Youth sports are in full swing! Whether your child is playing T-ball, soccer, tennis, or lacrosse, you may be spending more time on the sidelines than anywhere else this season. During my son’s first year playing soccer, I showed up unprepared for basically every game and practice I attended. This season, thanks to all the moms who shared their tips and tricks, I’m ready for life as a sports parent on the sidelines and in the stands!
Comfy chair
Outdoor chairs have come a long way! Now they rock, have canopies and even come with heaters. There’s a chair for every budget!
Weather gear
We once watched an entire soccer game while standing in the pouring rain — with no umbrellas or rain jackets. We didn’t want to miss anything! When we signed our son up for football, the first thing my husband suggested we get for ourselves was reliable rain jackets. We now keep umbrellas in the car as well, so we’re ready for anything!
Hydration
Whether you’re team Yeti, Owala, BruMate, or Stanley, bringing your own water is key! It’s also helpful to keep extra water on hand in case your athlete drinks all of theirs.
SPF
Rain or shine, sunscreen all the time. Even on those cloudy or overcast days, a few hours outdoors means more UV rays than you might expect! Keep sunscreen on hand to reapply as needed — there are even UV-detecting stickers so you don’t have to wonder when you’re due for more sunscreen.
Cooler
I laughed when I added a cooler to my sideline supply list, because we’re not tailgating here — we’re watching our children play sports. But when games are scheduled during the dinner hour or for long stretches on the weekend, snacks will save you — especially if you have another child with you. Try a backpack cooler, a small hard cooler, a traditional soft cooler, or even this luxe crossbody cooler bag — there’s a cooler to match your style!
First aid kit and wipes
Keep a kit on hand with wipes and first aid essentials for everything from emergencies to the most minor boo boos.
Extra snacks
I once saw one of my son’s hungry teammates eat a cheese puff off the grass during a water break at practice. Snacks aren’t necessarily recommended during practice or a game, but there are occasions when you’ll want to pass your little one a beef stick or string cheese while they’re waiting for their turn to bat. I always keep a few extra snacks in my bag when we’re out and about, just in case.
Entertainment for siblings on the sidelines
Games can feel extra long when you’re trying to keep a sibling entertained! I’ve heard moms of multiple kids suggest spreading out a blanket with easy activities, like small cars and trucks for a toddler to push around, handheld travel-type games, books, a drawing tablet, or a frisbee to throw around. Peace of mind is the goal when practice runs long!
Fans and hand warmers
In New England, there’s no telling what kind of weather you’ll experience during fall or spring sports. A portable handheld fan — mist or no mist — can keep you comfortable when you’re cheering for your favorite team on those super hot days. For cooler temps or at the ice rink, single-use hand/foot warmers or rechargeable warmers can keep you cozy.
Trunk organizer
Sports parents know the back of the car can fill up quickly — and become disorganized — with pads, helmets, balls, gloves, bats, and other sports gear. Keep it all together and from moving around with a trunk organizer.
