If you’re like me, you look forward to the end of summer and fall because that means football and tailgating. I grew up loving sports. In high school, you’d catch me every Friday night cheering on my high school team. And eventually, my love grew even more when I got the chance to spend Saturdays tailgating in East Lansing, rooting for the Spartans during college. {It should be noted my Spartan love is TRUE love considering I sat in Spartan Stadium when we sucked for many, many, many years}. When babies came into the picture, I still had the itch to see all our family and friends in E.L. watch some football.
If you have little ones and feel the same, here are some great tips to enjoy your tailgate time or maybe even a game.
- Dress them in layers. It’s much easier to remove clothes and put them back on later than it is to not bring enough. Also, check out where you are sitting in the stadium – forecast may be 60, but in direct sunlight, you literally feel like you’re roasting. In the shaded section? Bring jackets!
- If you’re nursing and your child takes a bottle, try pumping on the way there. This way, when you arrive to tailgate and/or the game, you have fresh milk ready to go. This keeps you from hiding away to feed or feeling like your boobs are going to explode. Make sure to bring extra to keep on-hand in-case someone is hungry!
- Check the stadium bag policy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the sad faces of people who have to walk all the way back to the car with their bag or are forced to leave them at the gate. I know Michigan State and U of M both have “no bag policies.” HOWEVER, for necessity items such as diapers or medical items, they allow clear gallon Ziploc bags. Central Michigan allows bags up to 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ x 2″ and Western Michigan allows clear bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, as well as diaper bags for those attending with small children. However, they must be inspected by security prior to entering. All stadiums have a strict “no stroller policy.” I put three diapers, wipes, and a few of those squeeze snack treats in a gallon Ziploc bag, and after a quick glance from security, we were in.
- Invest in some ear protection – we found these on Amazon. Not worth the risk especially with a rowdy crowd!
- Don’t attend the biggest game of the year. I know it would be such a great memory to take your little one to the showdown, but trust me, it’s just going to be a headache. It’s crowded, fans may become angry {if they’re on the losing end}, and it won’t be as fun to enjoy when you’re trying to keep them occupied. For this, I recommend ‘tailgate and bail.’ My husband and I took turns one year attending the big games. The other would tailgate, then just head home to enjoy the game on TV with the little one. It made for a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Be prepared to leave. I realize it’s your child, but do you enjoy watching sporting events with a screaming kid next to you? I didn’t think so. Other fans don’t either, so if it’s something you will not want to miss, it may be best to find a babysitter for the day.
- Bring your own snacks to tailgate. Uncle Joe’s hot wings although good, will not sit well with the little ones. Instead, perhaps bring a throwaway Tupperware container with some cheese crackers and lunch meat to keep their bellies full. Don’t bring a dish from home, it’ll just be another thing to lug around.
- HYDRATE! Try and avoid sugary drinks and stick with water to keep them happy for the day.
- Lastly, take pictures and enjoy! It’s only seven or so Saturdays a year that you get to spend with your family cheering on your favorite team. Who knows, maybe your little one will end up as a future student. It’s always fun to bust out the photos proving they’ve been a true fan from the start!
Do you have any tips or recommendations for tailgating or attending games with little ones? Share them here!
