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This summer we will be adding another soul to our 196. Any suggestions on an infant life vest? I want to by the safest, most comfortable vest I can find. Thanks for your input!
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I have a 2 year old and was wondering the same thing. -
We found the neoprene to be much warmer (in Houston, that's a BAD thing).
Of the 3 or 4 different ones we tried, the cheapest nylon was the best. It was the most comfortable and was just as safe. Besides, they're going to outgrow it after 1 season anyway - it's not like you need it to last a long time.Current: 2017 G23
Previous: 2012 210 TE (former PN boat), 2005 210 TE, 2001 X-StarComment
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I have spent a lot of time studying this- The smallest size available is for an 8 pound child. Obviously it should be Coast Guard approved. Infants should have the floatation flap for their head, a crotch strap, and a lifting handle. I highly recommend the brightest color you can find. Every brand fits differently but for an infant, nothing will be perfect. I have neoprene jackets for my son (and the next kid expected to be born in 13 days will have the same). I prefer these to covered foam jackets but its really up to the parent.
Comfort is a relative term for children's jackets. As long as it is a vest type you are moving in the right direction. I avoid the Type 1 horseshoe (think stupid looking) ones at all costs. They are incredibly uncomfortable to wear and generally make children hate boating. Most kids get uncomfortable from heat first so we often pour a little water down our son's neck and back. That seems to make him happier.
Once your kid is about 30 pounds you can move to a jacket without the head flap.
I'm a Coast Guard helicopter pilot so I put a high value on safety. I assure you the quality difference between brands is mitigated by the Coast Guard approval process.
Happy boating!Comment
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Thanks for the advice! I also have a baby due to arrive in August, and was wondering the same thing. Congrats to the other parents to be as well!'08 196LE (previous)
'07 196LE (previous)
2 - '06 196SE's (previous)Comment
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We've been taking my now 2 and 3 year old boys out the last year or so. As others have said, crotch strap and head floatie thing. Nylon also seemed to be better. Uscg approved, of course.2018 SAN 230
1981 Ski Nautique
Sold - 2011 Sport 200V
Sold - 2000 SANComment
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And get them in swimming lessons.2018 SAN 230
1981 Ski Nautique
Sold - 2011 Sport 200V
Sold - 2000 SANComment
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Congrats to everyone on their additions. We have a 3 month old and will be using this for her:
http://www.salusmarine.com/product/bijoux.html. We used it with our first born with success. Our 2.5yr old will be in a neoprene approved jacket.Comment
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Our first child will be born at the end of july. Im not planning on the little one coming on the boat this year.Comment
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Absolutely. I want to take this course as well.Originally posted by surroundsound64 View Post
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A78QiQ61oBMComment
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We put our 1 year old in an infant survival class like that last summer. It is quite a committment - 3 days/week for 6-8 weeks. However, it is worth the investment. My wife is a stay-at-home Mom, so she was able to take him during the day while I was at work. She took video of the first couple of lessons. I'm glad I wasn't there - I couldn't stand watching it!Originally posted by scott resick View PostCurrent: 2017 G23
Previous: 2012 210 TE (former PN boat), 2005 210 TE, 2001 X-StarComment
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Shop for life vests, life jackets, men's vests, women's vests, kids' vests, swimming accessories available on ......[URL=http://atlantarhinoplastycritic.com]atlantarhinoplastycritic.com[/URL]Comment
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We had the most success with the foam best from REI. They had the lowest high point on the front zipper if that makes sense. When on and zipped up it does not ride up onto their face causing discomfort. It also has a nice loop where the head support meets the body of the jacket for emergency lifting if needed. The neoprene were a huge failure in our family due to heat and they always seemed to be super tight in them. We used them when operating the boat and little swimmers for floating in the water, they are also CGA as well. We don't trust them when moving, but awesome when not moving.
For small infants the foam jacket in a carrier unbuckled is certain to put them right to sleep with some engine noise and makes for a fun family day on the water.
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This is the one we used
http://m.rei.com/product/834895/stoh...descriptionTab
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