If you recently had a baby, then playing disc golf should be the last thing on your mind. But you may miss the joy and thrill of playing it after a while. So, eventually, you cave into your internal desire, pick up your discs, head on the course to play, and take your baby with you.

Juggling disc golf and caring for a baby can be tricky. But with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for you and your little one. Here’s a guide complete of tips and insights to help you balance parenthood and play on the course.

Disc Golf as a Family Activity

Disc golf can be a fantastic family activity as it allows you to enjoy the outdoors and stay active while spending quality time with your baby.

It’s a great way to share your love for the sport and introduce your child to new experiences with these few things to consider.

Safety First: Ensuring a Safe Experience for Baby

Safety should always be your top priority. Ensure your baby is protected from the elements and any potential hazards on the course.

1. Age Consideration

The first thing you need to consider is the baby’s age. Avoid taking your baby to a public park when they are under three months old. Those first three months are when you’re just getting acquainted with each other, so focus on that and keep your disc golfing on the back burner.

2. Comfort and Needs

The second thing you must pay attention to is the baby’s needs. Like you, your baby is a human being with needs; ensure their needs are sufficiently met, including feeding and diaper changes.

If you don’t think you can make them content by fulfilling their basic needs, then, we think it’s not a win-win if you take them to disc golf with you.

Consider whether you will be comfortable breastfeeding in public as not all place has a nursery. You may have to opt preparing a formula on the spot, but does your baby prefer a cold or warm formula? Be prepared to carry a few water bottles both hot and cold.

Another thing to consider is whether the park has an area to change your baby’s diaper when necessary and a place to dispose of it properly.

Will your baby feel uncomfortable if they have to remain seated in a stroller on a sunny day for two hours? Since each baby has different preferences, such a question is one that you have to answer yourself.

3. Health Check

The next thing to consider is ensuring both you and your baby are in good health before heading out. Are you in prime condition to play? Caring for a baby usually means sacrificing some (if not most!) of your sleep time, so ensure you have enough energy and do not force yourself if you feel unwell.

The same goes for your baby. Are they healthy enough to be brought outside? Do they have any unique medical needs you need to pay attention to?

Consider all these things before tagging your baby out to play disc golf.

Preparing for the Course

Preparation is key when planning to play disc golf with your baby. From packing the right gear to mental preparation, here are some steps to ensure a smooth outing.

When selecting a course, you want to consider choosing one that is a bit more family-friendly, such as having shorter holes, more flat grassy plains with less dense foliage and trees so your stroller can pass through easier, or both.

Essential Gear for Parents and Babies

Here are some of the most important ones:

• Baby carriers and strollers
  Choose a stroller that can handle rough terrain, like a jogging stroller. These types of strollers usually have really big wheels and extra suspension. And, if they come packaged with a bug net and rain cover, that would be even better.
  
  At a minimum, it should provide adequate sun protection (e.g., a fully extendable sun shade cover with UV 50+ material) and ample storage space for baby items.

• Disc golf bags with extra storage for your baby stuff
  Don’t overpack, but ensure you have everything you might need for a couple of hours on the course. (Things like: diapers, spare clothes, wet wipes, bug spray, etc).
  
  A hiking child carrier such as the Osprey Poco Plus can be a good disc bag alternative as it has extra space to carry your discs (around 15-18), but taking your child off your back and setting the carrier stand out at every hole may be a deal breaker for some.

• Sun protection and weather considerations
  According to NHS, children under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight as their skin is much more sensitive to UV rays. So, always keep your little loved ones in the shade and check on them often to see if they’re getting too hot.
  
  Nevertheless, be prepared if the weather turns chilly. It’s always good to check the weather report before going to the course so you can bring the appropriate clothes.

Mental Preparation

Mentally prepare for the possibility of your baby getting fussy. Two hours outside under the sun might seem like forever for a baby, after all.

Have strategies ready to soothe them and ensure they stay safe on the course. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid stray discs.

Balancing Play and Parenthood

Balancing disc golf and caring for a baby requires careful planning and often, a helping hand.

Imagine these two scenarios here:

Scenario 1: Playing Alone

Playing alone with your baby can be challenging. You are out on the field getting more tense due to the heat and the frustration of missing so many birdies over the past few holes.

Meanwhile, you can’t comfortably progress your game cause you’re tending to your little ones’ needs. Their cries for assistance aren’t helping you focus on the throws either.

Everything takes double the time, energy, and effort with half the fun for every party involved.

It’s just really tough to focus on your game while caring for your baby at the same time. You look up at the sky and suddenly realize…this might not be the best option.

Okay, enough for the dramatization, but handling everything solo might be too much for some people; after all, you only got two hands.

Scenario 2: Playing with a Partner

Having another partner, such as your spouse, a friend, or other family members can make a big difference. (It is always good to tell & ask them beforehand if they’re okay with your grand family bonding plan).

One person can play while the other watches the baby, and you can switch roles as needed. This allows you to enjoy the game without compromising on your baby’s care.

Tips from Experienced Disc Golf Parents

Experienced disc golf parents suggest:

• Timing: Play during cooler parts of the day to avoid harsh sunlight.
• Backup Plans: Always have a plan to calm your baby if they get upset.
• Respecting Others: Be mindful of other players and try not to disturb them with a crying baby. (Especially when playing in a public park).

Fun Times for Your Baby and You

Now that we have mentioned what you should consider and the preparations you need to make, it is time to tell you the benefits of taking your child to play disc golf with you outside.

1. Exposure to Nature

Being outdoors is a great change of scenery for your baby, and it can instill a love for nature in them from an early age. It is also a great way to give them some sunlight and fresh air, which they need.

2. Bonding Time Together

Share your love for disc golf with your child. It’s a beautiful way to bond and introduce them to your friends and fellow players, and it can be a memorable gathering moment.

3. Sensory Training

Allow your baby to touch grass, plants, and discs to enhance their sensory experiences. Let them feel their surroundings using all their senses and see how they enjoy absorbing the new sounds, smells, and sights of wonder around them.

Embracing the Disc Golf Family Lifestyle

Playing disc golf with a baby is possible and can be a delightful way to spend time together. With proper preparation and the right mindset, you can enjoy your favorite sport and create lasting memories with your child.

Now, we are curious. Are you one of the parents playing disc golf with their babies? We’d love to publish your stories here. Send us an email with the subject, “Baby-Friendly Disc Golf Outings”!