Tee Ball Equipment: What does my kid need?

Tee ball is a great way to introduce kids to baseball, but if you’re new to the game, figuring out what gear your child needs can be overwhelming. While leagues often provide team jerseys and other basics, a few personal items will make the entire experience more comfortable, safe, and fun for your little ballplayer—as well as easier for you. Here’s the tee ball equipment you need to get started.

Note: This post does contain some affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, RBI Gear may make a small profit.

A T-Ball Helmet – No Sharing, No Worries

While some leagues offer shared batting helmets, it’s best to get your child their own. The reason? Lice. With multiple kids wearing the same helmets over the course of a season, the risk of head lice increases. Having a personal helmet ensures hygiene and comfort, and it allows you to pick one that fits well.

Look for a helmet that meets safety standards set by organizations like NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment). It should fit snugly but not too tight, with enough padding inside to provide protection without being uncomfortable. Some helmets come with attached faceguards, which can be a good idea for added protection, especially for younger kids who may still be learning to control their swings.

It’s also a good idea to let your child try on a few different brands and styles before buying. Not all helmets fit the same way, and comfort is key. If they don’t like how it feels, they won’t want to wear it, which can make stepping up to the plate more stressful than it should be.

Note: Don’t just assume a bigger helmet is fine. It’s hard enough to get tee ballers to run to the right base. If the helmet slips down as they run, they might never even reach first.

Our T-Ball Helmet Suggestion

The Rawlings CoolFlo T-Ball Helmet. We’ve owned a few over the years and I’ve purchased them for my rec league. They’re perfect for the price.

A Baseball Glove That Fits Just Right

A well-fitting baseball glove is important for helping your child learn the basics of catching and fielding. While tee ball gloves are often made with softer materials to make breaking them in easier, they can also be low quality compared to higher-level baseball gloves. That said, they may still be the best option for a young player just starting out.

Size matters when choosing a glove. For tee ball players, gloves typically range from 9 to 10.5 inches. The goal is to find a glove that is big enough to help with catching but not so large that it’s difficult to control, slips off their hand, or is impossible to squeeze. Many brands make gloves specifically for tee ball that are easier to squeeze and close, which is important for beginners still developing confidence and hand strength.

Leather gloves tend to last longer and mold to a child’s hand better over time, but synthetic gloves are lighter and more budget-friendly. If your child is serious about playing beyond tee ball, investing in a better-quality glove might be worth it—but you definitely have time for that. Otherwise, a basic tee ball glove should work just fine for the first season.

Our Tee Ball Glove Suggestion

The Mizuno Prospect PowerClose. We’ve used this model in our family and it’s durable enough for the price while also being easy to close. Perfect for tee-ball age.

A Tee Ball Bat – The Right Label Matters

Not all baseball bats are created equal, and for tee ball, you need one labeled specifically for the game. A tee ball bat is designed for younger players, featuring a lighter weight and a larger barrel to help them make solid contact with the ball. Look for a bat that has a USA Baseball (USABat) stamp with “Tee Ball” written on it—this ensures it meets league requirements.

Choosing the right size bat is important. Tee ball bats typically range from 24 to 26 inches, and weight should be light enough for your child to swing comfortably without dropping their shoulder. A good test is to have your child hold the bat out straight in front of them for 10 seconds—if they struggle to keep it up, it’s too heavy.

If possible, let your child try swinging a few different bats before purchasing. A bat that feels good in their hands and gives them confidence at the plate can make all the difference in their enjoyment of the game.

Our Tee Ball Bat Suggestion

Go with an affordable bat from a good name. The Louisville Slugger Atlas is a great choice and, if they have older siblings, they’ll think the Atlas is a cool choice.

Cleats – A Game Changer for Running and Stability

Cleats aren’t required for tee ball in most leagues, but they can be a huge difference maker in how your child moves on the field (and even in your life, Mom or Dad). Regular sneakers may work fine, but they lack the traction needed for running on dirt and grass, especially in wet conditions. Baseball cleats provide better grip and stability, helping prevent slips and falls.

Also, cleats are designed to get muddy and dirty. If your player slides through the mud in their cleats, it will likely wash off. Sneakers could be ruined after one practice.

When shopping for cleats, look for rubber-soled options, as metal spikes are not allowed in youth baseball (and unless your child has an abnormally large foot, probably not available). Comfort is just as important as performance—make sure the cleats fit well and provide enough support. Your child will be running, stopping, and pivoting frequently, so having the right footwear will help keep them safe and confident.

Cleats should fit snugly but not too tight. If they’re too loose, your child’s foot will slide inside, making it harder to run. Most brands offer youth-specific models designed to accommodate growing feet, so consider sizing up slightly to allow room for growth, especially if you’re buying early in the season.

Our T-Ball Cleat Suggestion

While you certainly don’t want to put your child in cheap shoes, don’t buy expensive ones either. The UnderArmour Boy’s Leadoff Mid will last them their whole T-ball season without breaking the bank.

Baseball Pants – Encouraging Kids to Get Dirty and Have Fun

Tee ball is all about learning the game and having fun, and part of that fun comes from diving into the dirt. Baseball pants allow kids to slide, tumble, and play without worrying about ruining their everyday clothes. Plus, they help your child feel like a real ballplayer, which can boost confidence and excitement for the game.

Most leagues don’t require specific colors for tee ball, but it’s always good to check with your team before buying. White, gray, and black are common options, and some leagues might request a specific color to match team jerseys. Look for pants with an elastic waistband and a little bit of stretch to ensure comfort and mobility.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider getting a pair with reinforced knees. While tee ball players aren’t making big sliding plays just yet, extra durability can help the pants last longer through practices and games.

Our Baseball Pants Suggestion

Go cheap. Go real cheap. Franklin Sports Baseball and Softball pants are perfect. But if you can go cheaper, go cheaper.

A Hat – More Than Just a Uniform

A baseball hat isn’t just part of the uniform—it’s an essential piece of gear for young players. It helps keep the sun out of their eyes while fielding, shields their face from the heat, and makes them feel like part of the team. Many leagues provide team hats as part of the uniform package, but having an extra one for practice is a great idea.

When choosing a hat, comfort and fit matter. Kids won’t want to wear a hat that’s too tight or too loose. Adjustable hats with Velcro or snapback closures work well for younger players, as they can be adjusted for a growing head. Some hats are made with moisture-wicking materials to help keep sweat away, which is great for hot summer games.

Our Tee Ball Hat Suggestion

Go with the RBI Gear Baseball Low Profile Hat. If offers plenty of protection from the sun, comes in complimentary colors for most uniforms, and it’s cheap. It has an adjustable velcro closure in the back, as well.

A Sweatshirt and T-Shirt for Practice – Stay Comfortable in RBI Gear

When it comes to practices, your child will need comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely. A simple t-shirt works well for warm days, while a sweatshirt is great for cooler practices or early morning games. Having both options on hand ensures your child is ready for any weather conditions.

At RBI Gear, we offer high-quality, comfortable apparel designed for young athletes. Our t-shirts and sweatshirts are perfect for tee ball players who want to stay comfortable while practicing their skills. Plus, they’re durable enough to handle all the running, throwing, and (inevitable) dirt.

Investing in good practice gear helps set your child up for success. It might not seem like a big deal, but having the right clothing can make a difference in how they feel on the field. When kids are comfortable and confident, they’re more likely to enjoy the game and stay engaged throughout the season.

Our Tee-Ball Sweatshirt Suggestion

We’ve got a few options here, but if you’re looking for the perfect sweatshirt for t-ball practice, we definitely have you covered. We recommend the RBI Gear Original Hoodie because it looks great and you won’t have to worry about your little slugger destroying their good clothes at practice.

But, if you want something even more classic. the RBI Gear Baseball Hoodie is hard to beat. Just recognize that they probably won’t want to take it off.. like, ever. It’s our favorite design, too.

Our Tee Ball T-Shirt Suggestion

Stoooooopppp… You know we offer the cutest shirt for t-ballers you’ve ever seen, right? The RBI Gear T-ball THE LEAGUE Shirt is absolutely fire, you’re little slugger NEEDS one (super cheap, too!).

Final Thoughts

Starting tee ball is an exciting milestone for both kids and parents. With just a few essential pieces of gear—a batting helmet, a well-fitting glove, a tee ball bat, cleats, baseball pants, and the right practice apparel—your child will be ready to hit the field with confidence.

Most importantly, remember that tee ball is about having fun and learning the game. The right gear helps, but the best thing you can do as a parent is encourage your child, celebrate their efforts, and enjoy the experience together. Play ball!