3 year olds and boating! Help!

[chellesbeach]

I have a 3 yr. old and a best friend with a boat! She wants to go to Walmart and buy her a life jacket so "she can go on the 14ft. Whaler, she will love it"! I want to know how old and is it safe for 3 year olds to go boating. She lives right on the intracoastal waterway. My daughter has not been in water other than a baby pool before. I just keep thinking anything can happen on boats, I don't know. Am I being too paranoid here? The best friend is making me feel obligated to do it, also. Julia's father doesn't want her go near the water. I think he's being a little cautious, because I am an avid water person and he is not, but still. Anybody with info, HELP! Thanks.

[myboysmom]

We have taken our boys out on boats since they were 2. They do make life jackets that will fit her, as I'm sure you know. If you're going to ride on the boat with her and feel confident that she will sit on your lap, or listen as she needs to while on the boat, I don't see any reason why she couldn't go. But if your hubby is dead-set against it, you'll have to settle that for yourselves. :) As far as an accident happening on the boat, like I said, just keep her on your lap, and not too much can happen. I'm assuming your friend isn't going to be speed racing with a toddler on board!

[chellesbeach]

That is great! I didn't know what , if there were any guidlines, or anything. She can sit right on my lap, and we won't be tearing around the inlets, just in little canals and stuff. The friend will be thrilled, it will give MOM something to enjoy, too! I guess she can buy the life jackect then, since she wants us to go so bad. Ha! I haven't looked at or priced them. Thanks for the advice!

[momofaprincess]

my daughter has gone boating since she was 18 months. as long as she wears a life jacket she should be fine. you can usually get one for 5-10 dollars

[chellesbeach]

That is great that you introduced boating at an early age. I am going to see about this program at the Y called Aqua Tots. They sure grow up fast! She's a very active toddler and likes to try all kinds of new things. Oh, now i'm suppoes to get her one of those expensive style swing sets today, too. You never know what she will say at this age.

[sm7226]

The only thing you'll have you watch out for, is your daughter not wanting to get off of the boat. We took my 3 1/2 year old and my 1 1/2 year old on my in-laws boat and they cried when we pulled the boat out of the water at the marina. Just be prepared if your child loves it too. The last thing we thought we would need to prepare for. Have fun!

[dubnchix]

3 is a good age to go boating. Like pp said, keep her on your lap and always have one hand on her. Like if she wanted to stand up, "to get a better look". Yeah- be aware that she may like it so much she won't wanna get off! Have fun and be safe!

[Mommy22]

GO! I have 2 boys- the oldest was on his first boating trip at 6 months and the baby was on at 7 months. My oldest is now 2 and LOVES the boat more than anything! This summer is the 1st that he understands the potential of falling overboard and we go over how to hold onto your lifejacket before we get on the boat...everytime! Plus- you're going to be there.

My boating tips-
1)Lifejacket with crotch strap (they have straps and buckles across the chest but there are some that even have a strap that goes between their legs- that way you know it won't come off if....
2)Snacks- pack A LOT- boating makes you hungry for some reason
3) Time- keep it short - no more than 2 hours. It is fun for the first 1 or so- but then you're just stuck in a boat...in the water...with a 3 year old!
4) Toys- Something small- bucket for scooping water, toy camera, little things will always do.

Go-have fun- take your camera- you'll get great pictures!!