Brian’s favorite Baseball team is the Boston Red Sox so it only makes sense that Parkers’ first baseball game would be a Red Sox game. Our family isn’t big into professional sports. Brian was a top swimmer and college and and I was a competitive collegiate cheerleader but aside from that we’re more the creative type except for when it comes to the Red Sox. This is the only sport I’ve ever seen my husband watch on television and the only sporting event, so far, that we have been to.

In typical Bradley form we were running a bit late. I feel like Brian and I were doing a pretty good job getting the hang of showing up places on time, and then we had a child and now we are back at square one. First of all, Brian doesn’t do well with the heat so there was extra preparation for him (freezing water bottles and filling up our fan misters) and now that we have a child, there a whole other person we have to prepare for. Food, extra change of clothes, snacks, cooling methods for Parker (in case he takes after his father), fans, diapers, we were loaded down. We are still relatively new parents so we bring EVERYTHING.

We made our way through rush hour traffic and maneuvered through D.C. to parking lot W which isn’t exactly close. It was hot. We were sweating before we started our trek to the stadium. I helped Brian strap Parker into the baby carrier, I throw the baby bag backpack on to my back and then he hands me a plastic shopping bag. THIS MAN hands me a bag full of frozen water bottles and the fan misters! Basically, six bottles of water in a plastic bag. So this one-mile trek in 90 degree weather with a heavy plastic bag with handles that were continuing to stretch out with every step I took became a little bit more uncomfortable. Not going to lie, I was low-key irritated but I have to admit, my husband is pretty economical and when it comes to things like this I know I should follow his lead and trust he wouldn’t put me through this for nothing. The mini battery operated fan was a big help while we stood in line at the gate awaiting entry into the park. *Side Note: The Washington Nationals stadium has a family entrance near the center field gate on the left*

Let me tell you something, when we entered the park and I saw that a bottle of water was $6 dollars that one-mile trek in 90-something degree weather in a dark blue shirt with six bottles of water in a stretched out plastic grocery bag didn’t see so bad to me. On a high note, it is good to know that outside food is allowed (https://www.mlb.com/nationals/ballpark/information/guest-conduct-policy ) but despite not wanting to pay $6 for a bottle of water, we still ordered stadium food because going to a baseball game is about more than just a game, its about the experience.

My in-laws joined us and that made it easier for Brian and I to relax during the game. While G-ma fawned over her youngest grandson, I kicked back with a $15 beer, remember its about the experience, and Brian kept score in his book. Fortunately, we attended a night game and the temperature continued to drop as the night went on. I would recommend taking a portable fan if you can. The one we brought was a big help to keep Parker from being too hot until the temperature was bearable. 

Below is a list of a few items we found especially helpful for our outing:   

Recommended Baby Essentials for Ballgames:  

• Baby Carrier: Some stadiums allow you to leave your stroller at Guest Services but avoid the hassle and strap on a carrier 
• Bottle/Sippy Cup of ice cold water (we picked up this one at Target) 
• Portable battery operated fan 
• Snacks: Teething wafers and puffs are easy to transport
• Food Pouches: These are so handy and keep meal times on the go clean and easy. For mommas who prefer to feed their babies homemade food all the time, I believe you can buy empty pouches to squeeze your own food into. 
• Wipes**
• Diapers**
• Change of clothes

**Two days later, we went to another game at the Nationals stadium and this time I went to their nursing room  to change Parker. It is nice lounge area with concierge at the door. What I like most about it is their diaper changing stations. Each changing station was actually a dresser, fully stocked with diapers of different sizes and brands, with a cushioned changing pad on top. There is a sink so you can clean up any messes or just to wash your hands after a quick diaper change. 

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