby blankets for comfort. Pack more than one outfit or blanket in case your baby spills food or spits up.
Sun Protection
Adequate weather protection is key to keeping your baby safe and healthy during and after your boat trip. Sun protection tops the list.
For infants, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends that parents use shade and sun-protective clothing as the primary source of protection. Protective clothing might include lightweight, light-colored pants and a long-sleeved shirt along with a hat and sunglasses.
If you can’t keep your baby out of the sun during the outing, consider applying a barrier-based sunscreen, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Apply sunscreen every two hours and pay attention to your baby’s skin during the outing. If you see your baby’s skin turning pink or red, the burn may be worse than you expect.
Entertainment
The type of entertainment that you need for your baby’s first outing depends on the boat trip. If you’re going to be racing across the water, you may not need more than an attentive adult there to hold your baby and point out interesting things about the experience.
For longer boat trips, especially those with long periods of floating on the water, you should consider bringing some entertainment. Pack a few lightweight toys that your baby can enjoy during rest periods. Bathtub toys make a great choice, as they will float in the water if thrown overboard. Don’t forget to bring bottles or snacks, especially if you will be eating a meal on the water. Babies love to be included in activities, especially light play and mealtimes.
Baby’s first time on the water can be a great success, helping you to build wonderful family memories that will last a lifetime. By taking these tips and preparing in advance for safety, comfort, protection and entertainment, your baby can enjoy the experience as much as you.
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