Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

DH and I have no plans this weekend and I'm sorta bummed. We haven't done anything all summer. DD was too young to take to the beach and we have been renovating our new home so the summer has pretty much flown by. I was really hoping to do something fun this weekend but so far we haven't planned anything. Usually we are out boating every weekend especially Labor Day weekend.

A bunch of our usual crew are heading to Fire Island on Sunday by boat. Obviously I know I cannot take a 2 month old on my dads boat since she doesn't fit into a life vest but what are the rules about ferries? I would imagine that people take babies on ferries to FI all the time since a lot of people have summer homes there. Is it a bad idea for me to even attempt spending the day over there?

Honest opinions/experiences are welcome

think it would be so fun go enjoy this beautiful weekend!!! take the baby bjorn so you dont have to worry about stroller at all times either

and yes babies are allowed on ferries

Message edited 9/2/2011 2:14:52 PM.

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

I would think she'd be fine on a ferry. I would definitely go.

I know my parents had me on a boat ASAP after I was born- I was born mid july- so I guarantee I was on the bay by labor day.

I would be nervous about taking her on a personal watercraft- but not a ferry.

My DD was on a boat for the first time at 5 months. I was able to find a tiny life vest to put on her- it was a little big, but it wrked.


You can buy an infant life vest- but they are usually made to fit babies <30lbs, so it will definitely be big

HTH!

She should fit in a life vest, if you decide to go that route...my DD fits in one... I mean it isn't entirely comfortable...but it is only for a little while that they are in it.
My DD usually falls asleep within a couple of us getting out of the no wake zone.

I am sure your DD will be fine on the ferry too.

We go boating quite often

Message edited 9/2/2011 2:28:35 PM.

Here she is in her life vest

Message edited 9/2/2011 2:30:57 PM.

don't know what is going on today with posts and editing...but lets try it again...
here she is in her life vest Vest

Message edited 9/2/2011 2:33:57 PM.

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

I took DD on the ferry to FI on Fathers Day and she was 3 months old. We didn't have a problem at all.

Go and have some fun!!

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

Thanks ladies. I feel so much better. I was partially holding my breath waiting for people to tell me I am crazy for wanting to take her.

Question - do I need a life vest if it's the ferry and not a personal boat?

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

All of our DC have been boating since newborn with the same type of life vest Marcie posted Enjoy!

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

This one might work and as long as she's in something I'd take her on the boat.

Lifevest

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

I took DS on the ferry at 6 weeks, in the carseat carrier the whole time. We had dinner/drinks at McGuires and he slept through the whole thing.

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

Thanks so much. I'm excited now Just have to get DH on board.......think I'll have him check out this thread

Re: Any boaters out there - question about going to Fire Island with infant

you can have your child sit in the infant carrier on the ferry