HOW TO LIVE WITH A BABY ON BOARD?
Today many people call us with questions about living with a child on board. During pregnancy planning, we wondered what we should do in the boat to receive Igor. We decided to wait his coming to feel what would be really necessary - after all we were new parents.
Changes in practice were less than we had imagined. Generally it's like living with a child on solid ground. What is different?
CONTACT WITH NATURE AND THE SEA:
Being 24 hours a day on the sea is like being immersed in nature, learn to live with the elements is essential. Tides, moon phases, wind, rain, the seasons are more evident in our day to day.
SECURITY:
On a sailboat everything is secured and tied not to fall, all hard corners are softened and rounded, no glassware or crockery. It is the ideal place for babies and children.
The adjustments we made were the lifelines nets around the boat, entrance and passage to the kitchen.
In the cabin we placed cradle cushions on the sides. When Igor was a baby we used curlers to the side when the boat heeled.
Baby's life jacket and safety harness were also provided. And sea sickness pills and homoeopathy became part of the on board pharmacy.
BEING TOGETHER:
We are together all the time! The three of us. Bringing awareness to the relationship is essential. Careful attention and well balanced. We have noticed in Igor, the development of a confident stance and friendly open sociability.
FUN:
boat, beach, water, sea ... is guaranteed fun! It's amazing how children love this life! Some children who came to visit us, were asking their parents – Lets go to Igor's boat? Planckton looks like a nursery, full of colour and toys. We think children feel so comfortable. At most, it's like at home if it is raining we have to be creative to entertain children with games and activities.
SIMPLICITY:
In Planckton we try to keep things very simple. We don't have many of facilities that we were used on land (washing machine, inexhaustible electricity and water supply, etc.). With the arrival of Igor we installed a "water heater" to heat the water bath (a luxury!). In spite of simplicity our "home" is very cosy and comfortable.
LEARNING:
The close contact with nature and being away from TV screens, computer and video games allow for new discoveries and learning experiences. At sea, life, adults and children can learn about harmonious, fraternal, ecology and respect for the environment, consumer awareness and discipline.
These are the points that were most striking for us so far. Surely, as Igor grows, many new features emerge.
If you want to share with us your own experiences, questions and curiosities contact us.
AORAI Design