Baseball season is upon us and as a softball AND baseball mom, I’m constantly on-the-go. When your afternoons and evenings are spent at the field, you need to be prepared. Here are some softball and baseball mom bag essentials and snacks to bring to every game.
I love spring and all the activity it brings. Warmer weather and longer days means more time outside. Especially as I am raising ball players.
I have three kids, all of whom play softball or baseball. If I’m not at a varsity softball game, I’m toting my sons to little league games.
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Living in Michigan, the evenings still get cold. The fans are often bundled in winter coats and blankets the first half of the season.
Then when it warms up, mosquitos feast on you. I’ve got to be prepared for anything. Because I’m gone most weeknights, I like to keep my bag packed with all of the things I need.
I like to get ideas from others to see what they bring to their kids’ games. So I’m going to let you in on what I pack in my bag.
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My Softball and Baseball Mom Bag Essentials
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This time of year, it’s like I have a full-time job. Driving an hour to get my kids to their games an hour early, watching their double-header, and driving an hour back home.
The other day, I was gone for 8 hours. Being gone so long means I HAVE to bring some comforts with me.
First, it could be cold. Or it could also be sunny and 80 degrees. Plus, I’m going to get hungry.
The former Girl Scout in me wants to be prepared. So after seasons of fine-tuning, I’ve figured out what to bring to baseball and softball games.
- Large tote bag: You’ll need something to pack all of your stuff. I have this old tote bag, but when it’s time to upgrade, I’ll get one that has structured sides.
- Bleacher seat: If you’re sitting any length of time, you’ll want a bleacher cushion. One search on Amazon and you’ll see that sky’s the limit with these. Some even have heaters, which would be nice to have in the Midwest!
- Blanket: A blanket is an easy thing to keep in the bag for when the night gets a bit chilly. I like to keep one in the car year-round.
- Baseball glove: I always bring my glove in case one of my kids wants to play catch. It’s a great way to sneak in some movement. (Here are some of the best workouts for busy moms)
- Heated vest: This battery-powered vest is a game-changer in cold weather. You charge the battery pack and you can power your vest for several hours. I’ve found the heat remains best if I cover the vest with a winter jacket. Yes, it gets that cold!
- Hat: Gotta keep that head warm!
- Gloves: Those tiny gloves don’t do the trick for me. I need heavy-duty mittens to keep my fingers toasty.
- Hot Hands: These little pouches work wonders to keep your hands and feet warm.
- Sunglasses: I try to keep an extra pair of sunglasses in my bag in case my kids forget theirs.
- Sunscreen: While my skin doesn’t burn easily, I know I need to protect myself for long days in the sun.
- Bugspray: When it finally warms up to the point where you don’t need blankets and gloves, the mosquitos will eat you alive. I’ve tried several types of natural bug repellant and this DEET-free one works well.
- Visor: My hair is big and doesn’t fit in a hat real well. #curlygirlproblems. Visors are my go-to so the sun stays out of my eyes. But I also like these hats with the ponytail hole, because let’s face it, most of the time my hair is up.
- Umbrella: Do your kids play rain or shine? If they do, you’ll need an umbrella. It may be fun to play in the rain, not so much when you’re just sitting in it!
- Beverage: Sometimes I need something other than water, how about you? My favorite flavored drinks are Bubbl’r, Olipop, and kombucha.
- Water bottle: I don’t play around when it comes to hydration. My family knows I’ll have water and drinks out of my bottle. For some reason, mine tastes better than theirs. So I have a big jug that goes everywhere with me.
- A good book: While it isn’t pictured in my bag, I’ll usually have a book in my vehicle or purse and will toss it in as I’m going to the field. You never know when you’ll be able to sneak in a page or two.
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Baseball Mom Snacks
Don’t get me wrong, the concession stand is wonderful. But there are nights where you can’t eat one.more.hotdog.
Plus, I’m feeding athletes. They need proper fuel to power through another game.
I like to bring a cooler bag with snacks so I don’t always have to grab food at the concession stand.
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Of course, there’s always peanut butter and jellies and protein balls. But there are days when I don’t have the time for that. So grab and go is key for me.I have some staples that are my favorite:
- Meat sticks: We have some from our own cows (we’re hobby farmers), but these are good too.
- RX Bars
- Power Crunch Bars: The s’more flavor is my fave.
- Trail mix
- Pretzels
- Goldfish
- Fruit bars
- String cheese
- Fruit: Fresh or dehydrated
- Popcorn
- Almonds and pistachios
- Dates
- Plantain chips
- Baby carrots
- Popcorners
- Granola bars
- Roasted edamame
- Crunchy Chickpeas
- Fig bars
How Baseball Mom Bag Essentials and Snacks Contribute to Wellness
Why, as a dietitian, am I writing a post about baseball bags?
First, I am a mom, and it’s a major part of my life. It takes up much more time than nutrition. And I like it that way.
Next, preparedness and reducing stress is a major part of our overall wellness. If I go into a situation like a busy baseball season without any forethought, I am constantly frazzled.
However, when I am armed with nourishing snacks, warm clothes, sunscreen, and more, I am calm and can focus on more important things.
As a mom, you are capable of amazing things. You are managing a family and interacting with the community.
You are also setting an example of health to your children. I have learned so much from fellow mothers over the years and if I can give you some ideas, I’m happy to pass it along.
What are your favorite softball and baseball mom bag essentials and snacks?
About the author
Erin is a registered dietitian and diabetes educator with almost 20 years of experience. She specializes in weight-inclusive diabetes care and prevention, intuitive eating, fitness, and women’s health. She works as a consultant and writer in the health and wellness space. Erin is passionate about empowering people to manage their own health and to have peace with food.