My daughter was born on April 16, and went out with us from the
beginning of the sailing season in MA onward. First year is easiest
because she could be strapped into a car seat and we knew she would stay
put. After she began to move, one adult always had to have her within
arm's reach.

Lots of good times, that she doesn't remember, but one that she seems to
is hanging a baby swing from the boom at anchor. She wore a life jacket
even though the boom was centered in the cockpit. She had a great 360
degree view and collected a lot of comments

The Martins started their family while sailing around the world on a
highly modified Cal 25 and they offer some specific tips and stories at
SetSail.com: http://www.setsail.com/s_logs/martin/martin.html

Use common sense, be careful, and everything should be fine.

Little things to remember, juice boxes need to be in hard holders
otherwise they get squeezed and juice gets all over the cockpit. Hats
and airy long sleeve clothes in addition to sunblock. If you get into
the pacifier routine, keep an extra package of one or two on board all
the time, in addition to the stuff that travels with the diaper/day bag.
A weekend can be ruined by losing the damn thing. If you keep emergency
food onboard, be sure to add "kid stuff" to the supplies, in the event
that motor and wind conspire to make it impossible to come in one night.

Yes, it can be stressful, but it needn't keep you tied to the dock to
have a small child with you.

Good luck,

Jonathan

Miech wrote:

We're due in June and would like to hear from people who have experience
sailing with a 0-4 month old. Pros, cons, advice and warnings as well as any
product suggestions to purchase are greatly appreciated. We have had
fabulous feedback from our vessel-specific forum and wanted to tap the
veterans here as well.

(Please no stories about how your son started sailing with you at age 6.
Infants only please!)

Thanks so much,

Jay & Michelle
s/v Elixir
Buzzards Bay