Sailing With A Baby: Essential Guide 2025
Sailing with a baby is something we’ve spent the last 4 years considering. Is it safe? Will it be possible? What will we need? All the questions first time parents ask themselves only with an added layer of complications – a boat!
Well now we are going to well and truly put all these questions to the test, with our little one due in just a few months time.
Luckily we’re surrounded by the most incredible community of sailing parents who have shown us just how possible it is to go sailing with a baby, and we can’t wait to get out there as a family of three!
We’ve spent a lot of time researching, scouring the sailing forums, and asking many, many questions about boating with kids, so we wanted to share what we’ve found out for any other parents out there wondering whether they can live a sailing lifestyle with kids.
We’ve got the low down on safety tips, essential equipment and more to help you get set up to go sailing with your baby!
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Table of Contents
- Can You Bring A Baby On A Sailboat?
- Keeping Your Baby Safe While Sailing
- Essentials For Sailing With A Baby
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Sailing With A Baby
Can You Bring A Baby On A Sailboat?
You can definitely sail with a baby, but there are some things you should be aware of and prepared for before you do.
Before we started living on a sailboat and meeting countless sailing families I would have said taking a baby on a sailboat was dangerous, but my opinion on this has changed dramatically. If you are well prepared then having a baby onboard can be easy(ish!) and extremely enjoyable.
We haven’t had a newborn on a boat (yet!) but we did have the best week with my niece and nephew who were 15 months and 3 years old at the time. It took a little thought and a few purchases to make sure they’d be safe and happy, but we spent the whole time at anchor and had a blast.
You only have to walk down a busy town quay or seek out sailing families online to find out that babies do not need to change your sailing plans.
Read on to find out more about sailing with a baby.
Keeping Your Baby Safe While Sailing
The first and most important consideration when sailing with kids and babies is obviously their safety.
I have met lots of sailing families who were nervous to bring their kids on board because they knew if something happened people would judge them, and you just have to read the comments on the sailing YouTube channels with kids to know this isn’t a one-off opinion.
Would people dish out the same judgment if your child was injured in a car accident or walking down the road? Absolutely not. But because sailing is unfamiliar to so many people they immediately think it’s more dangerous than the everyday activities they’re used to.
If you take a few sensible precautions, just as you would with a car seat or a bike helmet, then sailing with a baby doesn’t need to be dangerous at all.
Here are a few things we would advise you to do to keep your baby safe while sailing, though obviously each tip will depend a little on the age of the child, the boat, and where you’re sailing.
Lifejackets and Tethers
This is a no-brainer really. Make sure every baby or child on board has their own age-related, decent-quality life jacket, just as you would make sure every adult on board has a life jacket.
They will need to wear this at all times, and if they’re at walking age then you’ll want to get them a tether so they can’t wander off if you happen to take your eyes off them for a second!
We have used Helly Hansen gear for years and have a lot of trust in it, so we highly recommend you check out their range of life jackets for babies and kids. We’ll be opting for their baby life jacket once our little one arrives!
✔ Helly Hansen baby lifejackets
A Sling Or Baby Carrier
One of the best tips I’ve received from sailing parents is to invest in a decent sling or baby carrier. There will be plenty of times your little one is crying but you need two hands to helm, or work a line.
You can carry your baby with you while doing any essential tasks if you have a comfortable baby carrier!
This might not sound like a safety concern, but if you’re sailing short handed then you might really need those extra hands on deck. Knowing you can help with the sailing and not being torn between that and your distressed child is a big comfort!
We’ve been recommended the Ergobaby or the Baby Bjorn carriers.
Car Seat Or Similar
You’re going to want somewhere secure to put your baby while you’re underway, or when the motion in the ocean isn’t all that pleasant.
We’re planning to use a car seat attached somewhere secure in the boat. We won’t want to leave him in there for any long length of time, but it will be somewhere we know is secure if I’m needed on deck and don’t feel safe wearing him in a sling.
Baby First Aid Kit
For a start, you’ll want to make sure your first aid kit is properly stocked before you set off sailing with a baby! But there might also be some extras you want to add that are child specific.
This might not be quite so vital if you’re just sailing away from shore for a few hours, but it’s still important to have the basics just in case. Make sure all your medication is in date (we’re terrible for this!) and stashed well away from tiny hands.
This is a great guide by Pampers with some extras to consider like baby-safe pain and fever medicine and a specific baby first aid guide.
If you’re planning longer offshore passages then check in with your doctor before you go. They might recommend taking emergency supplies of antibiotics or other things you can’t purchase over the counter just in case of emergencies at sea.
Net For The Railing
If your baby is on the move then you’ll want to consider putting netting around the lifelines of your boat. This will help contain little ones and give an extra preventative measure in case they try to climb overboard.
We will definitely be doing this on our catamaran before our baby starts to move around. Obviously it isn’t foolproof, but any extra safety measure we can take we will!
Weather Protection
Exposure to all the different weather you experience when sailing can be a big cause of concern for adults, let alone children. This is so easily prevented by making sure everyone has the correct clothing.
Make sure you have sun protection for babies, including glasses, a hat, and SPF-rated clothing. You’ll also want suncream that’s suitable for infants.
Alongside this make sure you have cold-weather clothing and rain gear in case you experience a change in weather. A warm sleeping bag might also be a great thing to have on board in case the temperature dips!
Passage Planning
If you’re boating with a baby for the first time then you might want to put a bit more effort into passage planning. At least for the first few sails.
It’s probably a good idea to stick to familiar cruising grounds for a little bit until you’re comfortable with your new setup. We will make sure we’re always close to shore and a town for the first sails so that we won’t be as panicked if anything isn’t going to plan!
We have agreed we’ll be spending a bit of time ‘fair weather’ sailing. Obviously the forecast isn’t always reliable, so we’ll also make sure we have lots of bail-out anchorages along the way in case things get spicy and we aren’t feeling comfortable.
From then on, I’ll definitely be making a note of hospitals and doctor’s surgeries along our proposed route.
The other thing we’ve been told to watch out for is provisioning. Alongside all your usual food and drink you’re going to want to make sure you have enough supplies onboard for your baby. Things like nappies, creams, and formula milk or baby food if you aren’t breastfeeding must be in plentiful supply!
Essentials For Sailing With A Baby
Alongside some safety equipment we’ve already mentioned (but will include in this list so you have all the information in one place!) there are some other essentials you’ll want to consider taking onboard before you head off on your first sail with a baby.
Some of these items will only be important if you’re actually living on the boat, or spending more than just a few hours on board.
#1 Lifejacket
As we discussed earlier, a decent life jacket for a baby or child is essential.
✔ Helly Hansen baby lifejackets
#2 Tether
Attach a tether to your child life jacket if they’re on the go so that you can keep them safely contained in the cockpit at all times! You’ll want one designed for children like this one from West Marine, that isn’t stretchy.
A tether isn’t so important for newborns that aren’t on the go! As obviously they won’t be moving from where ever you put them!
#3 Baby First Aid Kit
As we discussed before a first aid kit stocked up with supplies for your baby is a safety essential. If you live onboard or are onboard for any length of time then you might want to also consider:
- Baby thermometer
- Saline Spray and a Snot Sucker
- Nail Clippers
This American Red Cross baby first aid kit has some great essential additions that you might want to consider.
#4 Somewhere Secure To Go When Sailing
It will depend on your baby and your boat, but as we listed earlier you’re going to want somewhere secure to put your baby down in case your full attention is needed on deck.
This needs to be safe if the boat is rolling around, so something like a car seat attached to seating might be ideal. They’re designed to keep your baby safe in a car crash after all!
You might prefer to have the baby on you in a baby carrier, but if it does get rolly then you might not feel that stable yourself. Have a back up plan just in case!
#5 A Baby Carrier
Again, a safety essential so you can have both hands free for things like docking or helming. We were recommended Ergobaby or Baby Bjorn so it’s worth checking out those brands.
We’ve also been warned against any cheap mimics of baby carriers. It might be tempting to save the money but they often aren’t thoroughly tested and so potentially not safe for your baby to spend any periods of time in.
#6 Compact Stroller
Adam and I spent a long time debating whether we would need a pram/pushchair, but we’ve been advised to get one by numerous friends who travel regularly. Apparently they are indispensable for things like airport travel, and really useful for shopping runs or pottering around towns.
If you’re doing a provision run and you have to carry the baby on your front or back then you’re unlikely to be able to carry much in the way of groceries. If you have a stroller you can load it up for the walk back, and also carry a backpack if you need a big shop.
Something like the much favourited gb Pockit+ All City can be used from 6 months up to about 4 years and folds up tiny (perfect for fitting in the dinghy!)
✔ Check out compact strollers here
#7 A Way To Feed Them
It seems obvious, but you’re going to need to feed your baby while you’re on the boat!
If you’re breastfeeding then this might not be too tricky, but if you’re using formula then you’ll want to consider things like whether you can get your preferred formula milk in the country you’re cruising and how you’re going to sterilise bottles.
These are usually easy problems to solve, but make sure you’ve looked into it before you head off and make sure you have adequate supplies on board and any essential equipment (and the power to run it!)
#8 Highchair
It was fine managing without a highchair for the week we had my niece and nephew onboard, but for longer amounts of time it would be really useful to have a dedicated place for a baby to sit and eat, where they were secure and you didn’t have to constantly watch them or even hold them.
If you’re living on board with a baby then a high chair is a must. But you probably won’t have the floor space for a regular high chair. Instead opt for one that can clip to the table or chair. We love this one that can also stand alone, so you take it to the beach or another boat.
#9 Bib
The cleaning you have to do on a boat the better! Not only is it already such a tiny space to try and keep tidy and clutter free, but there is also usually a limited water supply on board.
Get a bib that’s easy to wipe, or even better, a smock bib that will cover their clothes completely. Hopefully it will save you some laundry runs which are always such a pain!
If you have a washing machine on your boat then lucky you! But still, you’ll want to keep loads to a minimum to save on water and electricty.
#10 Nappies and Wipes
The endless disposable vs reusable nappies debate. I’m going to have to update this post when I’ve tried and tested both myself, but from what I have heard here is the low down! You’ll probably have to make a decision based on your own personal preferences and the amenities you have available.
Reusable Nappies
There’s no question that reusable nappies are better for the environment, and for us folks that live on the sea that’s quite a big deal. We want the world to stay this beautiful for when our little ones grow up!
BUT reusable nappies take a whole lot of washing, and on a small boat with a limited water supply and no washing machine they might be completely impractical.
I’ve heard differing reports on how often you’ll need to wash the nappies, but one friend told me she did a wash load three times a day! This is obviously completely impractical, even if you have a washing machine on board.
I am super keen to try the reusable nappies and we’re lucky enough to have a full size washing machine onboard, along with a water maker and decent power and batteries. But I’m trying not to get ahead of myself. I imagine we will opt for a bit of a mix in the end.
Disposable Nappies
Although they aren’t great for the environment they are found almost everywhere in the world, and they don’t have a sell by date so you can stock up and carry as many as you’ll need.
The trouble I can see with disposable nappies is that you have to dispose of them, and we all know getting to shore and to a bin isn’t always that simple when you live on a boat.
If you opt for disposable nappies you’re going to want some sort of nappy bin that will help contain the mess and smell.
Alongside your choice of nappies, make sure you grab yourself a decent supply of wipes that work best for your baby.
They have quite a limited choice here in Greece, so I imagine if you had a firm favourite in the UK they might be hard to find out here. It’s worth stocking the boat up while you can!
#11 A Changing Mat
If you’re just sailing for a short amount of time then a small, travel changing mat will be perfect for onboard. It won’t take up too much space in your packing or on the boat, and you’ll be able to take it on trips to shore etc.
If you’re living on board then you’ll probably want to invest in two changing mats. A portable one you can take with you on adventures (just keep it in your changing bag) and a more permanent one for the boat that can be cleaned easily and live in one spot.
We’ve opted for a changing mat with little sides in the hopes that it’s a bit more contained once they start rolling, but I imagine we’ll also have to switch to changing him on the floor when he gets more active. A rolling boat and a rolling baby don’t add up!
✔ Our permanent changing mat
#12 A Changing Bag
This is a real essential for anyone that’s in and out the house (or boat!) all the time. Having a dedicated changing bag that you keep stocked up with the essentials will make getting ready to go ashore ten times easier (we all know how long it already takes to get the dinghy ready!)
I plan on having a ready to go changing bag somewhere near the door at all times, so I can just grab it and know it’s got all his essentials in there. It’s one less thing to think about when leaving the boat.
Luckily changing bags are pretty stylish these days! I love this cute rucksack style changing bag that I figured will be handy for getting in and out of the dinghy.
#13 Muslins
These are so useful for just about everything, so you’ll want a good stash on board. Obviously for when baby is sick, but also for things like sun cover ups or light towels to dry them off when it’s hot.
My sister used them for everything and if you’re living on board I can see you’d want a big stash of them!
#14 Clothes
If you’re only day sailing then you probably have a pretty reliable forecast (though we all know how quickly things can change out on the water!)
There are few things you’re going to need as essentials when sailing with a baby, so here’s a little list. It will depend massively on the climates you’re sailing in so you’ll want to adjust as necessary.
- Under layers (baby grows)
- SPF rated sun cover up
- Swim wear
- Warmer outfits (long sleeved baby grows, jumpers, trousers)
- Something really warm like an outdoor pram suit or sleeping bag in case it gets cold and windy
- Something waterproof (the outdoor pram suit will probably be waterproof but just in case!)
#15 A Bed Separator Or Cot
You’re going to need somewhere for your baby to sleep, and you probably won’t have the space for an actual cot. We’ve thought so much about this and spoken to so many different people about what works for them.
We’ll share our findings, because I think how you do it is probably a very personal thing in the end. Hopefully one of these solutions will fit for you!
Portable crib
One option is to set a portable crib on one of your beds. You can either choose to sleep beside them (say, on one side of a v-birth) or you can sleep in a separate cabin. These will stand well on a range of surfaces, and are smaller and more lightweight than a proper cot.
Moses Basket
We’ve heard mixed things about Moses baskets. You can easily fit a Moses basket in a cabin birth and sleep beside your baby, but we’ve also heard they literally last weeks before the baby grows out of them.
We’re not going to bother trying them, but perhaps they’d be a great option if you have a small baby!
Co-sleeping
Parents might choose to co-sleep with their children for various reasons, but it’s so important to read up on the safety guidelines before you do.
This could work well for sleeping on a boat, especially if you’re a little anxious like me! But just make sure you’re doing it as safely as possible but considering all the guidelines (no sundowners before bed!)
Bed Seperator
Another clever trick we’ve seen some cruisers do is to create a little bed divider, so you’re kind of co-sleeping but with something in between you and the baby. It’s still worth reading up on the co-sleeping guidelines if you’re going to do this, and checking that things like your mattress is suitable for a baby.
#16 A Baby Tent
My sister bought her little baby tent with her when they came sailing and it was probably the most useful thing she bought (asides from the lifejackets!)
It was the perfect place for her 1.5 year old to sleep. We just put the tent up in the double birth and he was encased, couldn’t get up and wander around without anyone knowing, and protected from mozzies.
We figure one of these will also be great for taking to the beach or naps outside because it will give full shade coverage, and again, good security!
#17 Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a great solution for keeping your baby warm at night while on a boat. Opt for one suitable for whatever climate you’re sailing in, as each has a slightly different tog.
Sleeping bags are perfect as (if they’re the right size) they can’t ride up and risk going over babies face. They’re also great to have on board in case the temperature changes suddenly and you need to warm your baby up.
If you live aboard you might consider getting two just in case your baby covers theirs in sick or poo in the middle of the night. Having a back up is always handy when running water is a luxury!
#18 Blankets
Blankets for trips out or cold nights on board are perfect. Have a few to hand on board to you can wrap up your baby while out sailing in cooler weather, or use them as extra layers at night time.
Cellular blankets with all the little holes in are great for anxious mums like me, as if they do happen to ride up they’re a lot more breathable. Phew!
#19 Dummies & Tethers
I expect there are a lot of first time mums out there vowing not to use dummies (me included), but even my sister who has a will of steel gave in to this one at 2am one morning when finding one she’d shoved at the back of a cupboard.
Even if you don’t plan on using a dummy, you might be thankful you had one on board just in case!
#20 Somewhere To Wash Your Baby
You’re going to need somewhere to wash your baby if you live onboard full time. A sink might do for when they’re very little, but you’re going to need to upgrade pretty quickly!
A good solution is a foldable baby bath or an inflatable one. You won’t have much space onboard to store a sull sized one. The down side to an inflatable baby bath is that a) you’ll have to blow it up each time you want to use it and b) they aren’t particularly durable, especially not in a sunny, salt water environment.
But they will fold up smaller than a foldable bath, so you’ll have to decide how much storage space you can give over!
#21 Entertainment
You won’t have much room for the usual array of baby toys that people seem to collect these days, but you’ll have the beach and dolphin watching and all manner of other interesting things to do instead.
You’ll probably want a small collection of age appropriate toys on board to keep them entertained easily on long passages, but don’t forget you can make a lot of toys out of things you probably carry on board too.
We found sticker books bought hours of fun for my niece and nephew, and my nephew absolutely loved sorting shells into different containers.
If you live on board then try connecting with other cruising families and swap toys and books every so often so you have a fresh supply of new entertainment every now and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of your most frequently asked questions answered!
What’s The Youngest A Baby Can Be On A Boat?
The age at which a baby can be on a boat may vary depending on several factors, including local regulations and the specific circumstances of the boat trip. Safety is a crucial consideration when taking a baby on a boat.
While there might not be a universally defined minimum age, it is generally recommended to wait until an infant is at least a few months old before taking them on a boat. Newborns have fragile necks and limited head control, so it is important to ensure their safety and comfort.
You might want to try out sailing life with your baby in the safety of a marina first, where the motion will be considerably less.
You should also make sure your baby is big enough to wear an appropriate life jacket.
If you’re planning to take a baby on a boat, consult with a pediatrician to get personalized advice based on your specific situation. They can provide guidance on factors such as the baby’s health and any local regulations or recommendations.
Remember that even if a baby is old enough to be on a boat, it’s crucial to take additional precautions to ensure their safety, such as providing appropriate flotation devices, protecting them from excessive sun exposure, and securing them properly on the boat.
Will A Baby Get Seasick?
Babies can experience seasickness, just like adults. However, the likelihood of a baby getting seasick can vary from child to child. Some babies may be more prone to motion sickness than others, while some may not be affected at all.
Motion sickness occurs when there is a disconnect between the motion sensed by the inner ear and the visual cues received by the eyes. This sensory conflict can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and general discomfort.
Infants and young children may be more susceptible to motion sickness because their vestibular systems (responsible for balance and spatial orientation) are still developing. Additionally, they may not have fully developed their ability to focus their vision and integrate sensory information.
If you plan to take a baby on a boat and are concerned about seasickness, here are a few tips that may help:
- Choose a stable boat: Opt for a larger boat or catamaran over a monohull that offers more stability and minimizes rocking motion.
- Stay near the center of the boat: Being in the middle of the boat can help reduce the sensation of motion compared to the front or back.
- Provide fresh air: Ensure proper ventilation and fresh air circulation on the boat, as stuffy environments can exacerbate nausea.
- Frequent breaks: Take breaks from being on the water by heading to calmer areas or returning to shore if needed.
- Avoid strong smells: Strong odors, such as fuel or food, can worsen feelings of nausea.
- Distraction and focus: Engage the baby in activities or provide toys to divert their attention and focus on something other than the motion.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before taking a baby on a boat, especially if they have a history of motion sickness or any other health concerns. Your pediatrician can offer personalized advice and may even suggest suitable over-the-counter remedies or medications if necessary.
Can A Baby Go In The Sea?
We’ve read lots of different guidelines on this so it’s important to do some research of your own and come to your own conclusion. Most guidelines say wait until your baby is 2 months old before taking them for a dip, but other advice we’ve read says 6 months.
Whenever you choose to take your baby for their first dip, bear in mind that they can’t regulate their body tempoteratures in the same way you can. It’s really important not to let them get cold.
Also, be mindful of currents that might make it harder to hold your baby. Stick to shallow waters where you can easily support them.
Remember, each baby is unique, and it’s essential to consider their individual needs and health status. It’s advisable to consult with your pediatrician before taking a baby into the sea, especially if they have any specific health concerns or if you have any doubts or questions.
Conclusion: Sailing With A Baby
As you can see, sailing with a baby can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it requires careful planning and consideration.
That being said, doesn’t every passage require planning and consideration?! There might just be a few extra things to keep in mind.
Here’s a quick summary of some key points to keep in mind when sailing with a baby:
- Safety first: Prioritize the safety of your baby by ensuring the boat is equipped with appropriate safety measures, including life jackets and childproofing the area where the baby will be on the boat.
- Consult with a pediatrician: Before embarking on a sailing trip, consult with your pediatrician to ensure your baby is physically ready and healthy enough for the experience. They can provide specific advice based on your baby’s age and any unique health considerations.
- Sun protection: Protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays by using sunscreen, dressing them in protective clothing, and providing shade on the boat. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly.
- Hydration and feeding: Keep your baby well-hydrated by providing them with fluids and ensuring they have regular feeding times. Pack necessary supplies, such as bottles, formula, breast milk, and baby food.
- Comfort and sleep arrangements: Create a comfortable and safe area for your baby on the boat where they can rest and sleep. Consider bringing familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help them feel secure.
- Plan for breaks: Babies may need breaks from being on the boat. Plan stops at suitable locations where you can go ashore or anchor in calm areas for your baby to stretch, play, and explore.
- Be prepared for seasickness: Some babies may experience seasickness. Consult with your pediatrician about suitable remedies or medications to alleviate symptoms if needed. Monitor your baby’s well-being and provide comfort measures as necessary.
- Constant supervision: Always keep a close eye on your baby while sailing. Ensure they are within reach and protected from any potential hazards or accidents.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and enjoyable sailing experience for both you and your baby. Remember to be flexible and adapt to your baby’s needs throughout the trip and go make some awesome memories!
