Child Proofing the Boat - baby gates -

We moved aboard Ma'alahi in May 2011 (when we came home from the hospital with newborn baby M).  We quickly realized that we would need something substantial to keep K from going up the companionway stairs.  The first gate we used was a tall tension gate intended for a dog.  Although this was effective, it was not at all comfortable (especially after just having a baby) to climb over nor was it practical to uninstall every time I needed to get through.

Tension gate - May 2011 (newborn baby M on the settee)

I found a not-as-tall gate, at walmart.com that is perfect for our situation.  It cost $40 including shipping.  The gate has a door that is easy (for T and I) to open and close, and is stable.

Walmart's "extra wide" Carlson Pet Products gate

I looked into purchasing this gate directly from the manufacturer's website (to avoid Walmart) and it was priced at $70+!?!  Walmart it is! 

I also looked into and was interested in retractable gates that would allow for more flexibility as far as blocking access to an odd shaped or larger area.

Manufacturer Photo from Retract-A-Gate (website)

Happy hunting! 

Infant Life Jackets Continued... Black Friday Steal!

M is six months old and getting SO.BIG.  He currently weighs in at 22 lbs (only 2 pounds less than his Big Sis K).  I had had just about enough of his Stearns jacket (see Infant Life Jackets): 

M laying down in the Stearns

M sitting up in the Stearns vest - AHHHH!!!

I promised myself that I would invest in a Salus life vest once M reached 20lbs.

Right after Thanksgiving, we were strolling by the marine supply store and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a sign - "30% of EVERYTHING in the store" - we jumped on the offer and got vest for about $50. 

Look at all the neck room!

Handsome and happy in his new Salus jacket.

M laying down in the Salus vest.

So far, so good - totally worth the investment!  The Salus Nimbus is clearly well made and more comfortable to wear than any vests I have tried with the kiddos.  For additional information, you can visit the Salus website at www.salusmarine.com

Infant Life Jackets

I have had a really hard time with the way life vests fit our kids.  Life jackets are marketed in a way that would suggest that our kids should be able to fit into them comfortably.

K in the West Marine Neoprene Life Vest

We have experimented with, and tried on, numerous life jackets.  K is currently wearing West Marine's Deluxe Kids' Neoprene Life Vest priced at $49.99 (pictured above).  We have also had a generally positive experience with Stearns Hydroprene Life Jacket priced at $34.99.

 

It has been our M.O. to have both of the kids in life jackets when in transport (the stroller) going up and down the dock.  The problem with this is that most life jackets have too long of a torso for the kids to be sitting in them.  When the kids are in a sitting position, the life jackets push upward and look very uncomfortable in the shoulder and neck areas.

Both K and M wear the same size "newborn" life jacket (birth to 30 lbs.)... I think the size range itself should raise some eyebrows... but this is the standard.  

Salus Marine...

I believe that I have found a superior product from Salus Marine (website) and we intend on purchasing these life vests when we move up to the next size range (which should be soon).  I have tried them on the kids numerous times... and T and I are prepared to make the investment (they are a bit pricey).  

... the practical newborn life vest... 

If M was not such a HUGE baby - OR - if I had had more foresight, I would have purchased Salus Marine's uniquely designed Bijoux infant life vest for babies weighing 9-25lbs.  This design is not US Coast Guard approved as a safety flotation device, however, it was the winner of the Canadian Safe Boating Award (CASBA) for Best New Safety Product.

Manufacturer Photos: 

Additional information from Salus Marine's brochure: 

"The one piece front design ensures that the baby will turn face up from a face forward position.  The 3 piece collar cradles the head when lifted by the collar straps or while the baby is floating on their back. Mesh harness and a short front provide enhanced comfort for sitting upright, lying down or while positioned in a baby carrier."

AMEN - this is exactly what we needed for M.  The Bijoux retails for $69.99 at our local marine store - they can be purchased online as well.

... a toddler life vest that is built for safety, fit, and comfort...

Salus Marine makes a more traditional looking life vest for toddlers.  The thing that is unique about Salus's Nimbus life vest is that its buoyant "ensolite" foam is rounded and contoured (not boxy) for comfort and snug fit.  Additionally, they offer two sizes... 20-30lbs and 30-60lbs.

Manufacturer Photo:

These vests are priced from $69.99-$79.99 at our local marine supply store.  The Nimbus is USCG approved.

As liveaboards, it is important to recognize that your kids will put-on and take-off their life jackets multiple times per day.  Do not purchase a cheap vest that is meant to be worn on very rare occasions and does not have quality, long lasting durability, and comfort in mind. 

Our children's safety is our first priority.  No matter what your living situation, on land or water, there are going to be hazards and safety issues.  Because we choose to live on a boat, we are especially sensitive to water safety issues and potential dangers.  It is our duty to do everything we can to protect our children.  Life jackets can be a hassle and an inconvenience... but they are an absolute necessity.  

Here's to safe sailing! 

Water Safety - Swimming -

One of our major concerns about living aboard a boat, with kids, is water safety.  K is at an age where she is not scared of ANYTHING.  If we were to allow K to walk around on the dock... she would likely be in the water within 30 seconds (just a guess).  I know there is a developmental stage where toddlers acquire a rational sense of danger and of what is dangerous.  K is not there yet.  

K wears a life jacket whenever she is outside of the cabin of the boat and not contained in her high chair.

There is a fine line that we need to walk.  We do not want K to be scared of water... but we want her to understand that it can be dangerous.

T takes K to the "open swim" at the local fitness club every few weeks.  We want her to become a confident swimmer and have respect for the environment around her.  

K swimming with daddy

K has not had any formal swim lessons yet.  We did find some helpful resources (a DVD and books) at the library about how to introduce babies to the water in a non-traumatic way. 

 

Water hazards are (in our opinion) the number one threat to our children's safety.  We are going to continue to do everything we can to keep our kids as safe as possible.  

This will be an ongoing topic... more to come...