jackie.fpc

Our first son was under 2 months, Easter Poker Run in Key Largo. A short ride, but we went over 80mph on John Mattaliano's 43' Nor-Tech V

I am sure he fell asleep during the ride, they always do for the first few years.

Wasted Income

My daughter was born in April, and was first on the boat in July. Would have been sooner, but we didn't get a chance to put the boat in the water till then.

40FlatDeck

We had our little boy on the Skater between 4-5 months. At first we put ear muffs on him but he did'nt like them at all. In the slow wake he would stand up on my lap, steer and push buttons. When we where underway he would lay on moms lap and be asleep asap........I still think he is the fastest toddler on the water.....

low_psi

I was in a similar situation. We had a 21' Scarab when my daughter was born. We didn't feel that boat was safe for our daughter, so we sold it. 2 years later we realized how much we missed boating. We bought a 25' Baja and the rest is history. My daughter doesn't dry out during the summer months. We now have the Velocity and my daughter not only loves the water, but she is a speed freak too......... My daughter has been driving the boat through the canal to our launch since she was 6 (she is 10 now). I will let her drive any time she wants around the docks and at idle speeds.

low_psi

Have the wife hold child in a life jacket. I would also suggest one of you to wear a jacket as well. This way if an accident does occur, the chances are better there will be someone in a jacket to assist the child. I wouldn't suggest a car seat as they aren't designed to be used that way. Car seats if used improperly can be more of a danger to a child than not having one at all.............

Audiofn

IMO having some one hold the child is the best way to go. I always had my wife sit in the back as well because it is much smoother. The bigest thing to remember is that the baby will not have much strength in their neck tell they are a couple months old so before that you want a nice smooth ride and having them in the lap helps.

mittens

Was ont he water from about 2-3 weeks old. But Was on the beach in destin at 1-2 weeks laying on a blanket in the sand. My nices, have been on the boats since day one as well. its not a problem, just remember they sun is hard on them and give them shade.

ItsPeanut

Looks like im going to have to take Speedy(real name Huston) for his first ride then. My wifes friend said i am crazy and stupid for putting my child at risk in such an unpredictable environment so she got all freked out and scared. Thank you everybody for your comments and not making me sound like a lunatic to my wife for wanting to take him. I let her read the thread and now shes all excited to get that life jacket on him and to go for a ride.

rfgonzo

People said the same thing to my wife and me about putting are child in danger. These are non-boaters that think the water is always rough and your new born is gonna bounce around like a pinball. If you were gonna put your child in danger you would not be asking this question, you asked because you are concerned for the little ones safety. You will be fine and have fun, just pick and choose a nice calm day on the water.

On Time

Stomach full at the dock and 6 mos later