The warm, sunny weather with the accompanying breeze is coming towards us fast. Here we go! It’s time for some fun in the sun! And we’ve lined up the best baby boating accessories for your little skipper.
This year might have given us some hardships, but this summer feels different. It is different. We are not just packing our luggage for a summer trip, we are packing expectations. Expectations of fun, joyful days from sunrise to sunset.
Have you noticed an added kick to your child’s energetic eyes? If so, you are not wrong, they’re pumped up with excitement and ready to go.
Now, surprisingly, we’re not all that eager to be in a large mix of people. And that’s ok. Believe me, I am in the same boat. But this summer we are all looking for a new adventure.
So, have you planned a boat trip for your whole family yet? The kids absolutely love the water and you’ll feel at ease. You’ll be with people and yet surrounded by water as the boat gently rocks. Whoever said “water is healing,” couldn’t be more right.
If you booked a boat trip, you’ll need some of the best baby boat gear to add to your planning list. Whether you are chilling on a pontoon boat or out on a fishing boat, you don’t want to miss this list of essentials.
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Baby Life Jacket for Boating
Summer is a child’s favorite season and also the most adventurous. For many, the water is a fun and relaxing place, but we know the risks of playing near water.
A child may want to swim and dive in the water without much thought. Whether they’re learning how to swim or are close to completing that lesson, baby life jackets for boating are a must. So let’s discuss safety gear first.
US Coast Guard approved life jackets are recommended for all babies, infants, and kids. Every item on our list has that stamp of approval.
Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest
This infant life jacket for boating comes in two colors. The bright blue and the bright red. It is made of durable nylon and it has a solid leg strap for the security of your baby. It comes at a very reasonable price. According to the instructions it is recommended for babies up to 30 pounds.
Stohlquist Infant PFD Life Jacket
True to its name, this life jacket is for infants. It has large armholes, but do not let that worry you. The opening for the head is designed for your child’s head to be supported gently but firmly.
Designed with safety in mind, the bright yellow color is easily visible to you at all times. It is a tad expensive at almost $60 at the time of publication.
Infant PFDs are perfect for your curious infant to move around and play in the open water.
Airhead Treasure Life Vest
Yes! Finally! The most secure, approved, and wonderfully cute infant life vest for your baby. Possibly the best life jacket on the market.
Don’t let the picture limit you, it comes in fun designs for boys and girls. It has bright pops of color that your child will love.
Even if they don’t want a life jacket and usually give you a bit of trouble, they will love this one. It comes with a two-part headrest for your baby’s head support, a crotch strap, and a grab handle. It is not recommended for children weighing more than 30 pounds.
Baby Boating Clothes
It is so fun to shop for baby clothes and baby boating clothes are must-haves.
The summer sun is no joke. It’s not something to fight with your mother-in-law about. We must be protected while we are on a boat, on an island, or on the ocean.
Baby boating clothes are must-haves. Proper attire will save you a lot of tears and discomfort from sunburns. Like Taylor Swift says, you’ve been down that road, and you “didn’t like the ending.”
So what clothing should we pack for a boat experience when we have children?
SwimZip Boys UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Trunk Set
Have you heard of rash guard? It is the protective swimsuit or vest that serves as sun-protective clothing. Many include built-in UV protection.
This rash guard is paired with swim trunks to protect your boy’s skin against the summer sun. The designs are styled in different colors and summer patterns for you to choose from. The front zip makes it easy for on/off.
They are reasonably priced and available on Amazon. Sizes 0 to 10 years. A long-sleeve option is also available.
weVSwe Baby Swimsuit
Does this beautiful blue baby bodysuit make you want to get it? Yes, this one right here. It offers full coverage, it looks like your child will be one with the ocean, and it is top quality.
This swimsuit is for babies 0 to 3T. Perfect for when you think your baby is too young to have style…it’s never too early to have style. Especially when you can’t get seem to get enough sunscreen on them.
Put it on, the arms are protected. Add some sunscreen on the face and off you go to Fun Land.
Really, where are you going this summer?
upandfast Kids One Piece Zip Sunsuit With Sun Hat UPF 50+
Another great choice with a nautical style. Hop on board with sunscreen in your beach bag, this one-piece is enough to set your mind at ease. Thanks to the hat, your baby’s head is protected too.
Amazon Essentials Boys’ UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Rashguards
If you are searching for sun protection at a bargain price, you can’t go wrong with this Amazon Essentials rash guard. This bright blue color sets the mood for fun. The long sleeves shield the arms.
Available from 2T to 12 years, making it a great product for small children and older kids.
maamgic Boys Swim Trunks
mmaamgic offers swim trunks with fun bright prints. Sizes 2T-16. Priced roughly $13-20 at time of publication, available on Amazon.
SwimZip UPF 50+ Girls Long Sleeve Sunsuit
Is it a romper? No, it’s a one-piece sunsuit!
It is made with fast-drying fabric, to keep the kids comfortable. The full-length zipper makes for easy diaper changes.
The sizes range from 0 to 6 years. There are many designs to choose from! Baby boy sunsuits are also available. The cost is approximately $40 on Amazon. What do you think?
RuffleButts® Girls One Piece Rash Guard Baby Swimsuit UPF 50+
For the chic baby on board. Here is a long-sleeved beautifully designed swimsuit with built-in sun protection. It is colorful and will make your child feel so happy. Available from 2T to 12 years and in various charming prints.
The matching baby option is available in sizes 0 to 3T.
RuffleButts® Baby/Toddler Girls Terry Cloth Cover Up Dress
Don’t forget a terry cloth cover-up for the girls. This is the perfect baby boating accessory to stay warm before and after swimming, when that cool breeze tickles the skin.
Baby Βoating Accessories: Hats
We made a good case for the rash guard, but your baby is not going to be in a swimsuit all day. Right? Probably not. We see our little girls wearing their pink dresses with pride, as the sun heats up their skin.
As many times as I remember my own mom telling me about a hat, I say it even more now. This summer’s hot pan calls for the perfect hat.
There are many hats to choose from with octopuses on them and princesses. But, a baby boating hat? That’s special.
It’s a good idea to be sure the hat secures under the chin so it does not fly away into the wind!
Coolibar UPF 50+ Baby Splashy Bucket Hat
This beautiful pink baby hat is a top baby boating accessory…in addition to sunscreen and in addition to cuteness.
This hat is designed big enough to offer a wide protection field from the sun. That is to say, your child’s neck and face will be protected.
Coolibar makes the list because of its quality and attention to the sun’s detail. A hat like this is UPF 50 and sized for children ages 6 months to 2T.
i Play Bucket Sun Hat
This hat has a solid UPF 50+. The fabric is 100% breathable and the hat can be worn by either gender. Perfect for breezy weather, especially on a boat, it ties under the chin. The striped navy and white pattern stays true to a nautical style, really, how perfect is that?
Baby Boating Accessories: Shoes
One thing all boat kids need is a perfect pair of boat shoes. Adorable comes in many sizes, especially little baby feet!
Robeez First Kicks Baby Boy and Unisex Shoes
The Skipper First Kicks in Navy Blue are a preppy option for a party, a restaurant or a church. Anywhere you’re planning on going this summer with your baby. A birthday party seems to be more their idea of fun, though. As formal as they look, they’re perfect for everyday use, and of course on the boat!
Some notable benefits of this pair include:
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
- The padded insole provides protection and plenty of cushioning
- Anti slid sole for everyday use
- Easy on and off
- Faux elastic laces make it a cinch to take them on and off, while the signature sole is created with split rubber pads at the front and back of the foot—a plus when your little one is learning the fundamentals of balancing and walking.
Sperry’s Bluefish Crib Junior Boat Shoe
Sperry’s Bluefish baby boating shoes are sized for infants and have great reviews, hitting a balance between price and quality. But, why?
According to the website these shoes can be worn in all seasons. Whether you are on a boat or not.
They are designed with cushy memory foam for your baby’s feet, offering comfort and stability. There is a hidden velcro closure for easy on and off and to adjust the fit. Even if the baby is asleep, worry not, they are easy to sneak off without waking him up!
The bottom layer of the shoe is shaped like a cushion adding more comfort all around. Lastly, per reviewers, the shoes are highly durable. Exactly what we are looking for.
Baby Sunscreen
Babies, toddlers, and kids love one thing during the summer. And that is to be outside.
When mom wants to nap, they don’t want to. The sun is out, you know your baby will want to be out too, whether on the playground or on the deck of the ship.
It’s during the summer we create some of our favorite childhood memories. We can give that to our kids while preventing harm from the summer’s harsh rays.
Sunscreen is crucial. I’m confident in saying it is one of the most essential things I carry in my diaper bag during the summers.
It’s a good rule of thumb to be sure your boat baby is lathered up in sunscreen the entire time they are out on the water.
Let’s take the stress out of this though and check out which options are non-toxic and the safest for the summer.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen
Neutrogena is a brand that is all about skin providing products that are nontoxic and gentle on our skin.
This baby Neutrogena Sunscreen offers 80 minutes of sun protection. When researching the product, we see the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Tested and proven to live up to its promises, it makes for a great option.
Coppertone Pure and Simple Baby Sunscreen
We are looking at hypoallergenic sunscreen, the most gentle sunscreen. This sunscreen proves to be loyal to its goal of not irritating the skin as it is fragrance-free.
Your baby’s skin is safe with Coppertone Pure & Simple.
Similar to the previous Neutrogena baby sunscreen, this also protects your baby’s skin for 80 minutes starting from the minute they will get into the water. You can find it on Amazon for about $10.
Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen
Look at that happy sunny smile on such a well-done product. Perfect for teaching your child about the meaning of sun protection. The pleasing design will make them look for it your bag and not get distracted (or bored) by the number of lipsticks.
This sunscreen includes minerals and plant-based and organic ingredients. The materials used for it are all-natural and exclude the toxins that other sunscreens use. Some of its interesting ingredients include tomatoes and sunflowers!
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
Think of your baby’s needs. And we did, truly.
This sunscreen lotion offers SPF 50 protection. The water resistance number is around 80 minutes, similar to the other sunscreens we have recommended.
This sunscreen goes above and beyond when it comes to protecting your baby’s gentle skin. The lotion is made with ingredients that make it safe for prolonged use on your baby’s skin.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Aveeno is a brand that cares. This formula includes oats to nourish your baby’s tender skin. The product is free of octinoxate. Gentle and tear-free, many parents agree that the product does not irritate the eyes. The water-resistant time period remains at 80 minutes.
Final Word
From swimsuits to sunscreen we have reviewed plenty of good options to make planning for your fun in the sun a total breeze. We hope you found the perfect baby boating accessories for your little one.
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