New member to the Hatt (and our) family

[nor'easter]

I am proud to announce the addition of Amelia to our family. She was born on the 3rd and is healthy, as is Mom. I have never been happier!
Now to think ahead...
Any 1st hand info on infant life-jackets? I have a PBR review from last year, but was curious if anyone has any good/bad experience with any of them.
Ear protection? I run a 39 SX w/ 6V92s and it gets loudish standing on the engines. I don't mind it at all, as has been eluded to elsewhere here, but I want to take care of my little girl's ears. She has alot of hours at sea in the years ahead, and I want to enjoy them w/her.
Any other first hand info, do/donts, etc would be appreciated.

 

[luckydave215]

Congrats on the rug rat.
Get used to no sleep (you're a physician, I guess you're already used to it) and big life changes...........for the better.
One of mine is off at university, and the other will be going in a year, but I remember when they were "new"...........

 

[Starman]

Nothing like a " daddy's little girl " ....Until they turn 13 and know everything

Congratulations to you, the misses' and your new gift from heaven .

 

[Traveler 45C]

Congrats!

 

[Imthebeachgirl]

Congrats Nor'easter! Our "baby girl" is now 22, they do grow up so fast, so enjoy each moment you can..especially on the water!

 

[nor'easter]

Thanks for the well wishes. Day 4 and Mom and baby are well. Amazing to see a woman go through all of this and bounce back so quickly. She is 1st generation Italian-American, and has an "old-world" character. She had the baby at 0124, and wanted to know if we would be home at our place for dinner, as I would need to shop for her to cook something special. She is amazing, and I hope my daughter is just like her.....except maybe with a desire to fish with me.
Dave, it has been a while since I have had more than one sleepless night in a row......well, it had been a while.

 

[Nick]

Congratulations! You will get use to the sleepless nights!

If not, sneak out to the boat and catch up on "maintenance".

I had the infant life jackets for my kids that had the large pillow style foam for buyoancy behind the head. The life jackets had large strap handles at the top so you can grab them by it. I think the jackets were made by Stearn. Get a light color jacket. It is hard to get the young ones used to it.

Enjoy your new phase in life!!!

 

[34Hatt]

Congrats
I am sure she will want to fish with Daddy just start young and brain wash her

 

[NAN-PO 41]

Congratulations!!!! There is nothing better than boating with a child. Many of the things we take for granted become amazing again when viewed in the company of young eyes. The expressions on their faces are spectacular.
Stearns and Mustang both make lifejackets with the large flotation collars specifically for infants. My grandsons (ages 3 and 2) have been wearing lifejackets since day one and now consider it to be a part of going on the boat. No arguments and they will actually bring their jacket to you, ask for help putting it on and ask you to accompany them out on deck. ( They know the rules are they must wear the jacket and can't go on deck alone )
One thing to bear in mind while your daughter is in a carrier is not to strap her to the carrier while on the boat. If, God Forbid she ends up in the water you want the lifejacket to be the only thing tied to her.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS. You have great times ahead and I am sure that you will cherish every minute.
Fred

 

[nyrussell]

Congrats!!!! We live aboard with our 6 month old (as of today!!! my god time flies...) We got a really good 0-12 month PFD for her at the NY Boat Show, will look at the ame and find the guys that sold it to us. She has been aboard since she was 2 months old. My suggestion is to find a place to place a Lee Cloth in the Masters suite as well as a mattress and some foam padding. She has slept in the Saloon while we were out o the Hudson river the 2 times we took her out. Not a hassle.

Will post a pic of her bed etc... this weekend as well.

BTW, she will be the diesel mechanic as soon as she can start helping her "old" man.

Nel

 

[Brian Degulis]

Congradulations If this is your first you can look forward to lots of fun times. My youngest is 3 she's been cruising with use since she was 1 month old been to Mexico, Bahamams, Keys etc. The car seats with the removable insert (where they sit) are great you can find a spot to screw it to the floor and keep her safe in rough weather. Also those expandable doorway gates are handy to keep them in one area. You probably want to take a good look around with a todler/infant in mind your thoughts on noise are worth looking into along with lots of other things you will want to try to think of before you get out there. Don't forget about sharp corners or edges that foam pipe insulation slit and pressed on over low table edges etc. can be a great help. It's suprising how well most kids adapt to boats when they are introduced at a young age non of my kids have ever been sea sick or even the least bid afraid of rough weather and that's a lot more than I can say for my wife. (good thing she doesn't read this)

Brian