Kayaking with a baby is a great activity for the family. It introduces exercise, the outdoors, and new skills all at once. It can also be an exciting way to spend time together, whether it’s just you and your spouse or you and your whole family.
Most importantly, if you’re not sure about the distance, you can always take a short paddle on a local lake. If you don’t feel comfortable kayaking alone, wait until you’ve become a pro before you take your child out!
Kayaking with a baby can be challenging for beginners, but it’s worth it. Your baby will experience both fresh air and water in an enclosed, safe environment. You’ll get time to recharge and reconnect with your little one, minus all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, the mental and health benefits of kayaking will drive you crazy!
But here are a few things that you never mess with! For example, go a little slower than normal and keep a close distance from other kayakers. Your child may lose balance and topple over if they are paddling too fast.
The 27 Do’s And Don’ts For Kayaking With A Baby
Kayaking with a baby is not as difficult as you may think. You should take the time to teach him or her how to paddle and supervise your baby.
You can enjoy this activity with your baby if you take extra precautions. In order to make the experience more enjoyable, always take a backup set of clothes with you. In addition, bring your kid’s favorite swimsuit and a change of clothes for dry land.
Don’t forget sunglasses! Even on a clear day, the reflection of the sun from the water surface can be harsh.
However, the learning curve of a baby is different from an adult’s. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep an eye on your baby’s health and well-being while kayaking with a baby.
The best way to help keep him or her safe is to reinforce the importance of safety. If you have a toddler or baby, be sure to speak up and remind them of the rules and regulations of kayaking.
Here are the 27 do’s and don’ts for kayaking with your baby;
Plan The Trip Ahead Of Time
When it comes to kayaking with a baby, it is essential to plan the trip ahead of time. It is important to remember that the youngest child will need a nap, so drink plenty of water before the trip.
If you’re kayaking with a baby, a half-hour trip is a good amount. The older child will want to be on the water for more than an hour.
Make sure that you find a place where he or she can paddle safely. If your child is very young, stick to sheltered, slow-moving waters. Don’t forget to supervise your child.
You may also want to find a kayaking group in your area and get some information about the best spots for kayaking with children.
The Perfect Time To Kayak With A Baby
When it comes to age, the best time to kayak with a baby depends on your baby’s maturity and ability.
If your baby is less than 2 years old, she’ll probably enjoy splashing around with her siblings.
A perfect time to introduce your baby to the water would be in the summer when it is warmer outside, and they will need fewer clothes.
However, if your baby is seven or ten years old, she’ll be more independent and will enjoy the water experience. Taking your baby on a trip with you is a great way to bond with your child.
Choose Calm Water
If you are kayaking with a baby or toddler, find a calm body of water and a river with a slow flow.
A small, protected lake is a good place to start. Slow rivers are better than rushing rivers. You can also try different types of terrains. Choose one with lots of visuals and a sunshade.
Best Place For Baby Kayaking Lesson
The best place for a baby and kid kayaking lesson is a pond or large stretch of calm water.
Another good place for a kayaking lesson with your toddler is a beach. You can teach your child how to balance their body and paddle properly.
Also, make sure you are confident enough to face any potential emergency situations. Once you have your child’s trust, you can begin kayaking!
Never Strap Your Child In A Kayak
Another important rule for kayaking with your baby or toddler is that you shouldn’t strap your child in a kayak. You should also use a tow line to link the kayak to the parent. Teach your child to wear a PFD and practice wet exits. It’s important to take frequent breaks. A kayaking trip with your baby or child is a great way to spend time with your family.
Check For Submerged Objects
Always remember to check for submerged objects in the water before you put your baby in the kayak. You might be able to use a baby kayak seat instead. High-back seats provide extra support for a baby. If you’re kayaking with a baby, you should consider purchasing a seat for him or her. It’s important to remember that your baby’s safety is your responsibility, so be sure to follow these simple guidelines.
Stay Close To The Shore
make sure to stay near shore and avoid leaving the child alone. Young children may easily become bored and cranky. While kayaking with a toddler, you should keep the distance from shore short and avoid paddling in very deep water. Make sure to have plenty of toys and snacks for them to keep busy.
Don’t Push Your Child Too Far
Don’t push your child too far. Your child doesn’t understand what limits they can reach, so you’ll have to prepare them for the challenge. A half-hour to one hour on the water is the ideal amount of time for an initial outing. As your child grows older, you can increase the time spent on the water, but remember to take frequent breaks. A little extra time out on the water for a nap can help them get used to being on the water.
Comfort
While the safety of the children is important, the same applies to the kayaker’s comfort. A baby’s cries may be too loud or too frightened to listen to a parent’s instructions. If your baby doesn’t listen, don’t let him paddle too far. It’s also important to keep the distance from shore small, so your child can keep calm and follow instructions.
Make Sure He Or She Is Safe
Before you kayak with a baby, remember to make sure he or she is safe. It is very important for parents to remember that kids can find enjoyment in anything, including water, so make sure you keep them safe. It’s also important to have a waterproof raincoat if you’re going to kayak with a baby. If your child doesn’t like the rain, he or she
Check List For Kayaking With A Baby
Even though kayaking is a great activity to share with children, it is important to keep in mind that your child needs constant supervision and guidance.
Remember that babies can’t regulate their body temperatures like adults and older children. If your child gets cramps or is too active, they may be unable to stay still.
Tummy-Friendly Snacks
The ultimate guideline to kayaking with tummy-friendly snacks should be brought along. The best way to carry these snacks is in hard-sided Tupperware containers. This will prevent any accidental spills while kayaking. Then, pack some water for your baby. The amount of water needed is dependent on the age of the child, but you should always carry enough water for the duration of your trip.
Choose The Right Equipment
Next, choose the right equipment. Make sure your child wears a PFD that fits their weight. A child’s life jacket should be no less than thirty to fifty pounds, while an adult’s PFD is for a child that weighs 50 to 90 pounds.
Remember to bring a first aid kit and contact numbers for your rental company. Even if it doesn’t rain, you’ll be safe kayaking with your baby!
Waterproof Diaper
If you’re going kayaking with a baby, make sure you bring a waterproof jacket and a waterproof diaper. Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes for your child. The checklist also includes ponchos and waterproof pants.
A poncho is a great choice for a rainy day. A waterproof diaper will ensure that his or her feet stay dry. A hood will prevent your child from slipping and falling.
Bring A Change Of Clothes
Another tip is to bring a change of clothes for your child. You can easily pack extra clothes for your baby in a waterproof bag.
Also, know where you can go swimming in case your baby gets bored. If you rent a kayak, make sure you know the location and hours of operation of the rental company.
Wear Proper Protection
Don’t forget to wear proper protection for your child. Always wear sunglasses. The reflection of the sun off the water can be harsh. Wearing protective clothing and sunglasses will protect your little one from the sun’s harmful rays. Also, make sure to carry a change of clothing in case you need to change.
If you’re going kayaking in an unfamiliar location, make sure to seek reliable information and follow the rules of the local area.
Apply Sunscreen
It is also important to remember that prolonged sun exposure can cause damage to the delicate skin of a baby. Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly and bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect their eyes.
Wear A Life Jacket
Remember to wear a life jacket for your child. This will ensure that he or she can get to the surface in case his or her kayak capsizes. It’s also important to ensure that the baby kayak seat fits your child’s shoulders. Your baby will not be comfortable if his or her life jacket is too small. If you are kayaking with a child, you can also carry an emotional support animal in a small backpack.
Choose The Right Paddle For The Child
A baby kayak should be small enough to fit into your hands. You should also choose the right type of paddle for the child. Your baby should be able to paddle well on its own once he’s old enough.
If you’re taking the kid with you, he or she must be comfortable with the equipment. A kayaking trip can be a lot of fun for the whole family.
Bring Safety Gear
If you plan to kayak with your child, make sure you bring safety gear as well. Make sure they have ponchos, waterproof pants, and rain boots in case of a capsize. You’ll also want to pack a waterproof camera and a book for them to read.
Learn To Bring Safety Gear According To The Weather
If you’re planning to kayak with a baby, make sure your child has the right safety gear for the weather. You should wear waterproof pants and ponchos for your children.
In case of rain, they should be wearing rain boots or a waterproof coat. Your child should also be accompanied by a parent. You should always ensure that your toddler is supervised and that you have ample time to paddle.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should also bring camping gear. It’s fun to be outside with your little one, but you should also remember to wear appropriate clothing and keep them safe.
Bring Some Extra Clothes
It’s also wise to bring some extra clothes. Kids tend to go potty at inconvenient times, so make sure you have some on hand. You can always use wet wipes or additional clothing if necessary. Taking water with you is also important as it can make the difference between a safe and stressful trip for both of you. Just remember that a child can find fun in almost anything.
Remember These Things When You Are Kayaking With Your Baby
Parents should remember to provide a life jacket for their baby, as well as proper instruction on how to use it. Additionally, parents should make sure that they stay in touch with their partners while kayaking, in case of an emergency.
When kayaking with a baby, it is important to remember the following:
Age Is An Important Fact For Kayaking With A Baby
When it comes to kayaking with a baby, age is an important consideration. A newborn should not paddle on the same water as an adult.
An average two-year-old can go up to 30 minutes without tiring. If you have the patience, you can wait until your child is three. It’s important to remember that safety is the number one priority, so don’t forget to follow the safety guidelines.
During this time, they can safely use regular kayaks, provided that they are well-rested and have some experience. They also need to wear a personal flotation device that’s approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Young children may be able to paddle without assistance, but they should be accompanied by an adult.
Go If Health Care Provider Approves
If your health care provider approves, you can kayak with a baby. Be aware that paddling may change the time and location of your trips. You may not even feel comfortable launching your kayak. As with any activity, safety is the most important factor to keep in mind.
Keep Your Expectations Low
While kayaking with a baby can be challenging at times, you should try to keep your expectations low. You’ll want to spend some time on the water together, and a baby will need to practice paddling. The ultimate guideline to kayaking with ages three and up contains the essential information you’ll need to make an enjoyable experience with your little one.
You should also be careful not to take your child on a long trip. A shorter distance will allow you to bond with your child and enjoy the activity.
Be Prepared For All Possible Situations
When it comes to kayaking with a baby, it’s important to be prepared for all possible situations. Your infant might not like the activity as much as you do. He may prefer to splash around on the riverbank or collect rocks at the launch area instead.
While kayaking with a baby might be intimidating, it’s a great way to bond with your child and spend some quality time together.
Avoid Longer Trips When Kayaking With A Baby
As for paddling with your child, most experts recommend not paddling long distances in the kayak, even on a white-water river.
Although some families do make exceptions to the rules, it’s generally best to stick to short trips or a single mile for the first few days. If your child is still young, you can take a longer trip when she’s older.
Caution When Kayaking With A Baby
While kayaking is an enjoyable activity for both parents and babies, it’s important to remember that it’s a risky activity and should be done with caution. It’s best to kayak with a friend or family member and always have a waterproof GPS.
Which Kayak Is Better For Your Baby?
There are many different types of kayaks on the market, and each one is designed for a specific purpose.
When kayaking with a baby, it’s important to keep in mind the age of your child and the size of your kayak.
There is no one kayak that is better for your baby, as the best kayak for your specific needs will depend on a number of factors, including the weight and height of your baby, and the type of water you plan to paddle in, and your personal preferences.
Here are the brief guidelines on kayaks for babies;
Sit-In Or Sit On Kayak For Babies
A pregnant woman should also consider her body type. A sit-inside kayak is more manageable with a baby bump. However, a wide-beam sit-on-top kayak will give her extra support.
Also, make sure to check the kayak’s load capacity to ensure it’s still suitable for you. You might be surprised to find out that your old sit-inside kayak isn’t as comfortable as it used to be.
Best To Go For A Sit-On-Top Kayak
If you’re an inexperienced paddler, it’s best to go for a sit-on-top kayak. This style allows you more leaning and repositioning without capsizing. You should also be able to flip over if you capsize. Here’s the comparison between a sit-on-top kayak vs a sit-in kayak.
It’s important to have a life jacket on your child, especially when kayaking with a baby or child.
Go With A Tandem Kayak If
If your baby is younger than two years old, you’ll want to go with a tandem kayak. A tandem kayak can be used for two adults, and many of them also feature a third seat in the middle.
Single kayaks will require your baby to be held on your lap. This limits the amount of paddle motion you can make and puts him or her at risk of getting hit during sudden maneuvers.
In conclusion, kayaking with a baby can be a fun, safe, and family-friendly way to get around. With a little preparation, the experience can be enjoyable for everyone involved. Always use common sense when kayaking with a baby – don’t take them on dangerous rapids or into closed waterfalls. And if you’re feeling unsafe or uncomfortable, please reach out for help.
