If you’re following me on IG (@hollybowmanxo) or my current obsession, Snapchat (@holbowman), you’ve probably noticed a super cute little George at a Blue Jays game! Hubs and I had the pleasure of taking our little dude to a game last week + it was amazing.
I want to start off by mentioning that I was incredibly anxious about this whole thing. We’d be traveling downtown during GBB’s short but sometimes wild witching hour. The game started at George’s bedtime. It would be loud. It would be crazy. I was worried I would be a bother to those around me. We didn’t have aisle seats (but we had fantastic seats–third base, hello Josh Donaldson, you stud!).
ANYWAY.
I was a wreck. I legit cried the night before to my hubs because I felt I was being selfish. SELFISH! I was disrupting George’s bedtime routine so I could enjoy a baseball game (which is easily one of my favourite things to do! AND I hadn’t been to a game since before he arrived!) and that made me feel like a shit mom. I know. I’m crazy. I am not a shit mom. And I am not selfish. I can’t believe I cried, haha. Well, actually maybe I can. Hashtag emo mom.
Tears aside, it was a magical night. We drove downtown and GBB was super happy to be out and about (and up past his bedtime, the little party animal!). We had tacos and hotdogs before the game + I wore George in my best friend, the Ergo. I literally would marry this damn carrier. It has saved my life. For all you mamas + mamas to be, do not hesitate; put that shit on your registry. You’re welcome.
I thought I would share a few tips for bringing baby to a sporting event. Because it is do-able and doesn’t need to involve tears.
- If possible, sit on the aisle. You will need to get up and walk/bounce/move with your little one at some point (apparently, babies get fussy, ha). This enables you to leave without disrupting the peeps beside you. And honestly, most people are super understanding with babies but it’ll probably make you feel better that you’re not a nuisance. Like I mentioned above, I did not have an aisle seat but I was graced with lovely people who literally told me “not a problem”, “no worries”, and smiled at me. Thank you kind strangers for helping me be less of a spazz and not burst into tears.
- Noise cancelling headphones! I think this is a must. We bought these headphones but weren’t 100% sure if we were going to need them or if George would keep them on. It wasn’t the playoffs so it wouldn’t be tooooo wild, right? Wrong. It was loud-the clapping, the music, and the overall excitement + I knew immediately that we made the right decision to have them. George did incredible with them on (and oh my heart, he looked SCRUMPTIOUS). I took them off when I nursed him to sleep + just kept my hand on the ear that was not pressed against my chest. (I nursed him to sleep in the concourse not in our seats; it was way less noisy there + I watched the game on the televisions. He feel asleep at the bottom of the third inning!).
- Use a carrier (I obviously recommend a sturdy one like the Ergo!). Not only does the carrier keep your baby feeling nice and cozy, but it also gives you access to both your arms and your hands. Perfect to hold the delicious $12 stadium beer ;)
- Bring a backpack. It’s no surprise that babies need a lot of stuff and having a backpack is so helpful. Just shove all the wipes/diapers/toys/puffs you need and you’re good to go. Hubs carried the backpack as I carried the butterball. It also fit perfectly under the sticky seats.
- Be prepared to not be prepared. Yep, you read that right. We were lucky to have a very smooth experience with George but I know that not every outing is as chill and I think, if you lower your expectations, you will have a much better time! I was totally prepared to leave early or walk around the stadium in circles if needed. The fact that I didn’t have to do either of these things made me feel like I was invincible/super mom/MVP.
- Have fun! This is important. Try not to stress (haha, I need to take my own advice!) and enjoy the experience. I was so proud of GBB. I was so proud of hubs. I was so proud of myself! I literally almost cried (surprise!) with happiness.
When hubs and I were dating, we would often talk about our future plans for our future family and we always always always talked about bringing our littles to baseball games. And we did it! It was the kind of night that made me feel like I was living my dream, ya know? M A G I C A L.
I hope the above helps and also inspires you to go do something you love and bring baby with you! It can be done! Aaaaaand if I didn’t have a meltdown, you won’t either! ;)
XO
Love it!