Given some time to think about it, that really is a tough question. Almost along the same lines as how to properly raise children. Personally, I'd hold off boating for little ones til they are maybe a year old and proper flotation device can be fitted. Now maybe a calm private lake combined with a large stable boat changes that dynamic? Really a tough parenting call, but just like driving on the roads, you have to figure all the others that will be out there as well sharing the road/water. In the 60's, I came home as a newborn on mom's lap in the station wagon, I couldn't bring my children home without an infant car seat properly secured. I'd be interested to hear what other parents think of this issue since my youngest turns 23 this summer, I'm a bit removed from the baby issues till grandchildren appear.