As an athlete’s parent, you know they need a lot of gear to compete. From water bottles to extra clothes, a lot goes into preparing for game day. That’s why it’s essential to have everything your athletic kid needs in their athletic bag. In this blog post, we will discuss the seven essential items that every athlete should have with them at all times!

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7 Things Your Athletic Kid Needs In Their Bag:

Water Bottle

This is a no-brainer, but ensuring your athletic kid stays hydrated during practices and games is essential. A water bottle with a straw is ideal, so they can easily take sips while on the go. If you live in a hot climate, consider getting a water bottle with a built-in filter. This will help remove any impurities from the water and make it even more refreshing for your child to drink. Insulated water bottles are a great option in cooler climates to keep the water from freezing. No matter your climate, encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day!

 

Extra Clothes

Whether it’s an extra pair of socks or a change of clothes, it’s always a good idea to have some extra items in an emergency. For example, if your child gets sweaty during a game or practice, they can quickly change into something dry and be back on the field in no time.

 

First Aid Kit

You never know when an injury will occur, so it’s always best to be prepared. A small first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and tape. This way, you can quickly treat any cuts or scrapes your child may get during a practice or game. If your child has allergies, include the appropriate medication in the first aid kit. EpiPens are a must-have for athletes with severe allergies! Pack some pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which is also a good idea. This will be handy if your child gets injured and needs some relief. My older kids have one, and it has been a vast save several times for various reasons, from cuts to scrapes, slivers, and bee stings. You just never know!

 

Kinesiology Tape Rolls 

With so much running and jumping, athletes are susceptible to injuries. Kinesiology tape can help provide support to muscles and joints, which can prevent injuries from occurring. If your child does get injured, kinesiology tape can also help speed up the healing process. By wearing the tape during practices and games, your child can stay active while their injury heals. You can buy kinesiology tape rolls at kttape.com, and if you’re unsure how to apply the tape, plenty of instructional videos are available online. Kinesiology tape is a must-have for any athlete! Pack a few rolls in your child’s bag, so they’re always prepared. I just started using this with my oldest son, and when it comes to football, a little tape has helped for a few minor injuries, when you have an athletic kid I encourage you to explore all options when it comes to supporting them, especially with sports injuries. 

 

Snacks

Your child will need to refuel after a long practice or game, so it’s essential to pack some healthy snacks. Granola bars, fruits, and nuts are all great options to give your child the energy they need. Encourage your child to eat a nutritious snack within 30 minutes of finishing their practice or game. This will help them refuel and recover quickly to prepare for their next activity. And when that athletic kid gets home, offer them a smoothie, eggs, or something packed with protein to keep them whole, help them recover, and leave them feeling their best! 

 

Sunscreen

No matter what time of year it is, sunscreen is always a good idea. If your child is going to be outside for an extended period, be sure to apply sunscreen to their skin. This will help protect them from the sun’s harmful rays and prevent sunburns. Make sure you check the labels for what your sunscreen is made with; there are a lot of options out there, my personal favorite is zinc-based sunscreen. 

 

Bug Spray

Bugs can be a nuisance, especially when you’re trying to focus on your game. Be sure to pack bug spray in your child’s bag so they can quickly get rid of any pesky insects. Bug spray is also a good idea if your child plays in an outdoor tournament. By having bug spray on hand, they can avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects.

 

As you can see, there are many different things that your child will need in their bag when they’re playing sports. By having all of these items on hand, you can be sure that they’ll be prepared for anything.