Tomorrow is the BIG day!! I can hardly contain my excitement for Iowa football to kick off tomorrow! I’ve been craving black + gold, the sounds of Kinnick stadium, cheering loud + proud, AC/DC’s “Back in Black” blaring through the sound system, and TAILGATING!

Our tailgating will look a little different than it has in the past, now that there’s a toddler along for the ride.

We have so many great memories in Iowa City, and we can’t wait to share those memories and traditions with our kids. It does take a bit more time and planning to bring the kids along, but the memories that are made are completely worth it!

Here are my top 10 must-haves for tailgating with a baby:

Top 10 Tailgating Must-Haves for Baby

1. Clothing

First things first, a cute black and gold outfit! (Or whatever your team’s colors are, but your baby would look cuter in black and gold. Kidding, of course!) Make sure to bring a couple extra sets of clothes for accidents like Uncle Crazy spilling his beer unexpected blowouts, and include layering pieces as the temperature dips when the sun goes down.

2. Baby Wearing

I think baby wearing is ideal for tailgating. Baby will feel much more comfortable being held close, and it frees up your arms while you’re making the trek from your parking space to the tailgate or game. Also, many stadiums don’t allow strollers past the gates.

3. Travel Changing Pad

Be sure to bring a traveling changing pad kit with diapers, wipes, and creams so that you’re ready for action whether you’re inside or outside of the stadium.

4. Portable High Chair

This high chair is lightweight, one piece, and easy to fold and unfold! It’s perfect for snack time or if baby needs a place to hangout with some toys.

5. Snacks + H2O

Tailgating food isn’t always kid-friendly (read: spicy, messy, artery-clogging), so a few healthy baby friendly options are a good idea to bring along. We plan to pack up fruit, pouches, and puffs. Also, a few bottles of water just in case the cooler is full of adult beverages. 😉

6. Picnic Blanket

Bring a picnic blanket along for playing with toys, stretching out, or eating. If you aren’t bringing the portable highchair, the picnic blanket is a must-have!

7. Hand Sanitizer + Face Wipes

Just looking at the Port-O-Potty’s makes me want to bathe in hand sanitizer. Need I say more?

8. Sunscreen and/or Hat

Just a quick reminder to protect your baby from the sun!

9. Toys + Books

To keep baby entertained while you mingle, bring a few of their favorite small toys. I also like the idea of buying a new small toy and not showing it to baby until you’re tailgating. Trust me, it keeps them entertained twice as long!

10. Tote Bag (clear)

For my Hawkeye moms, I have included a clear bag in the image above as Kinnick stadium has implemented the clear bag policy like the National Football League. However, if you do have an infant with you, diaper bags are permitted.

Those are my tailgating essentials for when baby is along for the football fun! So, who else is crazy enough to bring their kids tailgating? Have I missed anything that you bring along for your littles?

I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend full of football fun! GO HAWKS!