How to Survive a Baseball Game with a Toddler

Fall Baseball is just kicking off. That means spending countless hours at the ball field with the family. My son has been playing baseball for 4 years and I have learned that it is vital to prepare for each and every game. Especially when you add a feisty toddler into the mix. This can make for some trying times!

Us mamas need to be ready for just about anything.  Having a bag full of the essentials helps to ensure that the whole family can get through the game comfortably and with little stress for mom. We can also keep our fingers crossed for no temper tantrums. But let’s be honest, that’s wishful thinking!

Here are some essential items that are always packed when we head out to the baseball field.

Essentials for surviving a baseball game with a toddler

• Snacks: I don’t know about you all, but I hear “mommy, I’m hungry” way too many times to count during the day. It is so convenient to just reach into your Mama bag and pull out a snack without missing a play during the game. Make sure the snacks are easily portable such as goldfish, grapes, fruit or dry cereal. This will also help you save money by skipping the snack bar (if there is one).

• Toys/Games: bring your child’s favorite toys to help keep them occupied. Books, dolls, balls, iPad or tablet, etc. (Just make sure you don’t bring anything with multiple pieces that can be lost). Your toddler may also enjoy just running around in the grass and hopefully will find some little friends to entertain them.

• Water bottle: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Bring the whole family their own water bottle, especially for those hot sunny days.

• Potty chair: With a potty-trained toddler, it is vital to have a potty nearby. Many baseball fields only have porta-potties, can we say gross. I am one of the biggest germaphobes and I try not to use the porta-potty unless it is an emergency-as in do or die. Bring your child’s potty chair with you and leave it in your vehicle. When they need to use the bathroom, head to the car for a potty break. Mom Hack: put a diaper or pull up in the potty bowl to catch the waste for easy cleanup and disposal.

• Stroller: for hauling your toddler to and from the field. Also, when they get tired they have a spot to sit, perfect for when there are no bleachers.

• Change of clothes/undies: accidents happen, always pack a change of clothes or extra sweatshirts in case, it gets chilly.

• Wipes & Hand sanitizer: to clean up any mess and disinfect hands. Keep a pack of wipes in your bag and in the car next to the potty chair.

• Blankets: when the sun goes down and the temperature dips, it is great to have a blanket handy to cover up with.

• Sunscreen: for those sunny afternoon games. It is always important to protect you and your little one’s skin from those UV rays.

• Hat & Sunglasses: keep the sun at bay during the game on hot days.

• Bug spray: to keep pesky mosquitoes and bugs away.

• Bandaids: for those minor cuts and scrapes your toddler may get from running around.

• Umbrella: keep an umbrella in your car for those unexpected rain showers.

• Folding Chair: bring a comfortable chair to kick back in during the game, as those bleachers can get uncomfortable after a while.

Prepped and ready to go enjoy some baseball! Did I miss anything? What are your must-haves when heading to your kids’ sporting events?