Sailing in the Virgin Islands

While sailing I would recommend wearing a front pack with your baby in it, while anchored, holding the baby would do. I went for a 3 hr sailing trip earlier this year when my son was 6 months and the front pack was such a help because I was able to use both hand while walking around on the boat, but if you take your baby out of the front pack I recommend going into the cabin and looking out the windows. Have a great time! I think your baby will love the fresh air! =)

Really, I think it will be okay. We grew up boating and now my nieces/nephews,kid are in the second generation. Out of all the years, I got seasick just once. The kid will enjoy the boating trip.

And if possible, daily have the baby on a big blanket under the shade when on land or in the cabin to let her stretch out.

Pardon me for being blunt, T., but are you nuts? You have no business taking such a small baby on such a difficult trip. It would be one thing if you lived in the islands and were just doing a day sail, but to drag your child on such a long trip is just asking for trouble. For one thing, a child that young CANNOT be exposed to that much sun! How are you planning to protect his/her skin? Even if you're sitting under a canopy, there is so much sun hitting your skin, even indirectly. Secondly, what about the feeding, the diapering, the sleeping issues caused by jetlag? You have your whole life ahead of you...do the right thing and either go without your child or wait until he/she is water-safe and can really enjoy the sailing! I'm the mother of 2 girls, 18 and 14, and I know what you're going through, so please take my advice in stride. They DO grow up, and you should plan appropriate trips at every juncture of their lives. By the way, I do think it would be O.K. to leave the baby at home if you have a trusted caregiver. He/she will be happier!

If you have spoken to YOUR babys Dr. and your Dr feels that this is a trip that your little one can go on then all should be ok. I have traveled twice on LONG cross country road trips with both of my daughters when they were five and three months old. I stopped every two hours to feed, change and to let them wiggle about. We always had a great trip. As long as you are prepared for anything and everthing then I say "happy sailing"!

I found this link,
http://www.sailjazz.com/editorial/read/27

BUT...
Your baby will need to wear a snug fitting life vest with a crotch strap 24 hours a day - that doesn't sound too comfortable to me. I strongly agree with the other mom to consult with your pediatrician before taking your baby on such a trip. If your baby faces any life threatening event, just how fast do you think someone will be able to come to your rescue? Has your baby even been out on water before? What if your baby is miserable? Will he/she just have to stick it out until the adults have had enough vacation? And you'll be dealing with time zone adjustments (see the posting from a couple of days ago) and ear pressure from the flight. You could have one uncomfortable kid on your hands. The sailing trip sounds like a dream vacation - for ADULTS. Why not wait to take your child on such a trip when he/she can appreciate it?

I'm still pregnant...but I've been on several cruises to the Caribbean. It's going to be VERY humid and hot. You might want to bring some sort of mosquito repellent thing (not to put on the baby's skin).

A couple of things I would like to note for you. First: you may want to talk to your pediatrician because the pediatrician can help you brainstorm things that you'll need to watch out for and how to handle any problems that may come about from taking your baby on such a trip. Second: Use lots of sunscreen, and make sure you apply it often enough. If there is anything worse than a sick baby it's one with a really bad sun burn. Third: Remember not to give your baby water. At 7 months old it I believe its still unsafe to give your baby water because they develop water toxicity. Talk to your pediatrician about other ways to keep the baby hydrated. With the humidity it will be of great concern. You may be able to use Pedialyte to help. Fourth: Use mosquito repellant on your baby, just don't put it on his hands and use your hand to put it on his face, then wash your hands afterwards. It has been found safe to use deet on children, even infants, as long as you are careful in how you apply it. I found this when doing research before taking my little one out to Connecticut. Deet is considered the best protection against mosquitoes. As well you might talk to your pediatrician about the possiblity of adding a little bit of garlic to his baby foods to help keep the bugs from biting. Make sure you talk to your doctor but it may be helpful. Fifth: Be aware and ready for the possibility that you may have to cut your trip short due to your son. If he's miserable you will be too. There is decent medical care outside of the US. However, you may want to look into what hospitals/medical care will be within reach of you so that you are prepared for the worst. Don't let people tell you to not take your baby on such a trip if the pediatrician feels he is capable of handling it. Just make sure that you are extra prepared because any trip with an infant can be difficult. Have fun, and be safe.

You should talk to your pediatrician about it - if you'll be sailing, both you and the baby could very easily become sea-sick. Vomiting in a 7 month old, even if it is just because of motion sickness, can be really scary and very dangerous (babies that age also become dehydrated VERY easily and quickly with can lead to a life threatening situation). Heaven forbid the baby become sick, it might be very difficult to access appropriate and safe medical care outside the US.
Definitely talk to the doctor - see if he/she can prescribe you something for sea sickness if the baby happens to suffer from it.