*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
Earlier this spring, I successfully checked one of my #momgoals off the list - to become, a soccer mom.
As someone who played soccer both recreationally and competitively for the majority of her life, seeing my mini don her red and white uniform and kick the ball for the first time made me one proud mama.
Ok, so maybe there wasn’t as much “soccering” going on as there was longingly staring at the play structure next to the field or running off through the dirt, but it was still soccer.
While I would love to call it a summer sports league, a bunch of toddlers running wild really is anything but. However, it is a way for her to be active, introduce her to a new activity, get outside, meet new friends, learn her independence and, most importantly, have fun!
No matter what sport you or your children are signed up for this summer, there are a few essential items you’ll want to bring along in your bag. Check out this handy list for tips on packing for your time on the field (or wherever the sport takes you).
Water Bottle
Hydration is no joke, especially when it gets hot out there. Make sure to bring your own reusable bottle of water. Look for an insulated stainless-steel water bottle to keep your water cold for hours under the sun. To avoid the dreaded summer sickness, make sure to not share your water.
Safety Equipment
Sports-related injuries can be serious, and could keep you on the side lines in the short term, or lead to long-term problems if not treated properly. Protective equipment like helmets, elbow and knee pads, eye protection and mouth guards (depending on the sport) can help to reduce your chances of getting hurt or the severity of the injury. Be sure to find out what gear you need before your first game so that you’re prepared.
Spare Clothes
Keeping an extra pair of clothes on hand keeps you dry and comfortable on your way home after the key. As an added bonus, you’ll be ready for an impromptu post-game team celebrations.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is key year round, but especially if your game takes you out in the hot summer sun for a couple of hours. Apply your sunscreen before you get dressed for the game to ensure all spots are covered and keep it on sidelines to reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Also reapply immediately after towelling off.
So you don’t miss a minute of the game, try a spray like Coppertone SPORT® Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 30. This sweat-resistant sunscreen is hypoallergenic and can help boost skin’s hydration. Apply just 15 minutes before sun exposure. It goes on fast, has a light breathable feel and stays on strong when you sweat. Keep in mind, sprays should be rubbed into the skin for complete coverage.
For a small portable option, pick up the new Coppertone SPORT® Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, it provides a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and won’t run into your eyes when your sweat. It’s small size also allows you to tuck it into any size sport bag (or purse).
First-Aid Kit
The type of first-aid kit you’ll need obviously varies by the sport, but there are a few general supplies that will come in handy no matter what. This includes instant cold packs, bandages and cleansing wipes for cleaning wounds. For the adults, you can even pack a pain medication like ALEVE® Pain Relief Caplets to give you 12 hours of relief and keep you in the game.
ALEVE® is an over-the-counter pain reliever (with active ingredient Naproxen Sodium) indicated to quickly and effectively relieve aches and pains due to arthritis, headache, muscular aches, toothache and backache.