So you're thinking about taking your baby to an upcoming sporting event? Maybe you have already purchased the tickets and are trying to make a "game plan" before you get to the stadium. Luckily, you clicked the right Google search result or Pinterest pin because we have already taken our 14 month old daughter to seven professional sporting events. We have been to numerous arenas and stadiums and we have had different experiences at all of them.
My husband and I have always been sports fans. One of our first dates was to a hockey game. Before our daughter was born, going to sporting events was one of our favorite ways to spend time together. Once our daughter was born we wanted to make sure we started to include her in the fun as well. We knew there would be some obstacles that were not there before and it was going to be an entirely new experience, but it would be worth it.
If you are planning to take your baby to a sporting event, I want to encourage you. It can be done. It will not be the same as it was before, but once you get a couple outings under your belt- you will be professionals in no time. Here are some helpful tips and words of advice.
DIAPER BAG: Every arena or stadium we have been to with our daughter has allowed us to bring in her diaper bag. Normally, there is some sort of additional security checkpoint we need to go through, but we have never had any issues. I recommend checking the arena or stadium's website for their bag policy just to be safe. We have brought bottled water, snacks, and milk in her diaper bag and have never had issues with security.
STROLLER: What I have noticed with strollers is that outdoor stadiums normally allow them and indoor do not. Now, this could just be localized to our area so definitely check with the venue before you bring the stroller along. Having the stroller is a huge advantage depending on where your seats are located, in my opinion. If you have standing room tickets or top row with aisle seats then it makes sense to bring the stroller. However, if your seats are right in the middle of the row then the stroller becomes more of a burden. One of the stadiums we frequent has an area for "stroller check". It is amazing. We use the stroller to get from the parking lot to the stadium then once we are inside Guest Services has a secure area we can leave our stroller. I would definitely recommend checking the venues website to see if they allow strollers and if they have an area you can store your stroller while you enjoy the game.
DIAPER CHANGES: Most sporting events we have been to are around two hours long. For our daughter, usually one diaper change right before the game starts and one diaper change after the game have been sufficient. Thankfully, at these events, we haven't had any kind of diaper changes that were big messes - if you know what I mean. Almost all of the arenas and stadiums we have been to, especially the newer ones, have a designated "Mother's Room". These are rooms that usually provide a comfortable space for caregivers to take care of their little ones. This includes a spot for diaper changes, and a comfortable place to nurse/feed your baby. Sometimes the room may have a filtered water machine, fridge, microwave, or rocking chairs. I definitely recommend checking the venues map or asking guest services if they have a "Mother's Room" or designated area for caregivers and their little ones. Otherwise, the regular restrooms should have a baby changing station.
Here are some items we have found helpful to take with us to each event:
BABY CARRIER: There are two baby carriers that have been life savers. Depending on a couple different factors these are my go to baby carriers. The Ergobaby Carrier is my first choice if our seats are in the "uppers" where there is a pretty significant slant going down the stairs. It's just easier to secure her to me and have both hands free so I can hold onto the railing when climbing the stairs. The Ergobaby is also my choice when it is colder outside and having her secured to me allows my body heat to help keep her warm. My other favorite baby carrier is the TushBaby. This carrier secures around your waist and has a seat attached for your little one. If your kiddo likes to move around and be put down frequently, this is the carrier for you. I have been using this one as my daughter has gotten older since she likes to get down to try and walk. This carrier also requires you to still hold your baby so it is not "hands free". However, it will save your arms and back from tiring out quickly.
NOISE BLOCKING HEADPHONES: Sporting events can get really loud. The crowd and the music can be overwhelming for little ears. We use Banz for our daughter. When she was under one year old she would keep them on the entire time. Since she has gotten older, she has started to take them off here and there but when it gets really loud she will keep them on. Another pair we purchased when she was very young were Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protectors. I wasn't a huge fan of the tight band around her head, but some parents I have met really like them. Also some venues have sensory kits available to check out. You usually have to leave your ID or some sort of collateral when you check them out. I definitely recommend checking with the venue before you go to ensure they have this available if that's the route you want to take.
I hope this post has provided some clarity for your upcoming event. There is definitely more preparation and planning required when you take your baby to a game. You may miss a big play or not be able to stay for overtime. But, for us, it has been completely worth it when we get to see the excitement in our daughter's eyes. Sometimes I don't even get to watch the game, but I do get to watch it through her eyes and she so far has loved going with us.
Until next time!
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