ASK ERIN | THE ULTIMATE FALL SPORTS MOM CHECKLIST
by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com
The fall months bring more than just changing leaves and pumpkin spice; for many it signals the official kickoff of fall sports season, plunging families into a whirlwind of early mornings, packed schedules, and endless sidelines. For the sports mom, like me, this time of year is a balancing act of managing carpool logistics, washing grass-stained uniforms, and keeping a trunk permanently stocked with folding chairs and extra snacks. Lucky for you, I have years of experience as a sports mom and have curated a list of must-haves!
Below are my cold weather swaps!
- Foldable, oversized camping chair – but make it heated! Trust me!
- Heated stadium seats – with backs! The typical bleacher is brutal!
- Portable propane heater
- Weather Pod – it’s a pain to put up and take down but once you have frozen to death during a frigid cold, windy and rainy day you will not care!
- Rechargeable hand warmers – every person in my family has their own pair of these. Both of my kids are pitchers, so these are vital for warming fingers between innings.
- Multiple portable chargers and battery packs – we can’t run out of “juice” for our heated items.
- Blankets – I have two great options. The first is heated and runs on a battery pack. The second is ideal for laying out on the grass so we can picnic between games.
- Beanie – I swear by the satin-lined beanies for preserving my hairstyle.
- Coffee Carafe/Dispenser – I like to make and bring hot chocolate to our fall tournaments. The kids love it!
- Wool socks – there is nothing more uncomfortable than cold feet!
- Gloves with touchscreen capability
- Fleece-lined leggings
- Warm, weather-resistant boots
Along with the items above, I keep my tried-and-true items in the wagon, too:
- Pens and pencils, Black Sharpie – you never know when someone will hit a homerun or win a game ball so that Sharpie comes in handy!
- Scissors
- Phone chargers
- Sunglasses (extra pair for you) and Sport Sunglasses (extra pair for your child -or someone else’s child)
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Small first aid kit (band aids, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, instant cold compress)
- Pain Reliever (Adult and Children)
- Sunblock – the stick kind is the easiest to apply. No sting or mess
- Deodorant
- Reusable insulated cups
- Pickle juice (for aches and dehydration)
- Pedialyte (for dehydration)
- Snacks – I always have Slim Jims (for protein), granola bars, fruit, and crackers.
- Small bag of candy (for those who need an insulin boost)
- Playing cards and other small games or toys (for time in between games)
- Change of clothes and shoes (for your player)
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes
- Trash bag
- Ziploc baggies – for wet clothes/socks, trash, etc.
- Potty wipes
- Small fingernail kit (clippers, file, cuticle trimmer)
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Bug repellent
- Elastic hair bands and a hairbrush
- Notebook (for notes to yourself or someone else)
- Eye black
- Hand lotion
- Cash – some venues are cash only, while others are card only!
- Lip gloss/balm
- Stain remover pen
- WD40 (for that rocking chair)
- Florida Water – IFYKYK (I only use this in the summer months, but I don’t take it out of my emergency kit!)
One can never be too prepared! I have used every single one of the items above and frequently add to this list as I see the need for it. What do you have in your “sports mom emergency kit” that I may need?
