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Baseball Mom Game Day Essentials
100
items I'm a Florida travel ball mom who's spent way too many tournament weekends figuring this out the hard way - the hard way being 100-degree heat, a canopy that broke when a light breeze flipped it up, and forgetting water more times than I'd like to ad...
Sections
10
The Field Setup
Surviving the Heat
The Cooler
The Snack Station
Someone Always Needs Something Kit
What's in Mom's Baseball Bag
The Field Setup
I have spent enough time sitting in a folding chair with the sun beating down on me to know a good field setup is not optional. These are the things that make my little corner of the ballpark feel a whole lot more civilized.
Must have - I love my wagon! I can load up the canopy, chairs, cooler, bags, snacks, and sibling chaos and make only one trip from the car.
Member’s Mark All Terrain Folding Wagon
Nice to have - I keep this canopy in the car so I don't have to fight for shade under someone else's canopy. A 10x10 gives my whole family a home base.
Captiva Designs 10’x10’ Instant Pop Up Canopy Tent – One-Push Setup with Vented Roof, Includes Storage Bag and Accessories-Blue
Must with a canopy - Do not buy a canopy without these! I've learned the hard way that wind + a giant 10x10 sail at a baseball field = absolutely not. The wind will always wind exactly when you think you're safe.
Caravan Canopy Weight Plates
Nice to Have - This is a good alternative to the canopy. Not as big, but it still keeps you under the shade and takes up less space in the car.
AMMSUN 6.5ft Lightweight Sports Beach Umbrella Portable Shade with Stand for Outdoor Games,Blue
Must have - I love these umbrellas! Comes in a 2 pack, they're both huge and keep all 5 of us dry even if we're sitting in our chairs. And sometimes I use them when I can't, or don't want to, put up the canopy.
Nautica 2-Pack Golf Umbrella Set
Must have - I'm going to be sitting for hours, so I might as well be comfy.
GCI Outdoor Eazy Chair Folding Quad Outdoor Portable Camping Chair with Carry Bag - Teal
Nice to have - My fave! The rocking is nice while sitting around for hours.
GCI Outdoor Comfort Pro Rocker 2.0 Chair
Nice to have - Good for those days when we only have one game and don't need to set up a canopy.
GCI Outdoor SunShade Comfort Pro Rocker Chair
Must have - Perfect seat for toddlers! Because they always want their own.
DSG Junior Chair
Must have - I always have a blanket in the car! It's good for sitting, lounging, naps, snack time, or giving feral siblings somewhere to spread out. Sometimes it rains, or it gets suddenly cold and I'm always glad I have this blanket.
SUN CUBE Waterproof Outdoor Blanket, Fleece Windproof Foldable
Surviving the Heat
I'm a Florida baseball mom. Here's what I use to help keep me, dad, and the kids cool, shaded, hydrated, and slightly less miserable when the heat index says I should absolutely be somewhere indoors with AC.
Must have - I always have a couple of bottles in my bag. Tournament days are long, and there's always someone who forgot theirs.
Banana Boat Kids' Sport Sunscreen Spray - SPF 50+ - 9.5oz
Nice to have - This is the one my kids don't fight me to put on and reapply later. It rolls on clear and I can apply quickly.
Banana Boat Sport Kids Sunscreen Stick SPF 50,Travel Sunscreen for Kids, 0.5 oz
Must have - These are the best cooling towels. But I tell the kids these are for mom and dad (because they always lose them).
Frogg Toggs iCOOL PVA Cooling Towel, Reusable and Washable Towel, 26” x 17”, Sky Blue
Must have - I buy these in bulk because my kids lose everything. And you can match the cooling towel to the team colors!
10 Pack Cooling Towels
Nice to have - I love mine, and don't share with the kids lol. I recharge it the night before and bring one for each of the kids because they fight over them.
Misting Fan Portable - Handheld Turbo Fan with Mist, Spray Water Mister Fans, 4000mAh Rechargeable, 5-Speeds
Must have - For the sibs! My kids seem to like the spout on these vs. straws and the other popular ones out there. And they come in a ton of pretty colors!
Owala 24 fl oz Stainless Steel Special Edition FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle - Cloud Watching
Must have for my little ballers! Cold water is a different experience when you're playing at a ballfield in August. And the fence hooks help keep it in sight.
Under Armour Insulated 64 oz Jet Grey/Black Water Bottle
Nice to have - 1 Gallon. I use this as the family refill station instead of toting a bunch of plastic water bottles.
1 Gallon Water Bottle Insulated Jug 128oz, Keep Hot 12H & Cold 48
Must have - I like this kind of sports drink best for my ballers and myself on the long, hot days. Tournament hydration is more than grabbing a soda from the concession stand.
Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Electrolyte Drink Variety Pack, 12 fl oz., 12 pk.
Must have - Hydration is so important. But sometimes it's easier to carry these packets. I use these when we only have one game to go to, or add them to water bottles and freeze them for a little slushie drink.
(2 pack) Gatorade Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Cherry Lime, Powdered Energy Drink Mix, 0.52 oz, 6 Count Packets
The Cooler
I wouldn't survive game days without a cooler. It's basically the MVP of tournament day. Drinks, ice, fruit, cold snacks, and enough hydration to keep everyone going through multiple games. These are the coolers, ice packs, bottles, and drink essenti...
Nice to have - I am in love with this cooler! It is pricey, but so pretty! It has tons of room for all of the drinks and ice, a snack drawer to keep things from melting and getting soggy, and wheels.
Ninja Outdoor FrostVault 52 Cans/45 qt Wheeled Cooler with Cold Dry Zone - Slate Gray
Must have - The classic cooler. Keeps everything cold, but no frills or fuss.
Coleman Classic 62 Qt Hard-Sided Rolling Cooler with Wheels, Ice Chest, Lakeside Blue
Must have - I use the smaller cooler when we only have 1 game to go to. And I love this color!
Igloo 16 QT Laguna Hard Side Ice Chest Cooler with Wheels, Aqua Blue
Nice to have - My fave cuz it's so pretty! I use it when we go to ballparks that don't allow coolers. It holds drinks, snacks and lots of ice or ice packs.
YETI Hopper M20 Soft Backpack Cooler
Must have - I like this backpck because some parks don't allow coolers. Holds lots of drinks and snacks, and ice or reusable ice packs.
Igloo 30 Can Capacity Marine Backpack Soft Side Cooler
Nice to have - I use it to pack lunches & snacks so I don't have to go to the concession stands.
Thermos Dual Compartment Lunch Bag - Black
Must have - I keep a couple of these permanently in the freezer and use them in my soft sided cooler.
Freez Pak Large Reusable Ice Pack with Hard Shell, 2.4lbs
Stock-Up - I love to have water bottles on hand because we just never seem to have enough.
Member's Mark Purified Water 16.9 fl. oz., 40 pk.
Must have - My kids need this while at their games to stay hydrated.
Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Electrolyte Drink Variety Pack, 12 fl oz., 12 pk.
The Snack Station
Somebody is always hungry! These are my picks for easy pre-game fuel and practice snacks to between-games tournament fuel and post-game recovery. They're the grab and go snacks that keep my kids fueled without turning my cooler into a chaotic mess. S...& cheese sandwiches or wraps to eat between games. And of course we always pack fruit to go: bananas, mandarins/oranges, watermelon, or pre-made fruit bowls.
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice Fuel (Easy Carbs)
We are big fans of these. Easy to eat before a game.
We are big fans of these. Easy to eat before a game.
Honey Stinger Peanut Butter Energy Bar - 1.31 oz/6 pk
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice Fuel (Easy Carbs)
This is our favorite brand of applesauce. It's quick, easy, and hits when they want something sweet.
This is our favorite brand of applesauce. It's quick, easy, and hits when they want something sweet.
Musselman's Original Applesauce Cups, 4 oz, 6 Ct
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice (Easy Carbs) and Between Games Fuel
My kids prefer the pretzel sticks over the actual pretzels.
My kids prefer the pretzel sticks over the actual pretzels.
Rold Gold Sticks Pretzels - 16oz
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice (Easy Carbs) and Between Games Fuel
Hands down a favorite snack in our house. Perfect easy carbs for pre-games and practice
Hands down a favorite snack in our house. Perfect easy carbs for pre-games and practice
Dot's Homestyle Pretzels Original Seasoned Pretzel Twists Snack, 16 oz
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice (Easy Carbs) and Between Games Fuel
Two of my kids' faves together in one - pretzels and peanut butter.
Two of my kids' faves together in one - pretzels and peanut butter.
Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels - 44oz - Market Pantry
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice (Easy Carbs) and Between Games Fuel Another fave in our house for pre-game or practice. They can even eat it in the car on the way.
Smucker’s Uncrustables Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly Sandwiches, 10 Count, 2 oz Each, Frozen
Pre-Game & Pre-Practice (Easy Carbs) and Between Games Fuel Another fave in our house for pre-game or practice. They eat it in the car on the way. I switch up the jellies so they don't get too bored with them.
Smucker's Uncrustables Peanut Butter & Raspberry Spread Sandwich - 30oz/15ct
Between Games Snack
I love these, still working on my kids liking them. But these are perfect to eat something more substantial in between games.
I love these, still working on my kids liking them. But these are perfect to eat something more substantial in between games.
Sabra Classic Hummus Snacker with Pretzels - 4.56oz: Dairy-Free, Plant-Based, Vegan
Between Games Snack
I think the kids only eat these because of the chocolate nut cluster, but I'll take it. Good fuel for between games.
I think the kids only eat these because of the chocolate nut cluster, but I'll take it. Good fuel for between games.
P3 Portable Protein Snack Pack with Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters, Turkey & Cheddar Cheese - 2oz
Between Games Snack
Perfect fuel for between games. They come in packs of 5 too, so there's enough for everyone.
Perfect fuel for between games. They come in packs of 5 too, so there's enough for everyone.
P3 Portable Protein Snack Pack with Turkey, Almonds & Colby Jack Cheese, 5 Count Box, 2 oz Trays
Between Games Snacks
We love these in all of the flavors. They're good to eat while waiting around between games.
We love these in all of the flavors. They're good to eat while waiting around between games.
Nature's Bakery Raspberry Fig Bar - 36oz/18pk
Between Games and Post-Game Recovery Snack
Hands down family favorite! It's the best jerky we've ever had. The protein is good for between games and post-game recovery.
Hands down family favorite! It's the best jerky we've ever had. The protein is good for between games and post-game recovery.
Golden Island Korean Barbecue Pork Jerky and Snack Bites, 1.50 oz., 12 pk.
Post-Game Recovery
We love this chocolate milk! My kids think they're getting a treat, but it's a solid carb and protein combo.
We love this chocolate milk! My kids think they're getting a treat, but it's a solid carb and protein combo.
Fairlife Low Fat, Ultra-Filtered Milk, Rich Chocolate Flavor, All Natural Flavors, 14 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Post-Game Recovery
Another great way to get some protein in after the game.
Another great way to get some protein in after the game.
Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt Strawberry on The Bottom 5.3 oz 4PK
Tournament Stock-Up
Bulk buy that covers different kids' snack demands at once.
Bulk buy that covers different kids' snack demands at once.
Kar's Nut & Fruit Mix Variety Pack Trail Mix, 1 oz., 18 pk.
Tournament Stock-Up
Honestly….I'm not a fan, but my 3 kids love these, and that's what matters.
Honestly….I'm not a fan, but my 3 kids love these, and that's what matters.
Pirate's Booty Gluten-Free Aged White Cheddar + Cheddar Blast Puffed Kid Snacks Variety Pack (18 count)
Tournament Stock-Up
We're just a family of pretzel lovers. Can't go wrong with these.
We're just a family of pretzel lovers. Can't go wrong with these.
Snack Factory Variety Pack Pretzel Crisps, 1.5 oz., 24 pk.
Tournament Stock-Up
Can't say no to chips. But I am mad that I can never find all of our faves in one box.
Can't say no to chips. But I am mad that I can never find all of our faves in one box.
Frito-Lay Variety Pack Chips & Snacks, 30 pk.
Tournament Stock-Up
I think we get these mostly for the Funyuns and Fritos twists. Definitely our favorites.
I think we get these mostly for the Funyuns and Fritos twists. Definitely our favorites.
Frito-Lay Premiere Mix Variety Pack Chips, 30 pk.
Someone Always Needs Something Kit
I'm always expected to have it all, and I usually do lol. Some stays in the car, some is in my mom bag. It's a collection of little emergency and just-in-case essentials that save the day.
I always carry this around in my mom bag cuz I just never know when I'm going to need it. Lifesaver!
Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit OSHA/ANSI, 351 ct.
These are so cute! Perfect for when it's more of a comfort thing than an actual bleeding injury.
Welly Kids' Flex Fabric Bandages - Ice Cream - 48ct
I mean…have you seen what these kids get into at these fields? A must before they eat anything, and at least another couple of times before we leave the park.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes Singles - Fresh Scent - 24ct
It's come in handy so many times…kids are stain magnets lol
Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover Pen - 0.33 fl oz: Bleach-Free, Fresh Scent, Travel Size, 50 Uses
Works for injuries and even to cool down. Ice just melts too fast in the Florida heat.
Cold Compress Ice Packs, Disposable, 6 pack
Perfect for wrist or knee injuries. It's quick and easy, and stays in place.
OK TAPE 2 Rolls Ice Self Stick Bandage Wrap, Instant Cold Relief for Knee, Ankle, Wrist, Cold Compress Elastic Athletic Tape for Sports Injuries, No Refrigeration Needed, 4 Inch Wide, Navy Blue
I hate to hear the kids say their head hurts, but at least I can offer them some Motrin. Good to have since we're out in the Florida heat a lot.
Children's Motrin Ibuprofen Chewable Tablets, Grape, 24 Ct
I keep both acetaminophen and ibuprofen in my first aid kit. Must have if they're out in the heat all day.
Children's Tylenol Dye-Free Chewable Acetaminophen, Wild Berry, 24 Count
Another must have. Saved the day when my nephew had hives from wearing a chest guard during a tournament that was rain delayed for hours.
Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Cold & Allergy Relief Tablets, 24 Count
Because port-o-potties are gross, and sometimes the bathrooms are too. I like these oversized ones so that my kids' hands, and underwear and clothes don't touch anything gross.
Toilet Seat Covers - Disposable XL Potty Seat Covers, Individually Wrapped by Potty Shields - Extra-Large, No Slip (Sports 6 Pack)
Still in my car for emergencies! Came in handy when a ballpark kicked everyone out and locked the gates due to lightning, and then my kid had to go # 2.
PandaEar Foldable Baby Potty with Travel Bag and 4 Storage Bags| Portable Travel Potty Training Seat for Toddler Kids
What's in Mom's Baseball Bag
The things that permanently live in my bag because the one time I leave them at home is guaranteed to be the exact time someone needs them.
I love the clear, hard shell zipper cases for all of the things in my bag. I can organize by category/type, and things don't get squashed at the bottom of my bag.
4 Pcs Clear Hard Shell Zipper Case Travel Organizer Bags Toiletry Cases Waterproof Cosmetic Pouches Portable Travel Storage Bag Organizer, 4Colors,Large
These bags are nice for organizing your Mom bag if you don't like the hard shell cases.
3Pack Clear Makeup Bags,Clear Toiletry Bag with Zipper Handle, Translucent Cosmetic Bag,Waterproof Clear Travel Bags,Portable Toiletry Carry Pouch
Keeps our phones and any electronics we bring charged. It also charges quickly.
10000mAh Power Bank with Retractable Cable - heyday™ White
Must have after a long, hot, sweaty day. Especially if we're not going straight home to shower.
Huggies Extra Large Unscented Body Wipes, 1 Flip-Top Pack, 42 Count
It's been a few years since I've had a baby, but I still stash these everywhere. The car, my bags and purses, the house. I even use them on the dog sometimes.
Huggies Care Sensitive Unscented Baby Wipes - 168ct - 3pk: Cotton, Hypoallergenic, Alcohol-Free
.I always have some kind of deodorant in my bag, but this Dr. Squatch works so well and it doesn't stain
DR. SQUATCH Men's Invisible Glide Deodorant - Natural Coastal Mist - 2.65oz
Love these hair ties for my and my daughter's hair. They're comfy and don't break if you stretch them to get that last twist in.
Gimme Seamless Hair Ties for Medium Fit Hair, Microfiber, Black, 12 Count
A mini sewing kit, because you just never know
Fiskars 27pc Travel Sewing Kit with Case and TSA Compliant Scissors
Hand sanitizer but pretty and smells delish. The kids gladly use it when it smells this good.
VQ Hand Sanitizer - Fresh Watermelon - 1.01 fl oz
Mom's Fave Bags
Because the right bag for the day depends entirely on the situation. How long are we staying at the field? How far do I have to walk, and are we using the wagon? Do I have all my kids, or just the one with a game(s)?
My workhorse! It holds everything and can just get hosed off after. It usually stays packed and I take things out/put them back in as we go. Mine is hot pink, but I've been loving all the new patterns and colors.
Bogg Bag Original
I love this for when I need something smaller than the Bogg, but bigger than my mini backpack. And it looks so cute with bows and bag charms.
YETI Camino 35 Carryall 2.0 Tote Bag
Hands down my most favorite bag ever! I've had it for over 6 years. I've used it as a mini-baby bag, my daily purse, for traveling, at theme parks, for long tournament days. It's sat in the rain and under intense sun. And it's only now showing signs ...
PINCNEL Women Waterproof Nylon Anti-theft Backpack
Love this bag to hold my personal and important items (wallet, car keys, phone, etc.) on me at all times while at the fields.
Thule Paramount 2L Crossbody Bag
For when I'm feeling super minimalist and don't have pockets on my pants.
Kipling Tally Crossbody Phone Bag Blue Bleu 2
Of course this is on my Bogg bag!!
Bogg Bit Sports Bits
I love this because I tend to buy neutral color bags and this adds a splash of color.
Locket Heart & Cord Bow Bag Charm - Wild Fable™ with Olivia Dayton Pink/Gold
Can't say no to baseball bag charms! And the color is so bright!
Gameday Sport Baseball Bag Charm - Universal Thread™ Multi
Feral Sibling Survival Kit
Apparently watching your sibling(s) play baseball for hours is not considered entertainment! Scooters, bubbles, quiet activities, and everything else that keeps the non-players occupied while their sibling takes the field.
These are a fun way to burn off energy on the sidewalk next to the fields. Easy to fold, don't take up much space, and no charging needed. And, it's easier to spot your feral from the crew when it starts getting dark at 4pm.
Razor A+ 2 Wheel Scooter with LED Lights - Black: Aluminum Frame, Urethane Wheels
This is a great scooter for the older kids. Non-electric because I don't need another thing added on to my list.
FED FITNESS Foldable Kick Scooter for Kids, 240 LBS Max Load, 8IN Big Wheels, 4 Adjustable Heights
Fun for all the kids, but they're also getting some training in. Win-win
Bandit Sports Tee Popper Mini Training Tee
Even the older kids will sit and play with these when the littles break them out. And it's easy to clean off any dirt/clay.
PICASSO-TILES Magnetic Tiles for Kids - 102PCS STEM Construction Building Blocks Set with Tote Bag & Booklet Guide
This one's a great quiet time activity. No mess, no lost crayons, or markers.
Melissa & Doug On the Go 24 Page ColorBlast Activity Book - Princess: Mess-Free Art Set with Waterbrush
My kids still go crazy for chalk, and my youngest is almost 6. This keeps the littles busy, as long as chalk is allowed at your field.
Play Day 90-Piece Multicolor Sidewalk Chalk Set with Stencils and Tools
The littles love bubbles! Just keep the bubbles away from the field, the umps don't like it lol
Bubble Machine with Light for Kids,20000+ Bubbles Per Minute
I love this! I thought my kids were over the lcd tablets, but then they got this. The templates changed the game. They were playing tic-tac-toe, hangman, doing crosswords. Together…without fighting!!
Boogie Board Magic Sketch Creativity Kit
This LCD doodle board is similar to one I have, so I know it'll keep the kiddos entertained. This one's a lower pricepoint, and the board looks a little bigger too.
Chuckle & Roar On-the-Go Activities - LCD Doodle Board for Kids Ages 3+
This one's so cute! My kids love the markers and the activities.
Fairy Glitter Hidden Pictures - (Highlights Hidden Pictures Coloring Kits) (Hardcover)
My daughter is obsessed with nails, and so she loves this of course.
Melissa & Doug LCI5850 Sticker Activity Pads Mani Pedi
This activity book keeps my daughter and her friends entertained for at least half of a game.
BSCOOL Nail Art Book for Kids with Stickers
Sideline Dog Essentials
The dog comes to games too! We have a Cane Corso, so we need to socialize, socialize, socialize. But she's big and gets hot easily, so we need a whole separate set of gear when she comes with. Here's what makes it easier instead of one more thing to ...
Works great to hold our puppy's water, and keep it cold. We never take her for more than a couple of hours, so this has worked well for us.
PawsPik Travel 3-in-1 Dog Water Bottle & Bowl Set
Well my pup seems to like laying on it better than on the grass at the fields. It gives her a place to lay down and watch the game.
Areker Dog Cooling Mat 32"x44", Upgraded Thick Cooling Pad for Dogs, Arc-Chill Color Changing Self-Cooling Mat with Q Max>0.5, Non-Slip Waterproof Portable Pet Mat for Dogs
I keep these around to clean up puppy when she gets dirty, or muddy, at the park, and for quick wipe downs after she runs around.
Earth Rated Hypoallergenic 3-in-1 Dog Grooming Wipes - White Tea & Basil 100 Count
Best poop bags hands down. I have rolls stashed everywhere.
Earth Rated Unscented Leakproof Dog Poop Bags, 360 Count on 18 Single Refill Rolls
Easy to use poop bag dispenser.
Earth Rated Dog Poop Bag Holder with Poop Bags, Durable/Leakproof, Unscented, 1 Dispenser & 20 Bags
The Dreaded White Baseball Pants (and How to Clean Them)
Every baseball parent's true villain. Here's what I've tried and has worked for me to get out grass stains, dirt, red clay, and even spray-painted-grass stains.
Spray it on, use a little elbow grease, let sit, and wash. Works every time.
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray, Gentle Color-Safe Stain Treater, 16 fl oz
My trusty Zote bar. Hands down my fave white pants cleaner. I do need to put some elbow grease into scrubbing the stains, but this gets any and every thing out.
Zote White Laundry Bar Soap, Hand & Machine Wash, All Ages, Gentle & Long-Lasting, Laundry Detergent, Bar Cleanser with Sodium Tallowate, 14.1 oz
Ok, not my #1, but I do like using it to soak the white pants (and other whites) occasionally to keep them from getting dingy. Others swear by it and use it after every game.
Out White Brite Laundry Whitener, 28 oz
Another good soaking powder. Leave the pants soaking overnight and say goodbye to any dinginess.
OxiClean Max Force Advanced Stain Remover Powder, Gentle Color-Safe In-Wash Stain Treater, 3 lbs
Must have for soaking the whites overnight in White Brite or Oxi powder.
United Solutions 5 Gallon Round Utility Bucket, Comfort Handle, Plastic, White
Honestly, I personally haven't tried this one. But I know a lot of moms that have and they say it works.
Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray for Baby & Kids, 4 fl oz, Newborn & Baby Essentials, Stain Remover for Food, Grease, & More, Gentle on Laundry
The quickest way to get those baseball pants clean lol.
FOTING 5000 PSI at 3.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer, with 4 Quick-Connect Nozzles and Foam Cannon with GFCI protection,Blue