Top

Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Tips For Taking a Baby to a Baseball Game

I took 5-month-old A to her fourth baseball game at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night, and I have lost count how many games 4-year-old V has been to since joining our family. Most of the time I have gone to the games without my husband because he works during them. I’ve learned a thing or two about how to successfully attend a ballgame with two kids and still have a good time. The key is being prepared!

I’ve already shared my tips for taking a toddler to a baseball game, so I’m focusing now on my tips for taking a baby to a baseball game:

  • Invest in Hearmuffs. Noise-canceling hearing protection has been a lifesaver for me. It allows my baby to not get startled and she can even nap despite the cheering and yelling that goes on at the stadium.
  • Use a baby carrier. I have the Baby K-tan and I love it, but any baby carrier will do as long as you’ve tried it before and it’s comfortable. If your baby is young enough he or she will probably nap in it.
  • Dress appropriately. It rained during one of the games, so I made sure we had extra baby clothes and blankets. I also made sure to bring hats for all of us and a mini umbrella hat. (Umbrellas aren’t allowed but I have a giveaway umbrella hat that I would have used.)
  • Arrive late or leave early. I typically do either or both. I like to arrive at the ballpark after a couple of innings have passed so most people have taken their seats by then. I also try to leave early, depending on how the baby is doing, to beat the crowds and traffic.
  • Bring snacks and water (and milk/formula).
  • Look up the location of the family restroom(s) before you go.
  • Try to buy seats on an aisle for easy entry and exit. Also, if it’s a warm day/time of year, try to buy a seat under shade.
  • Stick to day games. We went to a night game and it was significantly more challenging, but doable.
  • Relax. Take your time and enjoy yourself!

Have you been to a sporting event with little ones? How did it go?

** This post contains an affiliate link. I am compensated for purchases made through this link at no additional cost to you. 

Shop Baby K’tan**:

 

Related post:

Taking My Toddler to a Game at Wrigley Field

 

Taking a Toddler to a Baseball Game at Wrigley Field

 

Victoria is so lucky and she doesn’t even know it yet. She went to a Chicago Cubs World Series game in October and to three games this week at Wrigley Field. While it’s not easy to take a two-year-old to such a crowded place, it can definitely be fun for everyone involved. Of course, I don’t plan to take her to every game I attend, but when I do, here are some lessons I’ve learned to make the outing easier. These are specific to Wrigley Field but can apply to other ballparks as well.

Skip the stroller. The fewer bulky items you bring on the train and to the ballpark, the better. For her first game, I put her in a toddler carrier (Ergo brand), and that worked out well. I was able to easily get her in the ballpark and to our seats. Besides, you have to check strollers, so not having one saves you time.

If you can, buy a separate ticket so he or she can have her own seat. (Unless you’re OK with your toddler being on your lap for hours, that is.) While babies age 2 and younger don’t need a ticket, those on the older end of that spectrum would probably be better off in their own seat and you’ll be more comfortable. (I am not taking about infants who can be easily held and don’t wiggle as much.)

Bring snacks and a water bottle. Fill it up at water fountains to save at least $5.

Arrive early to avoid the crowds that gather in the concourse. For popular games, you will be shoulder to shoulder with someone in the concourse at Wrigley Field, so it’s best to either arrive early or late to the game. Otherwise, be patient. Also, enter through the gate on your ticket because it’s closer to your seats.

Choose seats wisely. I would suggest sitting somewhere that’s covered by shade in the summer to avoid getting too much sun or being soaked by rain. That means it’s probably best to not sit in the closer aisles but rather in the 200-level seats at Wrigley Field. I also suggest not picking seats in the middle of a row, as it can be tricky to get out for diaper changes. The best seats we had with a toddler were in Section 108, Row 1 at Wrigley Field, because she had no seat in front of her to potentially kick.

Look up where family restrooms, stroller check and guest services are before the game. It’s best to have an idea of where to go to save time.

Check the weather and dress accordingly. Chicago can have such deceiving weather. It was in the 70s on Opening Night but then it dropped down to the 40s. I brought a blanket this week to wrap her in on chilly Opening Night, but even then I wish I had brought warmer clothes and more accessories.

Get your first game certificate. I didn’t do this for Victoria’s first game but I wish I had!

Leave early if needed. Though you might not want to, play it by ear based on how well your toddler is doing. I left early this week to avoid the crowds walking toward the train (and because it was a night game and we wanted her to go to bed at a reasonable hour).

Have fun and stay calm. I was extremely nervous about taking her to a game, but I have found there is nothing to worry about. The people around me have always been welcoming of Victoria and many have even offered her snacks. On Opening Night, someone handed me a poncho for her. In October, someone gave her their freebie gloves even though she was already wearing gloves. She also made her big screen debut this week. Don’t worry so much on what could go wrong and enjoy the game!

Do you love baseball as much as we do?

 

Cubs Opening Night 2016

wrigley field, home opener, Cubs

Last year, I sat at Opening Night alone, shivering and a little terrified. We had just moved to Chicago a couple of weeks before then, and I didn’t know anyone to go to the game with. How things have changed! I have come to love Chicago over the past year, though I am completely over the cold right now. This year, I sat at Opening Night at Wrigley Field with a friend, still shivering but no longer afraid.

The energy was insane, as can be expected. I tried to get to game as early as possible, because I like to see everything that goes on before the game, plus I had heard about the new security screenings (metal detectors). I also love the people-watching. 
Fireworks and a flyover added to the celebration. This team has everyone excited about the possibilities and you can feel it when you’re at Wrigley Field.
I thought about the promise of the season, not just for the team but for my husband and me. I thought about our goals and hopes and dreams. The start of a new season or adventure is full of optimism. I reminded myself of one thing: It’s about the journey, not the destination. Try to live in every moment, even the uncomfortable ones. Cheers to you, Chicago!

Highlights:

Related posts:

Thank You, Cubs

On Opening Night 2015, I wondered how I would cheer for a team I didn’t know. It was my first game at Wrigley Field and Graham and I had been living in Chicago for two weeks. I had no one to go to the game with, so I went alone. I was still terrified of the move we had just made from Phoenix, and I would be for months. 
As the season progressed, I felt more comfortable and started to have a lot more fun. Maybe this move wouldn’t be so bad, I thought. The team was fun to watch, and I experienced the tradition and revelry that Wrigley is known for. The crowds’ chants were irresistible. I was able to see the most amazing plays and nerve-racking games. I could take any out-of-town visitors with me knowing they would have a great time.
When I sat in my seat at Wrigley that first night, I didn’t imagine they would make it to the playoffs, let alone the NLCS. We got a lot more baseball than we expected, and I’m grateful for that. I’m glad I got to see what happens in Wrigleyville when the team wins big, even if my head was killing me the entire next day. Ah, the memories.
Thank you for making my first seven months in Chicago a blast, Cubs. See you in April! (Or maybe even at spring training!)

NLDS, Chicago Cubs
The Cubs’ NLDS win

Fourth of July fireworks at Wrigley

The Wrigley scoreboard

Kris Bryant
Kris Bryant

post signature

A Celebration in Wrigleyville

I can now say I have celebrated a Cubs playoff win in Wrigleyville. It’s not lost on me how lucky I was to have a ticket to the NLDS Game 4 at Wrigley Field. 

If you looked at the stands, you’d see a see of blue and white. The white was from W flags that we all waved tirelessly. I was afraid to leave my seat for fear of missing something, like Schwarber’s 419-foot home run in the 7th inning.  
Also not to be missed was a tribute video of Harry Caray leading the stretch. Everyone pops out their cellphone to record a video.

And then, the most intense moments were watching for those last three outs. I would not believe it was happening until the final strike was called. 
The celebration began, both inside and outside of Wrigley. 

Afterward, I was able to celebrate with Graham and friends at a nearby bar. I was exhausted, starving, and sweaty from all the jumping around I did during the game. But it was all worth it for the experience I’ll never forget.
Go Cubs! post signature

About Last Night: NLDS Game 3 2015

Yesterday I darted to the train with a plan to make it to Wrigley Field by 4 p.m., about an hour and 10 minutes before Game 3 of the NLDS. My anxiety was as high as Sears Tower. For Graham and me, the Cubs’ success means a lot. We moved here for this, so being able to witness this season has been gratifying. 
It was pure madness in Wrigleyville when I arrived at the Addison stop.
I don’t know what the outcome of tonight’s game or the series will be, but I know that even if their run ends this week, I will be beyond grateful for the memories I’ve had this season. Last night’s game is the most memorable, rowdy and fun of my life. I planned to take photos but was too enthralled by the game and the atmosphere. I hope tonight will be more of the same. 
Go Cubs!

NLDS, Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs
NLDS, Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs

Previous Cubs memories:

post signature

Fourth of July 2015 at Wrigley Field

What is more American than baseball? A Cubs game was the perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday.

Before the game, the ceremony featured a giant American flag unfurled across the field by service members. Small bursts of fireworks were lighted throughout the game, as if to build anticipation. 
The game started with a bang when Kris Bryant hit a grand slam. That set the tone for the evening, which ended in the first postgame fireworks held at Wrigley Field.
When the fireworks show was being set up, I realized they were being shot into the air from the field. I worried what that would do to the grass and whether what looked like four fire extinguishers could put out a potential fire. But there was nothing to worry about. The show seemed to go off without a hitch.

The grounds crew adorned the field with a star to go along with the stripes on the field.

Combined with another Cubs game Sunday on the bleachers and the architecture cruise on the Chicago River, the game helped make this the best Fourth of July weekend I’ve ever had. 

A Rainy Cubs Game

Rain, rain, go away; I have tickets to the Cubs game today!

The forecast is calling for severe thunderstorms tonight, when I have plans to go to the game against the LA Dodgers. It’s reminding me of the June 13 Cubs game vs. the Reds that was delayed for hours; it was actually the most fun game I’ve watched at Wrigley Field.

We had the best seats I’ve had yet. We were under the overhang, which kept us dry but still gave us an unobstructed view of the field, the screens, the rooftops and the city.

The energy at Wrigley is always electric, but it seemed on overdrive that weekend because Chicago was treated gorgeous weather earlier that day and because the Blackhawks were playing that night in Tampa.

The game logged about 5 innings before the rain became more intense. Lightning shot through the sky; it was met with ooohs from the fans. The thunder was impressive — and scary — as well. Who you gonna call? The grounds crew! We watched intently as the tarp was successfully rolled out.

But fans still had entertainment during the delay: the Blackhawks game was shown on the big screen, to the delight of … everyone!

Sorry for the lousy photo!

While the experience was memorable, I’m hoping tonight’s game — if it happens — will not be as eventful.

A Perfect Day for Baseball

It’s foggy and 50-something degrees right now in Chicago.

 I’m daydreaming about Sunday, when the temperature reached 77.

What else is a girl to do on such a beautiful day than go to a baseball game? Sunday’s Cubs game was a drastic difference from Opening Night baseball, weatherwise. The forecast predicted a beautiful day, but there was some talk about thunderstorms rolling in.

I struggle with what to wear on a daily basis, because the weather is unpredictable. I decided to wear shorts, sandals, a short-sleeve top and a cardigan, and I packed a rain poncho in my purse, just in case.

Sunshine blanketed us for most of the game, until some light rain moved in. It wasn’t enough to dampen our experience though; it only lasted a few minutes. I chowed down on healthy snacks of nachos and fries with cheese and tried to learn the names of more of the players.

My companion to the game had to cancel on me two days before, so I was left scrambling to find someone to go with on Saturday. I have no problem going to baseball games by myself, which is what I did on Opening Night, but I didn’t want to waste a ticket. After reaching out to a few people I hardly know, I was able to find someone. It would be a blind friend date, so I was nervous about what she would be like. To my delight, she ended up being someone I’d hang out with again. She made the conversation easy, and we had many things in common, including both being new to Chicago.

I realized that the worrying I had done before the game about finding a companion and whether it would thunderstorm was useless and unnecessary. Somehow everything works out.

My First Cubs Game at Wrigley Field: Opening Night 2015

My introduction to Wrigley Field happened on Opening Night 2015. I rode the Red Line down to the ballpark, and as soon as I exited the CTA station I began to witness the madness.

I walked into Wrigley. I was given a No. 14 pin commemorating Mr. Cub, along with a schedule magnet. Fans were cheering, drinking, taking photos. I snaked my way through the crowds inside, stopping to pick up a pretzel with cheese on the way to my seat. As I walked away from the snack bar, I noticed the menu had a black bean burger. I’ll be ordering that at some point, I thought.

My seat was in Aisle 213, which is under an overhang. Directly above the seat were the suites, and I watched people go in and out all night. The seats quickly filled up as I waited for the pre-game Fall Out Boy concert. The temperatures were dropping and there was a cold wind hitting my face. I made the rookie mistake of not dressing in appropriate clothing for the game, because it had been much warmer just hours before. People around me were draped in Cubs blankets, and I was jealous.

Fans were on their feet for most of the pre-game happenings, which included a tribute to Ernie Banks. Some chanted “Ernie! Ernie!” and other tributes. It was touching to see people so proud of their team and its history. The fans also cheered loudly for Jerry and Joey Banks, who threw the first pitch. The new video board made its debut that night. Videos of Ernie Banks were shown between innings, and the bleachers, which are still being renovated, were covered in Mr. Cub tarps. Also, I’ve never heard a crowd as into singing the national anthem. Fall Out Boy performed three songs before the game, including “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark/Light Em Up” and “Centuries,” which is on my running playlist. The team’s lineup included a familiar name: Miguel Montero, who was one of my favorite Diamondbacks players in recent years.

The entire experience was surreal. There’s something special about watching a baseball game at Wrigley. I wished I had remembered to bring the GoPro for higher-quality photos. I look forward to attending more games this season.

); ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); ga('require', 'linkid', 'linkid.js'); ga('set', 'anonymizeIp', true); ga('send', 'pageview');