Cricketer's Wife

Before my son was born, my husband and I bought tickets for days 1 and 2 of the 2021 Ashes game at The Gabba. Was this a stupid thing to do? Perhaps. But I learnt a thing or two which, if you’re a parent uhmming and ahhing about taking your little one to the cricket, might help.

Tip 1: Check what parent facilities are available

A big factor that persuaded my husband and I to buy tickets for the cricket and take our 4-month-old, was knowing that The Gabba has parent rooms. As a breastfeeding mum I needed to know there was somewhere calmer and more comfortable than the stands to feed and change my kid’s arse. And the parents room checked both of these boxes.

If only it was a comfortable place for getting the kid to nap, too. But I guess you can’t have everything, and it turns out the warm room and noise from the game meant it was a no-go for naps. (In fact, he didn’t sleep all day.) Still, I was thankful to have somewhere I could take him that was a little less stimulating than the stands and I could lay him down for 10 or 15 minutes.

Tip 2: Get a good baby carrier

If you’re going to a big stadium ground, like The Gabba, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to take a pram in with you. So make sure you have a good baby carrier that you’re comfortable wearing and you’re bub is used to being in. Some dry runs before the cricket to get them used to it is a good idea.

Tip 3: Take a change of shirt. For you

Wearing your baby or having them on your lap while sitting in the summer heat means you’re gonna sweat. Take an extra towel so you can dry off, or even an extra shirt or two. Just so you don’t feel totally gross.

Tip 4: Find a baby-friendly sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t recommended for children under 6 months. Not knowing this was a complete new one on us as our kid was only 4 months and, being an over-cautious first-time mum (aren’t most of us?) I had a fear about putting sunscreen on him. Despite having seats in the shade and spending so much time in the parent’s room, I still fretted about this.

I think this is a big reason why I’d say taking really little babies to the cricket isn’t a great idea. But, if you feel differently or your bub is over 6-months then definitely make sure you stock up on baby-friendly sunscreen and lather it on, as I saw many mum’s do to their kids in the parent’s room.

Tip 5: Take a small hand-held fan

Having a little battery-operated fan that moves a bit of air around on an otherwise still and humid day was so helpful. It took the edge off the heat and all 3 of us used it.

The one we got was exactly like this, but not USB rechargeable, and cost about $5. The kid is a little older now (he’s 2) and uses it on hot days. Or just to play with. So it’s good for amusement value as well as being practical.

Tip 6: Pack snacks, lunch and water

This might sound counter-productive because the last thing you want is more stuff to carry into the ground. But having you or your partner stuck in a queue waiting for food or drinks sucks as well. Also, minimising how much you have to get up and down from your seat is preferable. Especially if the baby is settled on one of you. So I recommend taking your own food. (Assuming the ground permits it. Which most do.)

Tip 7: Be prepared to leave early

Mentally prepare yourself for the fact that the day may not go smoothly and that you might have to cut out before play ends. Or even before the lunch break, as we did when we took Squidge to The Ashes.

Although it was disappointing not to be able to stay and see more of the game, it became clear that our baby was struggling in the heat. Coupled with the overstimulating environment so he couldn’t sleep, meant it wouldn’t be fair to stay for the entire day’s play. Leaving early meant we also got home at a reasonable time and didn’t have to fight our way through hoards of people exiting the ground all at the same time.   

The final decision: Was it worth it?

The heat, a very alert baby, and a parent’s room with little-to-no aircon did make the day hard. All in all, I think I watched maybe 3 or 4 overs. My husband saw a little more. But would I do it again?

Absolutely.

It’s all a learning curve this parenting lark and as a family who adores cricket we wanted to share something special with our son. Even if he was only 4 months old and won’t remember it. We will.

We’ll remember his little mush taking it all in, the baby ear defenders that looked too big on his tiny potato head and (unfortunately me as an England fan) the fact that we were there for that Starc to Burns first ball wicket.

When did you start taking your kids to sport matches?

How old were your kids when you started taking them to sport events, and what sport did you go and see? Also, I’m aware I’m a mum of one and have only the one to juggle. I’d love to hear what other tips are out there. Especially for families with multiple kids. Comment below.