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Original poster

One year old at the football?!

12 replies

happymonkey13 · 28/04/2014 19:09

Hello wise people of mumsnet,

Can I please pick your brains? My husband and I are trying to decide if it is a good or bad idea to take our one year old to the football? My husband is a fan of a Scottish team who have made it to the cup final next month (Scottish Cup) and loads of his family and friends are going to the match. He normally watches matches with her and it would mean a lot to him if she was there as it would be a real family affair. I would come too so that she was looked after by someone who was not actually that interested in the match so unlikely to throw her into the air if they scored! However, we would like to hear from anyone who has done this before as we really wouldn't want her to be in a dangerous situation.

She is a laid back baby who loves being around people and we've taken her to weddings, child-friendly festivals and concerts etc in the past which have been fine. She has ear defenders which she would wear so that she didn't get a fright if there was sudden cheering and I would bring books, toys and snacks to keep her entertained.

Has anyone done this before and was it ok? Or have you seen babies/toddlers at matches and thought they were too young/ it wasn't suitable. Please can you let me know your experiences, particularly if you thought it was dangerous for the toddler? We haven't made up our minds and would like to be as informed as we can be.

Thank you

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ClubName · 28/04/2014 19:36

I once went to a game at Wembley where a family had done as you describe - made a family affair of a big occasion for their small town team. The baby (similar age to your DD) slept through the whole thing which was frustrating for the Dad who had him on his lap, as he couldn't see any of the exciting bits when everyone else jumped out of their seats, but I guess not an issue for you, if you don't mind that.

I took DS1 to a much smaller match when he was 10mo and he cried every time anyone shouted and made me feel like a very bad mum indeed for putting him in a situation that was clearly making him so unhappy. I was judged.

Ultimately though, I don't think it will be dangerous and I do think that if this is a one off very big day for the team that is likely to be "hers" as she grows up, it will be brilliant to be able to say she was "there!. Sorry don't know much about Scottish football to know if this is an especially big occasion for the teams involved this year.

Go and enjoy yourself. (And I guarantee you will mind missing the exciting bits once you get into it Grin )

Original poster
happymonkey13 · 29/04/2014 22:11

Thanks for your message ClubName, you've reassured me that we can do this and it should (hopefully) be fine! Now we just need the right team to win!!

OP posts:
Rockchick1984 · 29/04/2014 23:08

Baby in a sling / carrier with ear defenders - and someone willing to leave with her if she hates it. It'll be fine, I've taken DS to the rugby like that!

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GeordieMama · 29/04/2014 23:14

I was 9 before my Dad would take me but he's very over protective!
I'll probably wait until DS is about 5 but that's more about him being able to take it all in.
Does the ground you're going to have a family enclosure?
I think your plan to bring books and toys etc for entertainment is a good one.

RhondaJean · 29/04/2014 23:17

We used to take dd2 to Celtic park when she was about that age.

Some games I would avoid, eg old firm ones, because the atmosphere is not family friendly IMO. But the cup final should have a great final.

Just be prepared for him not to want to sit through the whole thing, DH and I used to take turns letting dd out for a bit for a walk at the concourse if she got a bit annoyed/ing. You've already planned to take toys and snacks, you will be fine.

Ohnonotagen · 30/04/2014 20:48

do double check there isn't an age limit as i noticed today when looking at our teams website it said minimum age of 2, however saying that i know just turned 2 year old whose been going all season so don't think they enforce it too stictly

ForalltheSaints · 30/04/2014 22:12

You need to bring a child up properly. Think they could become a Manchester United or Rangers fan. This could be an important step in preventing such a distressing eventuality!

Sirzy · 30/04/2014 22:14

DS has been coming to rugby matches since he was a few months old and has always been fine.

I think it's handy when they are little to have someone there who doesn't mind missing all some of the game

RockinMumma · 01/05/2014 00:29

I think it's certainly up to you, it's totally your decision.... Me personally, wouldn't because it would just be too loud for my dd who is such a timid little thing Smile. Plus the seats where my dad sits at Celtic football ground have guys sitting beside him, who use language that I as a 25 year old had never heard before Confused lol.

lola88 · 01/05/2014 07:56

Depends who's playing if it's old firm deff not to many idiots about you don't know who will be close by.

CaptWingoBings · 01/05/2014 08:07

I don't know about Scottish football... I have a friend whose DH has been taking their DS to the football since he was 6 months old! My brother has taken my DD along since she was about 3, earlier that that I discouraged it because I know he would rather watch the game than entertain so she had to be sufficiently independent! Anyway, if my team were in a big match & it was with other family/friends I would definitely take a baby along. It's pretty special to have 'been there'.

TinyTear · 01/05/2014 08:10

Not sure about football, but I took my 7m old to the olympics

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