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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To say to DH that our 2 year old shouldn’t be doing this activity?

169 replies

Yeqpll · 21/03/2025 08:50

DH has booked a lovely trip for us. He does minimal parenting day to day due to work and i can tell he’s booked nice lunches and activities to make an effort

Last night he informed me he’d booked a boat trip for 1.5 hours, for today. We are in the UK so this will be a windy and choppy event and it is open to the elements. I think DS is going to be extremely bored after 15 mins.

My main concern however is that DS is not yet potty trained and obviously there’s nowhere to change him on board.

I feel strongly this is a bad idea but maybe I’m being dramatic… thoughts very welcome!!

OP posts:
MyUmberSeal · 21/03/2025 08:51

You should go. Your son will be fine. You will be fine. You might all enjoy it. It’s 90 minutes!!

margegunderson · 21/03/2025 08:52

I’d have thought your child would love it and if he doesn’t your partner can entertain. Aren’t you nappy changing on laps by now? Live a little.

User37482 · 21/03/2025 08:52

It’ll be fine, go for it, make sure he’s clean before you get on and enjoy.

SapphireOpal · 21/03/2025 08:53

Surely it's better to do when he's still in nappies than when he's just potty trained and might suddenly decide he's desperate for a poo in the middle of the sea?

Is the issue really that you don't want to go on the boat trip?

Rainingalldayonmyhead · 21/03/2025 08:53

My two year old has been on a boat in a similar way and loved it. New adventures, things to see etc. Sorry OP you sound like a downer. Put on a fresh nappy before and have a great time instead of onky seeing the negative side.

crumblingschools · 21/03/2025 08:54

What sort of boat?

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 21/03/2025 08:54

Can't see the issue tbh. As long as it's safe!

Tiswa · 21/03/2025 08:55

Yes what sort of boat?

Original poster
Yeqpll · 21/03/2025 08:55

Ok thanks! It’s obviously me being overly anxious. @margegunderson weve never nappy changed on laps, would that be possible on a boat?!

I just worry he will poo within minutes then be stuck in it for over an hour

OP posts:
Createausername1970 · 21/03/2025 08:55

I wouldn't have taken my very active 3 year old on a boat trip for that long.

I know I would have had difficulty keeping him occupied and in one place, and I would have been concerned he would have been a nuisance, and as a result I wouldn't have enjoyed it either.

We did do a couple of much shorter trips around the bay, at a slightly older age. But an hour and a half I would personally have thought was too long at that age for a first trip on a boat.

Original poster
Yeqpll · 21/03/2025 08:56

It’s like a fishing boat so it’s open to the elements and reasonably choppy. No facilities on board

OP posts:
Whoarethoseguys · 21/03/2025 08:57

He will be fine I think you are overthinking it.
Haven't you taken him on journeys lasting that long before?
Besides those pleasure boats usually have toilets so if you need to change him you can do it there. Although I'm sure he will be ok for 90minites.
Enjoy the trip.

Easterbunnygettingsorted · 21/03/2025 08:57

You've never changed a nappy on your lap? Wow...
Snacks op. And a drink. . Have fun.

Cheepcheepcheep · 21/03/2025 08:57

We took our 4 month old and just turned 2yo on a pedalo when we went to Centre Parcs, that was slightly insane 😂

I don’t see the problem OP as long as it’s safe, I would assume if too windy/choppy the provider will cancel on safety grounds?

whatsappdoc · 21/03/2025 08:57

I would expect DP to take over child duties and enjoy myself! Or does his family responsibilities end with just booking the activities?

Tiswa · 21/03/2025 08:57

A small fishing boat for 90 mins with no toilets in it - no
larger boat with toilet yes

Minieggsarecrack · 21/03/2025 08:57

I’d agree OP, my dc at that age would not have been at all interested in being on a boat for more than 15 mins and would probably have been throwing up in the choppy sea! It sounds like something for your DH rather than a toddler friendly activity. It’s great that he’s booked something but I’d feel that he had not really thought it through and my other thought would be that (if you are default parent) you’ll spend all of the trip trying to distract and pacify DS while your husband enjoys being out on the water. At the very least I’d have expected him to book a much shorter trip to see how your DS copes with being on water first before chugging off for 90 mins.

Amba1998 · 21/03/2025 08:58

It’s 90 mins. How many nappies do you envisage needing to change?

he might like it. Spot different things you might see out at sea other boats, waves, fish etc

if the conditions are really not good then the company providing the trip would call it off

Original poster
Yeqpll · 21/03/2025 08:58

No there’s no changing facilities or toilets on board. It’s a small boat and you remain seated

OP posts:
Seeline · 21/03/2025 08:58

I think it will be fine.

Change him before you go.
Make sure he is dressed appropriately - so warm coat, waterproof etc if you are in the open.
Take a drink and a snack.
Hopefully there will be lots of interesting things to point out to him.

Original poster
Yeqpll · 21/03/2025 08:58

Amba1998 · 21/03/2025 08:58

It’s 90 mins. How many nappies do you envisage needing to change?

he might like it. Spot different things you might see out at sea other boats, waves, fish etc

if the conditions are really not good then the company providing the trip would call it off

@Amba1998 well I don’t envisage changing lots, just worried if he poos within minutes of getting on it

OP posts:
Tiswa · 21/03/2025 08:59

What is the safety situation?

do they even allow a 2 year old. The way you describe it doesn’t sound safe for a toddler and I am not sure I would be happy if I was running it

whatsappdoc · 21/03/2025 09:00

Tiswa · 21/03/2025 08:59

What is the safety situation?

do they even allow a 2 year old. The way you describe it doesn’t sound safe for a toddler and I am not sure I would be happy if I was running it

I was just thinking that? Do they know your child is only two and have suitable life jackets?

Original poster
Yeqpll · 21/03/2025 09:01

It doesn’t say he can’t online but we will check when we get there

OP posts:
jolies1 · 21/03/2025 09:01

If all is safe for a toddler (correct life jackets etc) nappy situation is manageable - I would dress toddler in easy clothes (joggers) and use pull ups. Worst case he stands up beside you or on lap in a corner and you whip nappy down and fresh one back on up. Would only change for poos!