How to torment a toddler

[pumpkin]

Aka how to keep them safe by the water

we are going to be staying at a place where going outside means being right by a choppy lake. This means DD will need a lifejacket just to run around and get a little fresh air. She is a running, climbing, jumping, hang herself upside-down 2 year old.. She also happen to be 34 inches and only 24.5 pounds. The toddler lifejackets all seem to start at 30 pounds. The infant lifejackets look far too restrictive for a playing child. I'm not sure what to do.

[mamazee]

I personally would put her in the lifejacket that fits her size, and supervise the heck out of her.

[CrunchyChristianMama]

That's tough.  I agree that she should have a lifejacket on while outside unless she has one-on-one supervision by someone who is not distracted by talking to other adults, etc.  The infant lifejacket may feel restrictive at first to her, but I would guess she will get used to it.  

[crunchy_mommy]

Are you going to be distracted?

We go to the beach frequently & it's never even occurred to me to put DS in a life jacket, but we keep him in arm's reach and don't get distracted....

[lifeguard]

I would forgo the lifejacket & just make sure you are hypervigilent. Lifejackets do more towards providing a false sense of security than anything IMO.

[sapphire_chan]

Is there a park or anything in walking/close driving distance?

Mind you, I think she'll be fine with supervision, it'd just be nice if you could have a chance to let her run around without having to be constantly intently alert.

Edited by sapphire_chan - 4/6/11 at 9:13pm