All My Tips for Sailing with a Baby or a Toddler

Traveling on a sailing adventure with your little one is not only possible but can be an incredible, memorable bucket-list experience for the whole family. We traveled with our baby boy at 14 months old sailing the Amalfi Coast as a family, and then again when he was 2.5 years old – along with our baby girl who was 6 months old with us – sailing in the British Virgin Islands as a family. As ocean-lovers, sailing as a family is seriously my ideal vacation. But I know that sailing with a baby or a toddler is intimidating!! I went through alllll of the anxiety and stress before both trips – wondering if it really would be doable as a family – and what steps I needed to do to make sure it was safe – and fun! – for my little ones. And I’m happy to report that both times I was soooo much more at ease once we were actually on the boat – and it’s not only doable, but so so special!!!!! That said, traveling with toddlers, babies, or children on a boat does come with added responsibility and necessary prep! But with the right preparation and mindset, and this post, you’ll be cruising! And creating unforgettable vacation memories with your baby or toddler in tow. Here are your tips for sailing with a baby or toddler!

How to Keep a Baby or Toddler Safe while Sailing

Safety first!!! Let’s chat ways to keep your baby or toddler safe while on a sailboat.

Life Jackets: Ensure that each child has a properly fitted life jacket appropriate for their age and weight. It’s essential for safety during any on-deck activities! My toddler LOVED his and wore it all the time! For my baby girl at 6 months, she was more strapped onto us and while we had a life jacket for her for emergencies, she did not wear it since she wasn’t yet mobile and we could keep her in safe spaces. This adorable baby lifejacket is what Harrison wore!

Safety Netting: Installing safety netting around the deck’s perimeter can prevent little ones from slipping through the rails, providing an extra layer of security! Ask your sailing charter about doing this ahead of time – our sailboat charter in the BVi’s provided us that option!
Baby-proof the boat: If possible, rope off or install a block on the interior stairs, cover sharp corners, and secure any loose items.
Non-slip mats: You could consider a non-slip mats on the deck and inside to prevent slipping.
Dedicated play area: Set up a shaded, contained play space where your toddler can sit with toys safely.
Tethers and Harnesses: For toddlers who are mobile, you can also consider using tethers or harnesses to keep them within safe boundaries on deck. I did not do this as my son’s personality is more obedient, first-child energy, not going to run off the boat randomly, and follows the rules, but I could see how this could be useful if you have more of a wild child!

Choose the Right Boat

Opting for a catamaran vs a monohaul sailboat can be a game-changer for families sailing. Catamarans offer enhanced stability, spacious interiors, and ample deck space, making them ideal for accommodating young children. I would make sure to leave an empty cabin just for your toddler if there is one, since sometimes the pack n’ play takes up the whole space! Look for boats with extra spacious cabins, and a good-sized interior space.

What to Pack for Sailing with a Baby or Toddler

Packing efficiently is key to a successful sailing trip with your little one. Here’s a comprehensive packing list to ensure you have all the essentials:

Clothing:
Sun Protection:

- - UPF – protective clothing like these cute UPF kids swimwear and outfits

Baby Gear:

- Compact stroller or umbrella stroller for onshore excursions (depending on where you’re sailing! If it’s purely beaches like in the BVI you won’t really need one- but it’s still helpful to have for travel days and airports! Here is my ranking of the top travel strollers.
- Baby carrier!! This is a must. It helps keep baby safe while on the boat because they’re literally strapped to you! Just avoid going on the outside edge of the boat with baby while boat is in motion, of course!!!
- Portable high chair – this is a lifesaver for sailing with a baby!! You will be so glad you brought it! You just plop it onto any table (so can bring to restaurants, etc too) it’s super safe and really easy – my babies loved this on the sailboat!
- Travel pack n’ play for sleeping (and playing! Our baby girl loved playing in this in the indoor common area on our recent sailing charter in the BVI – just make sure it is tethered down or not able to fall over in rockier seas! This is the one we used in my son’s cabin – it fit! but it did block the room so it really was just his bed! The kids also slept SO well on the boat (as did everyone) with the light rocking. It was amazing. I wish I could have it every night – kind of like an adult SNOO, haha.
- This baby monitor that doesn’t use wifi! This monitor made it possible for my baby to be napping or sleeping in the cabin but us be on the deck enjoying lunch or sunning or happy houring! Our usual at-home monitor relies on wifi which doesn’t work that well abroad (though there is wifi on the boat!)

Feeding Essentials:

Diapering Supplies

Health and Safety:

Entertainment and Comfort:

- - Favorite toys and comfort items
  - Books
  - Portable white noise machine
  - Blankets depending on weather where you’re sailing
  - A tablet if your toddler uses screens
  - A Yoto – an amazing screen-free device that your toddler will LOVE for travel, plays stories and music and keeps them busy!

Bathing and Hygiene:

- Baby wash and shampoo
- Baby lotion

Miscellaneous:

Pacifiers if your baby takes one
Teething toys
Laundry detergent for baby clothes (I just packed a ton so didn’t need this, and just put dirty clothes in a separate bag for once we got home, but it would be a way to pack less!)
Reusable swim diapers!!

Entertainment and Comfort

Pack your child’s favorite toys, books, and some comfort items to keep them entertained and provide a sense of familiarity while traveling as a family. Introducing new, boat-friendly toys can also keep them engaged during the trip!!!

Be Prepared for Seasickness

Even if your child hasn’t experienced motion sickness before, it’s wise to be prepared. Consult with your pediatrician about appropriate remedies or preventive measures. Keeping your child hydrated and allowing them to rest in a well-ventilated area can also help alleviate symptoms. Being inside while the boat is moving is a sure-fire way to feel seasick!!! Also, make sure you’re prepared yourself!

I personally like to pack non-drowsy dramamine as well as these ginger drops – they work wonders! I prefer to take the non-medication ginger drops before doing dramamine because dramamine can make you sleepy (even the non drowsy version!)

Consider bringing the grandparents or a nanny!

With two kids, we know how helpful it can be to have extra hands on deck, which is why both times we’ve sailed as a family we’ve had nannies (my parents!!) with us which helped a ton!! And it was fun to share the experience with the grandparents!

in matching outfits sailing Italy!

Establish Onboard Rules

Set clear safety rules for your child, such as:

Always wearing a properly fitted life jacket when on deck.

Holding onto handrails and an adult while walking around the boat.

No running on deck to avoid slipping.

Staying inside designated safe areas and not climbing railings, ever.

Always asking permission before going anywhere near the water.

High-fiving an adult before entering any body of water – a pool, the ocean, etc.

Listening to mom, dad, or the crew at all times.

Reinforcing these rules early on will help your toddler understand the boundaries and keep them safe while sailing!

Plan Shore Excursions with Your Baby or Toddler in Mind

Short beach stops are a great way to let a toddler on the move run and burn off energy.

Research kid-friendly activities at ports ahead of time.

Have a compact stroller or baby carrier for onshore exploring.

Communicate your families needs to your sailing charter captain ahead of the trip – such as wanting to get to land each day – timing days around the baby or toddler’s nap schedules, etc.

Keep Calm & Enjoy the Adventure

Toddlers can have their moments—tantrums, meltdowns, or just extra clinginess due to traveling and the new environment. Stay calm, go with the flow, stay positive!!! And adjust plans as needed.

Remember that sailing with a baby or toddler (just like traveling with a baby or a toddler) is all about the experience, not perfection—laugh off the chaos and savor the special family moments!!!!