After a couple of tumultuous years, families in the Greater Nebraska area are excited to get out for Little League season and fill their lungs with the invigorating fresh air. Signups finished in March for most Little League teams, and soon enough, you’ll be taking your child to their baseball or softball practices.<\/p>\n
As the parent of a little leaguer, there’s no doubt you’re just as excited as your child for the start of a new season. Before the commotion of practices and games sets in, take advantage of the pre-season lull and make sure your child is ready to make this year a home run.<\/p>\n
Although returning to a full season of Little League is going to be a blast for families, it’s also important to remember that we’re still recovering from the pandemic. You may have noticed that many of our local Little League teams have included a COVID-19 clause in their normal health and liability release forms. Many local teams have also posted via social media about recommendations for wearing masks and general safety guidelines to help ensure everyone can enjoy this new season.<\/p>\n
For information specific to your child’s team we recommend checking the Nebraska Little League website<\/a> to find a link to your team. From there you can reach out to a coach or visit the team’s social media to find information on health and safety guidelines specific to your group.<\/p>\n Nothing says pre-season prep like going to a local sports outfitter and stocking up on new baseball or softball gear. Taking care of shopping before practices begin gives your child a chance to get comfortable with their new equipment and start breaking in new cleats or gloves.<\/p>\n If you weren’t given a shopping list during signup, it’s a good idea to ask the league coach or team manager what gear is provided and what you’ll need to purchase. Most leagues will provide essential equipment, including bats, batting helmets, catcher’s gear, and the baseballs themselves. Uniforms, or at least a jersey, will also be provided, and their cost is often included in registration fees.<\/p>\n Generally, parents will need to purchase:<\/p>\n Although your child’s league will provide bats and baseballs, it’s a wonderful idea to get these items for your child, so you can practice on off-days as a family. Don’t forget to buy yourself a glove, so you can play catch!<\/p>\n Currently, Major League players aren’t required to wear a mouth guard, but more and more players are choosing to wear one regardless. Baseball may not be on the same level as hockey or football when it comes to contact sports, but anyone who has watched or played a game will agree there’s plenty of ‘contact’ in the game.<\/p>\n Here are a few examples of what could lead to an oral injury<\/a> during a Little League game:<\/p>\n It is highly recommended that parents encourage their little leaguers to wear a mouth guard, especially if your child wears braces. If your child wears metal braces, injuries can be amplified, not only to their lips and cheeks but also their teeth. Considering how severe oral injuries can be, mouth guards make a lot of sense, especially for our very young little leaguers who are just a little more prone to accidents.<\/p>\n While most sports outfitters sell children’s mouth guards, it’s a good idea to ask your child’s pediatric dentist first.<\/p>\n Another important thing to address before practices and games really start is scheduling your child’s preventive health exams.<\/p>\n There are three main healthcare appointments to schedule for your child:<\/p>\n Not only will these appointments ensure your little leaguer is in tip-top shape, but it also helps get those important annual and bi-annual exams taken care of all at once.<\/p>\nAsk the league for a list of what gear is provided for your child and what gear you will need to purchase.<\/h2>\n
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Mouth guards may be optional, but for little leaguers, they’re an important piece of safety gear.<\/h2>\n
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Schedule your child’s preventive healthcare appointments before Little League practices begin.<\/h2>\n
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Keep sugary treats and drinks in check by stocking up on healthy snacks and beverages before practices and games.<\/h2>\n