Do Babies Need Tickets for Baseball Games?

Game Policy

• In general, Major League Baseball's policy is that tickets are required for each seat taken in the stadium, so as long as your child can sit on your lap, you shouldn't have to pay for a ticket. Each team has its own rules for infants and toddlers, though. For example, the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants allow children under the age of 2, while the Cleveland Indians set the age limit at 3. The Minnesota Twins use a child's height -- 30 inches -- to determine eligibility. Check with the ticket office of the stadium you want to attend to check the eligibility requirements.

Game Policy Stipulations

• The children can attend for free only if they sit on the lap of a paid adult. If the baby needs his own seat for a car seat or carrier, you must pay for that seat. The baby has to sit on the lap of the ticketed adult throughout the game with the exception of breaks for walking around, getting food, restroom stops and just plain walking the baby to calm him. Also, for playoff games, most teams will require a ticket for even the youngest fan.

Wearing Baby

• One of the most comfortable positions for both you and the baby -- wearing him in a carrier, wrap or sling -- has its benefits. It opens up your hands and arms, leaving them free of the tingly ̶0;sleepy limbs̶1; or charlie horse kinks that are destined to occur as the game wears on. Keeping your baby in a sling or wrap also keeps him close to your heart and body, a soothing place for an infant.

Team Support

• There are issues with having an infant in a noisy stadium, especially if you want to see any of the game. To handle these issues, you should bring some backup -- people who don't mind stepping out of the game for a short interval to give baby a break when needed or to give parents a break. These extra supporters can also share a seat with the infant, giving you relief. If anything, they can tell you what you missed while you were away changing or feeding the baby.