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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
Babies on boats
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| Author | Topic: Babies on boats |
| ledfoot |
posted 12-29-2002 11:33 AM ET (US)  
My wife is pregnant with a BOY, due in May. It is our first kid. As many of you know, we have a 1993 21 Walkaround that we use frequently in the boating season. My wife and I are very active, we travel a lot and boat as much as possible. My question to all you boating parents is this: REALISTICALLY, how much boating can you do with a small child? In other words, am I leaving the house this summer, or can you take the kid whereever you go? My wife is an optimist, and believes that our life will change very little, which is a great attitude to have. I am more of a realist and want to know: is the bigger boat, with the small cabin, kept in the water all summer, the way to go, or should I sell it and get a Montauk, kept on a trailer at the house and use it when I can, thus avoiding slip fees, etc..? In other words, will wife and baby be going on the boat the next couple of years, or will it just be me taking it out by myself a few times per summer? Thanks for the input! -Jeff |
| Whaler Proud |
posted 12-29-2002 11:41 AM ET (US)
I took my daughter out when she was about 9 months. I have a 16'7 and we put her in a PFD, slathered on the sunscreen and stayed out for a couple hours. She did fine. The answer to your question probably lies with your wife. In my experience, the deciding factor regarding anything to do with children is mom. |
| Dick |
posted 12-29-2002 11:52 AM ET (US)
Jeff I would keep the 21 for at least the first season. Give it a chance and see if your activities realy change that much. Would hate to see you kicking yourself for downsizing if it wasn't necessary. We have 200 slips at our marina and I see many infants taken aboard various sized boats. Your small cabin is enough for Mom and the baby to get out of the weather or just to put the baby down for a nap. What a lucky boy to have the opportunity to grow up boating, on a Whaler no less. Dick |
| lae |
posted 12-29-2002 11:57 AM ET (US)
In my life with children and grandchildren we have found that the baby stage is not as conducive to boating as the toddler stage. There is way too much paraphanalia that has to go along. With the bigger boat, we found that we left a set of all the stuff at the boat, then we just had to take the baby and the car seat. When the child is mobile get them in a good lifejacket and keep them there at all times you are on the boat. Also make sure that you get them in the water early. All of ours swam by 18 months, not good, but enough to get to the top and to the edge of the pool. I have one granddaughter that required that she tube by three. Wouldn't have it any other way, kept talking about fairness. Enjoy, and don't change your lifestyle too much because your happiness and your child's wellbeing are directly related. Larry |
| kingfish |
posted 12-29-2002 12:26 PM ET (US)
Jeff (and Rosie!) - Congratulations! I'm with Dick - keep the 21 WA at least throught the first season before you make any non-refundable decisions; you guys have a great solution with your boat in that it is eminently trailerable, yet you have a place to get the little one out of the sun and take naps, etc. You'll be limited only by your commitment and energy level in continuing with the boating aspect of your life style. What a wonderful opportunity for a young child (and his parents)! I'll bet there are a number of participants here who can share hints and ideas they have picked up along the way in their experiences boating with small children. Having said all that, I have to relate one of the first comments I made when Katie found she was pregnant with our first child about 25 years ago, a comment that now resides at or just next door to the pinnacle of my list of naive statements, and gives all of us a laugh whenever it's brought up. I looked at Katie and very thoughtfully and sincerely said, "That's great news Babe; we've been trying for over a year and I was beginning to wonder if it was ever really going to happen! And you know what? I don't plan to change my life style a bit!" Congratulations from the both of us, and keep the faith- John |
| alkar |
posted 12-29-2002 01:39 PM ET (US)
Congratulations Jeff! Being a dad is a wonderful experience, very much worth the inevitable change in lifestyle. I'd keep the boat if finances allow. You'll be able to include your son in your boating soon enough - and you're still going to need occasional "alone time" with your other babies (the whaler and your wife). Go with the advice given by Dick and Kingfish; it will stand you in good stead. |
| 11 footer |
posted 12-29-2002 09:00 PM ET (US)
Jeff, My family is going threw the same think that yours is. My mother will be having a baby in fed. She is almost 44!!!!!! The last baby in the family was my sister and she is know 11 years old. So it is kind of like staring over for us. Our main boat is a 25' checkmate/show off boat. For us it is ok, but it is really no family boat like we will be needing. So my dad is now looking to find a boat that will be better for our family. He is leaning torts a 25'-30' Grady. I will let you know what we end up doing. P.S. 11 |
| 11 footer |
posted 12-29-2002 09:00 PM ET (US)
Jeff, My family is going threw the same think that yours is. My mother will be having a baby in fed. She is almost 44!!!!!! The last baby in the family was my sister and she is know 11 years old. So it is kind of like staring over for us. Our main boat is a 25' checkmate/show off boat. For us it is ok, but it is really no family boat like we will be needing. So my dad is now looking to find a boat that will be better for our family. He is leaning torts a 25'-30' Grady. I will let you know what we end up doing. P.S. 11 |
| keltonkrew |
posted 12-29-2002 09:33 PM ET (US)
As the doctor told me and my wife when we had our first child.. ..."Remember, the baby is coming to live with you, not you living with the baby"... In essence, don't let it over consume your life. Granted, your life will change some (and for the better), but I believe if you keep your kids in activities that you like to do, you will do more things as a family and that is a WONDERFUL thing. Many kids today don't know what it means to be outside. There's x-box, nintendo, etc. We go camping very frequently and also have a canoe. My kids can't understand when people bring their tv's camping! Enjoy your little one, spend lots of time with them and acquaint them to the beauties of the outdoors....and BTW, Classic Whalers! |
| triblet |
posted 12-29-2002 09:56 PM ET (US)
Don't forget that in most states, kids below some age or size must wear a PFD at all times. You may have trouble finding a really small PFD, and you'll probably have collection of several before the kid becomes a teenager. The captain of one of the Monterey commercial
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| triblet |
posted 12-29-2002 09:56 PM ET (US)
Don't forget that in most states, kids below some age or size must wear a PFD at all times. You may have trouble finding a really small PFD, and you'll probably have collection of several before the kid becomes a teenager. The captain of one of the Monterey commercial
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| dfmcintyre |
posted 12-29-2002 09:58 PM ET (US)
Jeff/Rosie - From gail and I, congrats!!. In July of 1978, we took our four month old, Jason on a trip from Alpena to Mac Island. He was intro'ed into boating at a very early age. Just kept him pretty much stitched into a preserver for the first dozen or so years. Not to worry about a baby on board. Give me a call and I'll be glad to share some thoughts, and where to go that makes cruising a little easier. 810-982-4545. We're going to have another Whaler weekend here in Port Huron.... same weekend of the Mac Races. Don & Gail |
| doobee |
posted 12-30-2002 12:04 AM ET (US)
Keep your 21 for now. It sounds like your first season will be more of a logistical challenge in child handling! The cabin will come in handy for family needs and it also makes a great play pen. Little ones tend to sleep alot when the boat is running so you might want to set up your berth so he can't fall out. Get a car seat that can be secured with rope so it can't slide about. The cockpit is larger and has higher sides so it's safer when he starts to crawl about. If you get a child carrier make sure it has enough room for the infant in his PFD. My son loved to ride on the boat in his backpack. As he gets older, plan short trips to fun destinations. If he likes the beach, and the boat is the only way to get there, he'll like the boat. Keep an eye on the weather and don't push your luck. Too rough or too stormy could scare him. In addition to the fishing poles, bring other activities, such as kites, legos, drawing board. When my son was younger, I let him "plot courses" on an old chart with crayons. Having a child is going to change your life in many ways. You may not use the boat as much, but you'll definitely appreciate having the bigger boat when you bring your son and related gear along. There will also be days when the boat will be a nice escape from child rearing. |
| hooter |
posted 12-30-2002 12:07 AM ET (US)
Hate t'say this after readin' some o' ya'll's comments, but I figger it like this: becoming parents is sort o'like that metamorphosis thing li'l butterflies go through, only in reverse. As newlyweds, yer JEZ like a couple butterflies, cute, sleek, cuttin' the rug ever chance ya get. Later on, especially once the kids have turned into teenagers and seem more suited to maintenance by a large animal vet than by a pediatrician, that's when ya realize you an' yer bride have turned into caterpillars. Mebbe some o'you folks have kept a bit o'yer wings by keepin' that boat squarely IN the picture. Good luck with the baby, Bud! |
| andygere |
posted 12-30-2002 12:44 AM ET (US)
Jeff, We had our daughter (first child) in April, and her arrival figured into our decision to get a bigger Whaler (moving from a Montauk to an Outrage 22 Cuddy). She hasn't been out in the boat yet, but by summer we will be taking her along. In terms of lifestyle change, I say no. There is however, a change in the pace. Nancy and I still do the things we love to do, but for now it's with a little less frequently. For example, we still surf, but now we do it in shifts instead of together, or we invite baby loving friends to the beach with us to watch her while we get a few waves. We used that plan to do a quick fishing trip one day this summer and came home with a fat halibut. I also managed to do some fishing on my own this year, but I typically left before dawn and got in by noon, or I run out for an hour or two after work. I think the boat you have is ideal for your situation, and wouldn't make a change in either direction. My final words of wisdom: The first 2 or 3 months are the hardest, but it gets easier and better from there on. The bottom line is that babys don't really seem to care where they are as long as it's near you. |
| hauptjm |
posted 12-30-2002 10:39 AM ET (US)
Congratulations, Jeff! As the very proud Daddy of two little boys (ages 3 and 10 months), both of my boys have been going out on our 18OR since they were just a month old. Using the car seat (bucket) for the baby, placed between Mom and I at the deck between the pedestal seats. Big brother has been in a jacket since he was six months old and will continue until he is 12 (law in LA). You have no idea how much your life will improve when those kids come along. I absolutely love watching my 3 year old on his Whaler. Someone mentioned camping and getting away from Nintendos and such, well this is the Panacea of real time with your kids. My son and I will sit for an hour holding a pole (or not) and just talk. Imagine a 3 year old being able to talk to you without any distractions other than the beauty of the marsh, or the Gulf of Mexico, or the.... you get the idea. I had a very special relationship with my Dad and Granddad because we sailed and fished all of our lives. I know I want to pass that on to my children. Keep the 21, because in a few years you're going to need to buy a smaller Whaler for your kids anyway. :) |
| ledfoot |
posted 12-30-2002 02:40 PM ET (US)
Wow, what a response! Thanks to everyone that we know, and those that we haven't met yet. Sounds like keeping the 21 may be the way to go, just have to squeeze the finances a little to keep it in the water this summer. I like the idea of getting out for a couple hours after work; if I had to trailer the boat every time it would probably restrict my usage... Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming! -Jeff |
| JustinAndersen |
posted 12-31-2002 04:24 AM ET (US)
Jeff: Let me join everyone else on this thread in extending my congrats to you and your wife. Although my wife and I don't have any kids yet (we're gonna start this summer we think) I have to agree with everyone - 1. Keep the Walkaround 2. Keep it in the water and 3. Get the little one out on the water as much as you (and he) want. More on the above: 1. The small cabin is a great place to stow all that baby paraphenalia and to get him out of the weather. "lae"'s idea of keeping a second set of the essentials on the boat is a great idea and allows more impromptu boating. The more effort in getting ready for an outing (see no. 2 below) the less likely you and/or your wife will want to go out, especially if the baby's kept you up all night 2. With the short MI boating season (I'm on the Canadian side of L. Ontario) it's difficult to get good use out of the boat at the best of times. Add a baby and if you had a Montauk on your driveway you'd never use it. With the boat in the water close by you can whip out for a couple of hours with little fuss. 3. One of my earliest memories (I'd be 3 or so) was of crawling on to my Dad's lap and asking to go out on the boat. I've been on boats since Day 1 and I have to agree that it's a great way to bond as a family. I've taken out my niece and nephews and friends' kids and they just love it. |
| jstachowiak |
posted 12-31-2002 08:28 AM ET (US)
Congratulations Jeff, Your wife's attitude about the baby is great and should help in raising your baby boy. We adopted our Sophia at 6 months and took her out in our 15GLS right away. PFD, and straped into her stroller she loved it. Now she boats in our 1979 Newport. One of her first words was "boat" then "daddy's boat", then "'ia's boat", now, "I want to go out in the boat". She also spent all those nights with me in the driveway working on the boat. There is a picture of her first boat trip (in the sunglasses without her PFD on) at: More pictures at: http://bellsouthpwp.net/j/s/jstachow/Homepa/Homepa6/stack6.htm
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| Peter |
posted 12-31-2002 09:04 AM ET (US)
First, congratulations. Second, keep the 21 Walkaround in the water. Third, because it sounds like your wife enjoys boating, don't worry, your wife and baby will be going out in the boat. Our first daughter (now 5 1/2) went out for her first boat ride in our former 18 Outrage at three weeks old. Since she couldn't wear a PFD at that early age, I would not have done that if it were any other brand of boat. Even though it was a Whaler, we did not go out with her in anything but reasonably calm, fair weather conditions. At first, you will have to pick your conditions more carefully than you have so far. While underway, my wife, seated in one of the pilot seats, held her in her lap secured with the baby carrier known as Baby Bjorn. When she got older and could wear her own PFD, we would venture out in the 18 Outrage on all day cruises to our favorite anchorages and back (nearly 40 miles round trip) much like we had prior to having her. During these trips, my wife still held her in her lap and for much of the time underway our daughter would nap. Now she's big enough to sit in a pilot seat of our 22 Revenge by herself and although she doesn't normally nap anymore, she usually falls asleep before we get out of the harbor to start a cruise (a 5 minute ride). Our second daughter (now 2 1/2) went for her first boat ride in our Revenge at two weeks old. About the time she was born we gave up the Outrage and got the Revenge for the extra space, heavier ride and cabin thinking that the kids would take a nap in it. Again, because she couldn't wear a PFD, the trips were short and only in good conditions. At the age of two she absolutely loves boating, more so than her older sister did at the same age. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, she is still of the napping age but refuses to nap in the cabin so the only way we can get her to take a nap on the boat is to cruise around (sound of the motor, wind and waves tends to put them to sleep). We did that quite a bit last season because the last thing you want on the confined space of any boat is a two year old in dire need of a nap. The softer ride of the bigger boat should help with the napping needs if your child won't nap in the cabin. |
| andygere |
posted 12-31-2002 11:45 AM ET (US)
Jeff, I will echo the recommendation to keep your boat in the water if at all possible. It absolutely increases the time you will spend on the water, while reducing the effort and time to get there. For those after work single-handed fishing jaunts it is essential. I managed to get out in the boat at least once a week this summer, most often in the evenings on weeknights. Congratulations and good luck. |
| KeysWhale |
posted 12-31-2002 11:59 AM ET (US)
Last week in the Miami airport I watched a couple with twins keep track of them. What was impressive is that when they handed over control of the kids they made eye contact, quick hand signal, and got a confirmation nod. Neither said, "hey you have them now" or lost sight of them. Good communication, command and control. Mom and Dad were a well oiled machine. and the kids were well behaved. |
| Mark Gallagher |
posted 01-01-2003 10:10 AM ET (US)
I just looked for my copy of a great book I bought years ago when my children, now 5 and 9, started coming on the Whaler. I can't find the book but a quick search on google found the info. Babies Aboard by Lyndsay Green $12.95 paperback ISBN 0071560300. I recommend you go to Borders or Barnes and Noble and order yourself a copy. You and your wife will enjoy this informative book which covers mostly common sense items but also numerous issues to provide a better boating experience for you and baby but also includes material for young children on boats too. I'd send you my copy but just can't find it. At $12 it's a bargain. Get your child started from the beginning and if your lucky like me they'll always look forward to going boating! Mark |
| thunderbay |
posted 01-01-2003 11:31 PM ET (US)
Hello, father of 2, now 18mos and a 4 y/o. Both been going on our 13ft since 2 or 3 mos of age. Some things to remember, no sunblock on any baby less than 6 months old, so of course be wise and use natural cover! As you cant get a life jacket, we used to take one of those cheapy Wal Mart ones and tie it to the bottom of there car seat, and leave the baby in the seat while under way, my logic being that although it might flip, one of us would be on it damn fast! Enjoy! Shawn K |
| Ljurgo |
posted 01-02-2003 09:13 AM ET (US)
I have 3 children, now ages 29, 26 and 20. My wife and I never changed our life styles because of them, we included them in everything we did including boating and fishing. The first child,a girl, first boating experience was at age 4 months in a 16 ft canoe, by the time we had our 2nd, also a girl, we had a BW Currituck and started her at 3 months, the 3rd , a boy, was born in Aug. so we waited until the following Spring. We started the girls out on inland waters but by the time my son was ready we were fishing Lake Michigan for Trout and Salmon. I now have a grandson and we took him Muskie fishing on Lake Mille Lacs at age 5 months. The whole secret has been to get them comfortable PFD's from the start and always wear them, we do too, and to know when to take shore breaks. I once saw a bumper sticker that said " TAKE YOUR KID HUNTING AND YOU'LL NEVER HAVE TO HUNT FOR YOUR KID" |
| Ljurgo |
posted 01-02-2003 09:14 AM ET (US)
Fishing works too. |
| controller |
posted 01-02-2003 11:02 AM ET (US)
We took our 7 month old daughter out this past summer in our 16 Dauntless. She did fine. We put sunblock on her and kept her under the bimini top most of the time. We used a mustang infant pfd. When she got sleepy we laid her in her car seat,with the pfd on, but did not buckle her in . The big test will be this summer now that she is walking, trying to keep her sitting while underway. |
| Srfsup |
posted 05-10-2003 12:28 PM ET (US)
As a mom, my motto is to turn your kids on to the things you enjoy in life, as soon as possible. So Tatum Tot comes with wherever we go. We just bought a 30' proline walk and I am presently searching for a PFD that fits her petite frame. She is 11 months and weighs only 17 pounds (no, I am not raising her to be supermodel, she eats like a horse) but the standard PFD's for under 30# swim on her. She is weeks away from walking but she still needs something that she can crawl in. Any suggestions? |
| doobee |
posted 05-10-2003 07:50 PM ET (US)
I thought I had a nice PFD for my son and one day we tried it out at the beach. The PFD actually pushed him face down in the water. That's when I found Mustang. I think they have the best infant/child/youth PFDs available. The flotation is very flexible which makes it comfortable, even when dogged down tight. The under 30lb model has a strap for each leg, so even if it fits a little loose around the torso, it is still secure and won't come off. My kids have never complained about wearing the Mustangs, and they passed the beach test with flying colors. |
| Eagle Eye |
posted 05-12-2003 01:19 PM ET (US)
I second the recommendation of the Mustang brand of PFD. One of the best on the market. And keep the boat. Look at it this way.... how would you explain to your son in ten or so years that you down-sized a Whaler for him? |
| Capt_Tidy |
posted 05-13-2003 12:40 PM ET (US)
We take our kids everywhere and from day 1 - we sailed many weekends with our 3 month old , we putted around the harbor in a little 3.10 Avon with our 3 week old (and dog), and we just finished sailing a week with our 6 month old on a 50 footer. My advice... forget all the extra stuff that a lot of people put on their boats in the disguise of safety gear. Most of it is used as an excuse to not watch the kids... better to teach them right from an early age. And watch them like a hawk. Boat size has little to do with the kids having a ball. I am so sick of being on other people's boat and watch parents put on life jackets and then ignore the kids - to only repeat a loud "no" every minute or so from the rear cockpit. I actually thing people think a lifejacket is a cheap babysitter. Never stop life because of life. |
| doobee |
posted 05-13-2003 10:07 PM ET (US)
I know of several "experts" who knew how to "do it right". They'd still be with us today if they had been wearing a PFD. |
| cameron |
posted 05-16-2003 07:54 PM ET (US)
Ahhhhh, ya just got to love them. "Little anchors on the speed boat of life" You and your son and wife, will have many boating adventures. When he hit's 4 months, go for it. Have fun |
| JoeH |
posted 05-16-2003 11:08 PM ET (US)
We broke out the jackets for my daughters ( 3 and 5) to make sure they still fit just this week. We make a point of oh'ing and ah'ing over them and they think it's great fun to wear them around the back yard and in the driveway while I work on the boat. Consequently, there is no whining at the ramp while I ready for launch and mom buckles them up. Also made a few trips to the pool over the winter to help with their comfort level. Joe |
| Deanster |
posted 05-17-2003 07:41 PM ET (US)
I don't have a huge amount to add to what's already been said, but here's my thoughts, as dad of a 4 and 1 y/o, and a 27' Center Console Cuddy - 1) You're not going to get a ton of boating done the first 6 months - but it's great to take the little one with you when you do. 2) MUSTANG PFD's - it's a huge winner for both big and little people. 3) 'Boating-at-the-dock' - one of the challenges of boating with little people is that their perception of a great time vs. utter misery changes ultra-rapidly. For both reasons of time and everyone's happiness, we do a lot of boating tied up in our slip, feeding the local ducks. Great boat acclimitization, very low fuel bills, and a good time had by all, plus you get to go home when little ones start to cry their eyes out. 4) as noted above, introducing PFD's etc. at home, as fun and interesting items will greatly reduce resistance at the dock. 5) anything you value should be behind locked doors or have flotation. Toddlers think watching things go 'splash!' is just about the best game around. YMMV |
| wtaylor |
posted 04-28-2010 08:34 AM ET (US)
[Note: This thread has been dormant for seven years until revived to add these new comments. Jeff and Rosie now have two children, and they still enjoy boating, but I don't think they currently own a Boston Whaler--jimh] I too had these same reservations about boating with a child. I took my son to an island off the NC coast and he did fine playing in the sun. After a while, he got tired and there was no place for him to rest.I developed a baby boat seat that is designed to hang under any boat top that is restful. |
| Narragansett Outrage |
posted 04-29-2010 11:36 AM ET (US)
Been there, done that. Keep the motor boat for yourself, but don't plan on taking the baby on it if you plan on ever getting up on plane; even if he's being held (which he obviously should be in a motor boat), the wind or the pounding will get to him after a few seconds, and the only thing you'll hear is crying and the mother yelling, "Stop, STOP!" My sister-in-law and her husband took their 3 month old on their 50' catamaran sailboat for a year. Put up total webbing around the entire boat, had her in a pfd the whole time (and/or one of those dangly, bouncy baby-seat things from the boom when they were anchored). Bit different than a 21' motor boat though. |
| rslsail |
posted 04-29-2010 12:43 PM ET (US)
My daughter was born in October was boating in April, been 10 yrs now. If you're a responsible boater, you'll probably be a responsible parent. Make sure there's shade and water LOL. We used to stop up the scuppers in the cockpit and throw a few buckets of water in, it provided hours of fun for the little one. |
| tom976 |
posted 04-29-2010 02:53 PM ET (US)
Speaking as a father of two kids... Don't sell the boat yet. As for taking the baby along, not recommended until the baby gets the strength to stabilize its head etc. When they are born you need to support their heads and body. Rocking back and forth on a boat with trying to do that??? Not going to happen. If it were me, next year would be the time to do it. Your going to be busy enough with the little one. Don't think life changes much??? Muahahahaha. Welcome to the second phase of your life. Here's my story.... |
| mgeiger |
posted 04-29-2010 03:17 PM ET (US)
Congrats. My first was born in May. I've had 3 since. I learned the hard way that the inclination is to buckle down and get rid of my toys. It's a battle to get them back. By the time my sons were 7 and 5, they were able to sail my J-29 under spinnaker by themselves. I was there to coach, but I didn't touch a thing. We had many good memories aboard that boat - overnighting, racing, exploring. My whaler has been our family boat for the last 2 years. My twins were 3 when they first started coming along. Both of my sons now 11 and 9, are capable of driving, including putting the boat on the trailer. My girls are close behind. Properly sized PFDs that are strapped well are the rule. We have tried a lot of PFDs over the years, and I have no problem spending the $ to get what works best. When it's a family day - make it about them - not about you. Teach - share - enjoy. Be flexible with your plans. Pick the nicer days. Make sure Mom is happy, and everyone will be happy. Childhood memories of boating are priceless. |
| LuckyLady |
posted 04-29-2010 03:21 PM ET (US)
During the seventies and eighties I lived on a sailboat. One couple sailed with me two or three times a month. Then they had their first baby girl. Six weeks later they were on the pier ready to go sailing. I have a picture of that day. Never gave it a second thought. That baby could swim before she ever walked. Both of their girls grew up on the boat. I was a sticker for safety on all my boats including the whaler I have now. No one sailed or dived off my boat without knowing the rules before we left the dock. I trusted the father of the girls, he was in control at all times. Maybe it wasn't a bright idea to take a small baby sailing. The boat was a 36 footer not a day sailer. Whenever I had guests with kids, I told them that the children had to wear a life jacket and safety harness. If they couldn't keep the kid in control we would go back and drop them off at the gas dock. |
| contender |
posted 04-29-2010 06:49 PM ET (US)
The most important thing first. Teach Him How To Swim, other than that I agree with Whaler Proud, oh and keep him covered with sun block. Good luck on your new family |
| inumpain |
posted 04-30-2010 11:25 PM ET (US)
Congratulations to Jeff and Rosie on your bouncing baby 8 year old. The OP posted this in 2002. Good info though. |
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