Get Out of the House!

Sporting Events

In a perfect world... Your kid will be a Red Sox fan before she can hold a baseball bat!

The reality You'll need to base much of your game-time decisions on the specifics of the sport, and the spectators. "Ask yourself some questions," says Devra Renner, coauthor of Mommy Guilt. "Will people be smoking around us? Will my baby end up with beer spilled on her? What are the seats like: Will I be comfortable with her on my lap for several hours?" Obviously, avoid extreme situations. A three-hour baseball game in the midsummer sun puts your baby at risk for sunburn and heatstroke.

Our advice As long as you can keep your infant comfortable (and out of the range of fly balls or stray pucks), you don't have to toss your season tickets. Make plans with friends, who can help with logistics, and try arriving and leaving slightly earlier or later than everyone else to miss the throng at its worst. Go, team!