Baby’s First Baseball Game: How to Make it Easy

A Guide to Keeping Baby’s First Baseball Game Fun for Everyone

I did not do any research before I took my baby’s first baseball game. Unfortunately, once I got there I realized I should have done some research to save myself some stress. This guide is to help you have a better experience at baby’s first baseball game!

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You cannot bring a full-size stroller into the ballpark. However, you can bring an “umbrella” stroller that can fold up to fit under your seats. I would leave the stroller at home for the day but if you are out and about prior to the game there are options. Most ballparks in big cities have lockers you can rent close to the ballpark for storage. Usually, you can look at the specific ballpark’s website to see if they offer lockers.

Get Your Gear for Baby’s First Baseball Game

Headphones

JL was around 9 weeks old when took him to his first Red Sox game. I did not have headphones for him to protect his ears from the loud announcements. Luckily, the guest services desk at Fenway had some we could sign out and borrow for the game. They were a little big for him but they protected his ears and as soon as I got home I ordered these for him.

I ordered the baseball themed headphones for JL but there are plenty of options!

We found that he could sleep through any loud noises at the game with the headphones in place. Crowd goes wild? Still sleeping 🙂

Baby carrier

I recommend bringing some type of baby carrier to free up your hands for peanuts or whatever it is you like to enjoy! Also, to keep you from getting too tired after holding a baby for several hours.

Personally, we preferred the backpack style carrier as we felt it helped distribute the weight better. Additionally, my husband and I could easily take it on and off to trade who was wearing him.

I chose to wear a cloth wrap for my baby’s first baseball. These are great for discreetly nursing in my opinion but they do have a bit of a learning curve when putting them on. Be sure to practice at home prior to arriving at the baseball field. Also, be careful when putting it on at the ball field if you are short like me because the end can drag the ground as you’re putting it on. Gross!

I tried several different cloth wrap carriers and the ones I tie myself were my favorite as I tie them to fit my body. Therefore, they help prevent back strain.

Diaper bag

I do not recommend bringing an expensive diaper bag to the ballpark. It is going to be placed on the ground under your seat where it will likely have a drink or two spilt on it and some peanut shells too. You have no control over what the people sitting around you are doing. We brought an affordable backpack style diaper bag with us. It holds a lot and is stylish but does not show dirt easily. I definitely would leave the designer diaper bag at home.

While I am on the topic of diaper bags, it will get searched on the way into the ballpark by security. Obviously I do not think you would intentionally have anything sharp in the bag, but do make sure to remove any random baby tools you will not need for the game. This will help you get into the ball park faster and I am sure the people behind you in line at security will appreciate it too!

Of course, bring plenty of whatever you may need for the game. Diapers, wipes, burp cloths, pacifiers, etc. We actually forgot JL’s pacifier in his stroller so he got a souvenir Red Sox pacifier from the gift shop. I recommend using a pacifier clip so it does not get dropped on the ground.

Make sure to bring layers for your baby if it is a late afternoon game and it will go from warm to cool.

Hat

Even if it is a night game, you will likely be arriving to the ballpark before the sun goes down. Bring a wide brim hat you can tie on to baby to protect them from the sun until nighttime.

Nursing Cover or Bottles

Depending on the design of your baby carrier, you may need to bring a nursing cover if you plan on nursing at the ballpark. I prefer a muslin scarf during the summer. It does not take up too much space in the diaper bag if it is too warm to wear. Also, it will not make the baby hot. Plus, it stays in place easily since it goes over your neck. Some people just bring an extra burp cloth they can drape over the baby’s face. It all depends on your comfort level. Fenway and other ballparks have nursing pods if you want privacy and are willing to miss part of the game.

If you are bottle feeding, make sure to bring the bottles you may need and the formula. If your baby will only drink warm bottles, you will also need to bring a portable bottle warmer or a thermos with hot and a cup. You can pour the hot water in a cup when ready and place the bottle inside.

Gear for Cheering on the Home Team at Baby’s First Baseball Game

Obviously this will based on who you’re rooting for! Here are some links for some baseball themed baby gear!

Pick the Best Seats for Baby’s First Baseball Game

Personally, I think choosing the best seats is based on a lot of factors and everyone has a different opinion. However, I am going to give you some things to keep in mind when choosing your seats based on my experience.

Sun

Are you going to a day game or a night game? If it is a day game you probably want to sit where it will be shaded to protect your little one from the sun. If it is a night game, you have more options as most of the game will occur once the sun goes down. However, I would still bring a hat to keep baby shaded during the remaining daylight.

While I am discussing day vs. night games, keep in mind that baseball games are known to go into extra innings. If baby is on a strict sleep schedule, you may have to leave early even if it is a 4pm game due to extra innings. Or you can just let it be a night they are off schedule, up to you!

Noise

We chose seats under the grandstand to protect JL from the sun since it was a day game. Unfortunately, we were sitting right below the speakers and it was way too loud! Be sure to bring headphones if you’re unsure of how loud your seats are!

Seated vs. Standing Room

Originally, I was very anti- standing room only seats when taking my baby to baseball games. However, some friends of mine got standing room seats and changed my mind. Night games are preferable as there is little shade. Also, you usually have to arrive a little early to stake out a spot in the standing room sections if you want a good view of the game. So time can be a factor if you’re on a tight schedule and cannot arrive early.

Overall, I found it was a lot faster to get in out of the standing room area to go to the bathroom for diaper changes, etc. In the seats, there are typically stairs to climb etc. and you may have to walk a few minutes to get to a bathroom. Also, concessions tended to be closer in the standing room areas. This does vary ballpark to ballpark so take a look at the layout prior to purchasing tickets. Standing room areas can have rowdier fans that may bump into you, so this may not be ideal if you are in a small group. I did not want anyone bumping into me when I was wearing my baby.

Finally, it can be harder to nurse in a standing room area as opposed to being seated. When we bought standing room tickets, I planned to bring a bottle and pump instead of nursing him while at the game.

Aisle vs. Middle Seats For Baby’s First Baseball Game

We almost always choose aisle seats as opposed to middle seats so we can easily get in and out of our seats. As you may know, the drawback to aisle seats is you will likely have to get up and down frequently to let the people in the middle seats in and out. If your baby wakes up when moved, aisle seats may not be a good idea for you if the game coincides with nap times. It likely will if you plan on staying for the whole game.

Baseball is For Everyone!

I hope this guide helps you enjoy baby’s first baseball game! Attending a baseball game is such a fun, family-friendly activity you can enjoy for many years.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to comment below!

BV,

Megan

*This website contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.