Spring and officially sprung and just as sure as those May flowers are sprouting up, so are the sporting events in our calendars. Yes, your kiddo has new cleats that fit, gloves, balls, and everything they need for their chosen sport, but what about us parents?! I asked the sideline guru,"Team Mom" to Lord knows how many, and Babble Panel member Erika, what she would suggest. You know you are collaborating with the right momma when I messaged her asking if she would help me with this article and she responded within a minute, " Ha! I’m literally sitting at a baseball game freezing my ass off. I got you…. Let me brainstorm for a second…".
Erika and her super sporty family
Below are all the essentials you need to be prepared and comfortable when your butt is on a bleacher or on a sideline somewhere.
Game changers....literally.
Chairs
Let's start with the seating because this is likely the most important. As Erika said, "Get the good chairs! Pay the extra money, carry the heavier chair (better yet, use your wagon to haul it back and forth) - it’s worth it. Your back and butt will thank you."
Bleacher Seats
These are two of our most favorites.
Backpack/Recliner Padded Seat: The first one you can wear as a backpack making it super portable to get to your spot. It is adjustable and reclines, has great cushion and a beverage holder.
Better Than Basic Stadium Seat: The second char is a little more simple and offers great padding.
Sideline/Camping Chairs
Two of our favorites if you are finding yourself on a sideline situation. Both with cup holder options- obvi, because priorities.
The Bougie Rocker: need I say more?
The Padded Comfy Chair: As Erika says, "I bought this one last fall. It’s heavy AF but it is so comfortable and doesn’t have holes or gaps so it’s perfect on a cold/windy day."
Bags/Totes
Are you going for cute, put together mom or are you the badass snack mom in charge of bringing all the Gatorades? Either way- you've got room for ALL the things.
Large Black Tote: Here's what Erika's take is on the black tote, "Large tote bag for all the little things, snacks, etc. So easy to wipe down and can be set down on dirty concrete or bark or dirt and be ok."
Cooler Backpack: Can't live without a cooler bag for all the bevies and your lunch (don't forget the Swim Meet Pasta Salad)
Bogg Bag: I just fan girled out on a mom who was carrying it at swim lessons this week. You can also get Bogg Bag charms, much like croc charms, for this bag which is fun for both you and your kid to personalize your bag.
Hydration
Coffee, water, or whatever you are sneaking into that mug and stadium...no judgements here.
A Great Coffee Mug: The Yeti is a solid coffee mug for hot drinks. Erika: "I love my Yeti one - stays hot, doesn’t leak and easy to clean. And it fits in the chair cup holder."
A Great Water Bottle: I personally love my Stanley (I know I'm over how popular they are too, but they are so damn good!). The one with the carrier handle on top is ideal for sports situations.
Water Bottle Carrier Bag: I know it seems excessive, but a carrier bag really keeps your hands free for all the other s#%& you have to haul! There are so many different options of water bottle carriers now. I have this quilted one that is more expensive, but I sure do love it.
When It's Cold
Erika: "You must have a warm hat. My family loves our hats from Love Your Melon - great quality, super warm and comfortable AND the proceeds go towards a good cause- fighting pediatric cancer." That is a cause all of us parents can get behind. Check out their site for all the things- hats, gloves, baseball hats, etc.
Waterproof Blanket: Not only is this blanket super warm and easy to carry, but it's waterproof!
Sleeping Bag Coat: I'm beyond sad that Our Favorite Sleeping Bag Coat is no longer for sale (I'll keep checking though), but this one on Amazon looks great too. The only thing that makes me sad about warmer weather is not having my wardrobe go-to sleeping bag coat on the ready for EVERY occasion- especially sporting events. Can't live without it.
When It's REALLY Cold
Heated Gloves: Anyone else suffering from raynauds as they get older (just me??) or just freaking HATE when your hands get cold and you can't do anything about it? Get the heated gloves.
Wearable Sleeping Bag: Neither Erika or I have bitten the bullet yet on the full on wearable sleeping bag, but a lot of our mom friends have and man am I close. Always jealous when I see someone rocking one of these looking all so warm and comfy.
Portable Heater: My mind was blown when Erika sent me her favorite portable heater! This is next level awesomeness and wouldn't never crossed my mind to bring to a game. Again, she is the ultimate Team Mom and smart as hell. This was literally third on her list of must-haves. The rest of us best step up our games...literally.
Heated Vest: If you've been following Babble for awhile you know I'm in love with the heated vest my sister got me for Christmas. So easy to click on and off and get yourself to that just right toasty level. Looking at the weather, I'll be sporting mine all week at track meets and flag football games.
Disposable Hand Warmers: I personally wasn't introduced to these until I became a snow skier (and I use that term lightly). If you aren't ready to commit to the heated gloves, by all means at least have some of these on the ready. For your own hands, to hand out to your player when they need it, or even to shove into a shoe. My husband was a bonafide hero when he shared two he had in his pockets with a little girl in the stands during a high school playoff football game. They were the coaches family, there was no way they were leaving and she was bawling her toes were so cold. These totally did the trick.
When It's Rainy
Clear Bubble/Dome Umbrella: File this one under "duh". How many times have you been trying to watch your kid's game and you are fighting the wind with your umbrella, or the rain is coming in the wrong direction and pelting you in the face or your blocking the view of those behind you? Here is your solution. Just ordered two myself.
Waterproof Poncho: The gateway to the wearable sleeping bag up above. This look extra warm and they are waterproof. Also adding to cart.
Good, Big Umbrella: This is Erika's pick for a great umbrella, and I trust her.
When It's Hot
This is an area I have been failing in and with a high school football player this year with 3 hour practices all summer long (insane right?) I vow to do better this year.
Cooling Towels: How refreshing does that sound on a blazing hot July day?
Cooling Neck Gaiter: Perfect for our athletes as the weather heats up. Keep this on the ready in their cooler when they are ready for the cool down.
Portable, Tripod Fan: This battery operated beauty will be the envy of the entire sideline while your hair is blowing in the breeze Beyonce style.
Stay Charged
Something you don't think about until it's too late. Add these to your cart and then add them to your bag so you are on the ready to be your own hero or one of the kid's who didn't properly charge their phone beforehand (insert all of them).
Below both come highly recommended by Erika- the Portable Power Bank and Mini Portable Charger.
Miscellaneous Must Haves
Waterproof Pod: The Ultimate. The creme de la creme of spectators. Just be ready for those jealous stares from parents soaked and freezing.
Collapsable Wagon: We personally bought one of these years ago at Costco and it has surprised us how much it has paid off. A lot of times at flag football, but also parties and events. I don't even know how, but we always seem to be needing it and it folds up and gets out of the way super quick. If you have little ones this would be a no brainer.
Portable Hammock: Another item that Erika blew my mind on, but she's primarily a baseball girlie. They use theirs when they have a break between multiple games.
Disposable Instant Cold Packs: I've never been the mom that is this prepared, but I do strive to be. I can think of so many times these would've come in handy if I had them on the ready. Super smart Erika!!
Window Chalk Markers: So fun! The kids would love these to get pumped up headed to their big games!!
Also don't forget!!
Small random items we all need and you don't want to be caught without:
Hand Sanitizer Pro tip from Erika, "Small liquid hand soap to place in the park bathroom (9 times out of 10 there is no soap. I buy the 99-cent ones and leave it in the park bathroom."
Sunscreen, Travel Size Clorox Wipes, and fun things to keep little ones entertained while their siblings are on the field, like this Bracelet Making Kit.
Let us know if you have other can't live without items that you are using on the sidelines!