Need a baseball mom survival kit? Get a complete checklist of essential items to keep in your baseball mom survival bag! Works for softball mom essentials too!
What is a Baseball Mom Bag?
My kids have been playing baseball for a few years now. We have played in rain or shine. We have played for hours in the scorching heat and in the bitter cold. We have played at fields with bleachers and at fields where there isn’t any available seating. We’ve played at fields near uncut grass where ticks abound and in the middle of swarms of mosquitoes.
Imagine being unprepared for all of that? No thanks!
It has helped tremendously to be prepared with a baseball mom survival bag!
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A baseball mom survival bag is a bag full of all the essentials you, Mom, might need when you go to see your kids play baseball or softball. Just like they have a sports bag full of the items they need to play the game, you can have a bag full of items you need to be comfortable while watching that game.
Think about it: do you want to be uncomfortable for a few hours while your kids play ball? Chances are, no!
Ultimate Checklist for a Baseball Mom Bag
I keep my Baseball Mom Survival Bag in my car at all times, and restock it as needed. I also keep a folding camp chair in the car. This way, if ever a game or practice has been moved to a different day or time, I’m always prepared.
I use a Thirty-One zippered utility tote for my survival bag, but any small tote like this baseball mom bag will do.
This is my ultimate baseball mom survival bag checklist (scroll down to get a free printable checklist below!).
Mind you, I have four kids and always feel the need to be prepared for anything!
Sunscreen: Even though I apply sunscreen on everyone’s skin before we leave, I still bring extra along. When you’re sitting at a game for a few hours in the sun, it’s a great idea to reapply sunscreen as necessary.
Bugspray: I bring bugspray that protects me from gnats, mosquitoes, and ticks. My favorite spray is the Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition SPF 30 Pump Spray. It is DEET-free, PABA-free, dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic. It works very well to keep the insects away, plus it has SPF.
I also like using this Gnat Repellent Roll On for those pesky lil’ black flies, gnats, and no-see-ums.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and protect the umpire from your glare with a stylish pair of sunglasses.
Water Bottle: It can get hot sitting in the sun watching a game. I bring my stainless steel insulated water bottle that keeps my water cold for hours. It stays super cold thanks to the narrow stick ice cubes that actually fit in the bottle!
Snacks: Cheering loudly for your favorite team burns off some calories, so why not bring some snacks along? Some portable snacks include:
- trail mix
- pretzels
- dried fruit
- sunflower seeds
- protein bars
- fruit pouch
- fresh fruit (apples, watermelon, bananas, etc)
- popcorn
- granola bars
- dry cereal
- fruit leather
Cash for concession stand: Most fields have concession stands, which help raise money for the local baseball league. And let’s face it: chances are pretty good that your kids will want to get a snack from the stand, so why not be prepared?
Blankets: Blankets are great for sitting on the ground or for staying warm. While I keep a bigger bag with extra blankets in the car, I include a portable picnic blanket in case we need to sit on the ground and a fleece blanket to keep warm. Both fold up pretty small so they fit nicely in the bag.
Extra hoodie/sweatshirt: Our home fields are on top of a mountain, so it gets pretty chilly up there. I bring an extra hoodie with me to ward off the chill.
Lip balm or gloss: I don’t go anywhere without my lip gloss. I just don’t like having chapped lips!
Hand sanitizer: You just don’t know which fields will have soap in their bathrooms. A little travel bottle of hand sanitizer that hangs on your bag or hand sanitizer wipes will be useful.
Face mask: Starting in 2020, you may need to wear a face mask when you are around other people. You’re better off bringing a few of these with you. (Note: Mask mandates have changed. Ask your team’s coach about any new guidelines the league is following.)
First aid kit: While most teams are required to have their own first aid kit, it wouldn’t hurt to have one on hand just in case. For me, I like to have one for my other kids who are playing at the park instead of watching the game. This first aid kit is perfect for a baseball mom survival bag, but I also bring along:
- extra bandaids, because you can just never have enough
- antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes
- Benadryl, in case anyone has an allergy attack or is allergic to bee stings
- bug bite spray, because sometimes those buggers bite you anyway
- antacids for when you have an upset stomach from concession stand food
Ice packs: Again, the coach probably has some, but I keep a few small ones in my bag for my other kiddos.
Gum/mints: You’ll probably be talking to other parents (yes, even us introverts talk to people), so why not have fresh breath after consuming your concession stand hot dog?
Wipes: I keep a pack of baby wipes with me at all times since they’re great for cleaning off hands and faces.
Umbrella: Some teams may call it quits when it rains, but others refuse to quit unless there’s thunder and lightning. A large yet compact golf umbrella should keep you dry.
Towel for wiping off wet bleachers: Wet bleachers are no fun to sit on. Bring a small towel to wipe them off if it rained.
Extra phone charger: I need my smartphone ready to go at all times, not only for the obvious phone capabilities, but also for capturing photos and navigating our way home from far away fields. I actually keep two extra portable phone chargers in my bag just in case.
Copy of schedule: Ever show up to a field but no one is around? It’s handy to keep an updated version of the team’s schedule in your bag just in case. Make sure to have the coach’s phone number on it as well.
Directions to fields: It wouldn’t hurt to have printed out directions to the fields, just in case your smartphone or GPS loses reception.
TIP: Have stinky cleats or sneakers? Mix 1 cup of baking soda or cornstarch with 24 drops of BO Be Gone Essential Oil blend and sprinkle that in shoes. Leave in for 24 hours, and then tap out excess. (Find more essential oils cleaning tips here.)
For more items, check out the helpful comments below! I updated the printable list with some of the suggestions. Quite a few of the comments even have great ideas of what to add to player bags, like extra socks, belts, a change of clothes, etc.
Baseball moms! What did I miss? Would this list help to keep you prepared?
This list might seem overkill for some, but honestly, as a mom of four kids, I always feel it’s better to be prepared for anything!
(Bringing along a baby? Read my Summer Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist)
Baseball Mom Bag Checklist (UPDATED!)
You can find my Baseball Mom Survival Bag Printable Checklist (updated thanks to the awesome suggestions below!) in my Resource Library.
Are you ready for this baseball season? I know I am! Good luck to your child’s team!
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Adriane says
That is the coolest bag!!
Stephanie Z says
A baseball mom survival bag is a great idea to be prepared for anything. Sunscreen is a definite must!
Shannon Cairns says
I seriously needed this the last month! I’m a new baseball mom and it seems like I’m never prepared! Haha! Thanks for the tips!
Julie Bickham says
Never thought to pack a bag like this! Def going to bring one now that the season has started.
Lala says
I want to know where you got that bag?!
Marissa says
Lala, it’s a Thirty One Utility Zipper Top Tote with a baseball patch on it. My friend Amy sells the bags: mythirtyone.com/amysienkiewicz
Kristina says
Hi Marissa,
Where did you get the baseball patch? And did it stay on well?
Thank you!
Marissa says
Hi Kristina, Once the patch was ironed on, it stayed on very well! I got it on Amazon here (affiliate link, no extra cost to you) https://amzn.to/2LOHWJW . Of course, follow the directions so that it stays on! 🙂
Kim says
great list! I’d add a cooling towel or two, a spray mister and we always have a really good first aid kit with gloves and athletic tape. My husband likes to have an extra bat wrap and we have a bat sleeve, extra socks and a visor. our sport cart has a rack built in to hold the camp chairs and our thirty one bags fit in all perfect. cooler always has frozen water bottles (that melt over the tourney day) and I usually cut up either a watermelon or a cantaloupe in a big tub that she goes through during the day. travel tourneys get a little crazier on the packing list but the close ones are easier.
Marissa says
I love my cooling towel! Totally forgot about it. We haven’t experienced travel tourneys yet, but it sounds like you’re well prepared!
Jaymi Torrez says
This is such a genius idea! You’re ready for ANYTHING with that bag, like the baseball Mary Poppins 🤣 #wanderingwednesdays
Marissa says
I love that! LOL
Lori says
I like to have a few small toys for the other kids that get dragged along to the games they really don’t want to be at.
Marissa says
Small toys for other kids are a great idea to bring along!
Trish says
I have these in my bag
Eye drops – for the dry field that blow dust
Rain ponchos
Marissa says
Never thought of eye drops! Great idea.
Michelle says
I have a bag like this. One thing I also have is ibuprofen. This is mainly for the moms, lol. I also keep a few rain ponchos, a hat, brush, battery operated fan and dryer sheets! Yes, dryer sheets. They are GREAT to help repel gnats. I’ve also been known to take a citronella candle for night games.
The basebal field is my second home and my #happyplace so I try to be as prepared as much as I can.
Marissa says
Love the ideas of using dryer sheets to repel gnats and a citronella candle for night games!
Sue says
Ziplock bags to make ice bags.
Spirits of ammonia for those super hot days
Salonpas cold spray for instant relief from being hit by pitch.
Gold Bond friction relief for chafing and heat rash.
From scorekeeing mom and nana with 40 years spent on ball field watching my sons and now grandsons play travel ball.
Marissa says
Thanks for the tips!
Taylor says
Not a baseball mom but a coach’s wife, I also always have hand warmers in my bag and our propane portable heater stays in the car too. I have sat through baseball games in 20 degree weather in March and April so a blanket just won’t cut it all the time. We also always have extra gloves, hoodies, socks and an extra coat in the car.
H Stevens says
We are always at Softball games. We have girls from 7th-12th grade. I always bring tampons and maxi pads, because unfortunately Mother Nature has a mind of it’s own at times.
Always extra socks, sports bra ( my daughter is a Catcher & sometimes during a tourney changes out the sweaty wet socks & bra for dry ones.
Marissa says
H Stevens, excellent suggestions for older girls!
Crystal says
A small sewing kit it about the only thing missing – I carry all the above and below.
Marissa says
Crystal, that’s a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion.
Dana L says
I also keep tissues and eye black in my baseball bag! And in the early part of the season, I keep a winter hat and gloves.
Zulema mom of 3 boys and 1 princess says
Having my boys in Travel Baseball, I always include everything on your checklist plus Sunflower Seeds, potable potty, toilet seat covers and a compact STIM/TENs machine for the famous pitcher’s arm. Good Luck travel ball Moms!
Marissa says
Never thought of a TENS machine!
Carla says
Having just survived our latest season I’ve added 2 more must haves to our bag. Duct tape cause the games are long enough without having the boys stop every few plays to tie shoes. Also WD40, the rocking lawn chairs are big around here and the squeaking gets old real quick, lol.
Patty says
I am also a baseball mom, 11yrs now. He will play in college starting next week. Your list is awesome but missing one thing…booze! As we all know some of the games can be down right boring if the teams are drastically miss matched or long if it’s good competition. Either way a little creatively hidden hooch helps this baseball mom and my baseball mom crew get through the game.
Marissa says
Patty, I’m glad you think my list is awesome! I couldn’t add booze to the list as it generally isn’t permitted, but to each their own!
Paula says
I like to have sunblock lip stick that can be used on lips and noses for those sunshiny ballgame days. Extra pie of sunglasses are usually handy too
Jennifer Suslowicz says
A score book and pen are always in my bag. Keeps me in the game especially when a scoreboard isn’t being used. Also my son likes to know his stats!
Dalayna says
This looks very similar to my softball mom bag. I also put extra deoderant and a hairbrush with a lot of hair ties in case one of the girls forgot to and i offer to french braid before hang. Sharing a brush is a big no no in my family but it’s an extra brush and if the parents are alright with it ill use it but encourage everyone to bring a compact brush just in case.
Robin Woodson says
My grandson plays, and I have a bag much like these that have been described. Mine also includes a roll of toilet tissue in a gallon size ziploc bag. Have used both!–needed the ziploc when a player on the other team missed a pop fly that “popped” him in the eye and no one else had a bag for ice!
Jen says
I always have a roll of toilet paper, paper towels and small bottle of hand soap with me also. Some places run out of TP.
D Price says
Extra belt, socks, and cup for the other players who forget. A change of clothes for your player Incase you go for a victory dinner somewhere decent. Biofreeze, peroxide spray and Benadryl – sports wrap. Empty ziplock bag for ice if needed on a hard ball. Blowpops to help you keep your mouth shut on bad calls and toward annoying fans. If it’s TopGun, the tournament directors number. Umps miss recording OOP HRs and you gotta keep that straight.
Team app with other players families numbers
Kenda Ward says
Awesome list! I also have my own baseball bag. In addition to your list, I keep hair ties, Bobby pins, extra hat/visor, extra tank top, deodorant, and pencils in my bag. Often you will find a few small toys (dinosaur, matchbox cars and action figures) for other kids since mine doesn’t always want to share his.
Jennifer says
I have a well stocked “baseball” bag actually I have a bag for all sports that I transfer the supplies to! I also carry Coband or a roll of vet wrap for straines or sprains or wrapping that hard to cover injury. A small sewing kit for inconvenient tears that have to be fixed before play can resume. And an extra set of shoe laces! The coaches and players all know that I have this and will come to be for there needs!!
Tammy Langston says
I also throw in some scissors. Many times we needed to cut stuff off or bags. We also take hand warmers for those unexpected cold fronts. We kept a infant warm by switching them up in different positions on the carseat to keep her warm. They do come in handy.
Ashley says
One of my must haves is a cooling towel for those hot days. My favorites are mission and chilly frogs.
Cassandra says
Tide Stick! Helpful for drips and spills on light colored unis. I always keep a Ziploc bag with paper plates, plastic silverware and napkins in my bag.
Lissa Gilson says
I keep a ZipLoc of Must Haves – I’m a 10 year in baseball mom too! In it goes two Shapee markers – one black, one silver – great for writing names on the many bottles of Gatorade and Water in dugouts. Sunflower seeds. Empty small water bottles for sunflower seed ‘dripping’s’. Washcloth, for the instant ice pack, alcohol wipes for sweaty pitchers palms, eye black stickers (the sticks melt!) deodorant. I also used to pack headphones for little ones, who found the cheering to unexpected or loud, and lastly, a camera, to capture those must have moments! Lastly, I have a couple of those reflective blankets, that fold really small for car kits? They come in handy for the New England warm days/freezing night games!
Julie court says
I also pack tweezers for splinters and tick bites. In hit hot weather I bring 3 battery operated fans attached to water bottles full of ice water to keep the players cool. In my first aid kit I also bring allergy meds and advil. Camera too ofcourse. I like to use one of those collapsible wagons to carry everything and a lawn chair for those fields that dont have bleachers or the bleachers are too far from the field. Also eye black for the players and a change of clothes for them to change into after the game so they dont smell up my car. I *think* that’s it but I’m sure I’ll think of more right after I hit send lol
Taylor says
Not a baseball mom but a coach’s wife, I also always have hand warmers in my bag and our propane portable heater stays in the car too. I have sat through baseball games in 20 degree weather in March and April so a blanket just won’t cut it all the time. We also always have extra gloves, hoodies, socks and an extra coat in the car.
Michelle says
I have been a sports mom for 22 years, and I’ve always had bags with me. Even now, my youngest is still playing baseball and football, so I have a “bag” on the ready. Here’s some things I make sure to bring:
I’m a backpack mom now, versus bag.
Carabiner, for the backpack to hang on fence, or keys to backpack.
Always hand sanitizer, even before the crud.
Small toilet paper roll (just in case).
Small lysol spray.
Book/Kindle (for tournaments, you’ll thank me later).
Either a handwarmer or fan (depending on the weather).
Big umbrella (shade or rain).
First Aid Kit (I’ve had the trainers ask me for things).
Eye Black
Mustard or pickle juice (muscle cramps).
So many more things, but I’ll leave it at that.
Tiffany says
I think all the other moms have said everything that I pak as well in my bag… but I always send my daughter (softball mom here) in the dug out with a little cooler of her own. She has water, Powerade, pickles, slim Jim’s, and fruit ( she also takes a bottle of tajin and chamoy) she like to put it on her fruit. 🤷🏼♀️ Keeps her hydrated, keeps her energy up, and prevents cramps!
Marissa says
Great idea!