Cheer Mom Survival Kit: Essentials for a Smooth Competition Day

Let’s be real: competition days can feel like running a marathon (except with more music and hair spray). Between making sure your athlete is performance-ready and keeping yourself from spiraling into chaos, it’s easy to forget the little things that make the day run smoothly. That’s where your Cheer Mom Survival Kit comes in!

I’ve learned the hard way through 6 seasons of competitions that being prepared is half the battle. Here’s everything you need in your kit to keep you and your cheerleader cool, calm, and collected on competition days!

1. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks

It’s my competition day rule #1—no one (especially your cheerleader) can function on an empty stomach. Pack a variety of snacks that are easy to grab and eat between warm-ups and performances. Think granola bars, fruit, trail mix, and maybe a treat or two. The venues usually have food vendors, but they are usually suuuuper expensive (I'm looking at you, $12 French fries). Don’t forget refillable water bottles to keep everyone hydrated!

2. Mini First Aid Kit

Bandaids, ibuprofen, Pepsi Bismol, hand sanitizer—these are lifesavers for minor scrapes, headaches, and tummy aches. Toss a small first aid kit into your bag, because you never know when someone might need it (and you’ll be the hero of the day).

3. Hair Essentials

Ah, the dreaded cheer hair. I truly detest making the high teased ponytail because Laurel has thick, fluffy, very long hair that weighs down every ponytail I've ever made. I am a very good braider though, and thankfully, this season she will be doing Dutch braids (YAY!). Keep a stash of hair ties, bobby pins, a teasing comb, and a travel-sized hairspray in your kit. Trust me, you’ll need them—whether it’s to fix last-minute flyaways or repair a bow that's suddenly gone rogue. 

4. Makeup Touch-Up Kit

Makeup will smudge, guaranteed. Keep a few makeup wipes, extra lipstick, and setting spray on hand for quick touch-ups between before hitting the mat. Even if your cheerleader’s look is minimal, a smudge-free face can boost confidence when it’s time to hit the mat.

5. Extra Cheer Gear

There’s always that one thing that gets left behind, whether it’s a bow, a sock, or a makeup item. Bring spares! Having an extra pair of socks or backup cheer shoes will save you from a potential meltdown.

6. Cash or Card

Many competition venues have vendors selling cheer gear, snacks, or competition photos. Be prepared with a little cash or a card just in case you want to grab a last-minute souvenir or refuel at the concession stand. Be warned: everything will be very pricey, so think about setting a budget for your athlete before you arrive. 

7. Comfort Items for You

Let’s face it, competition days are long. Whether you're sitting through a full day of routines or waiting for awards, you'll want to be comfortable. I've started traveling with a camping chair that I bring into our team room. That way I have a guaranteed seat, and a place for our stuff other than the floor. Pack a travel cushion for those hard bleachers, a sweater or blanket if the venue gets chilly, and a portable phone charger or power bank so you don’t miss any of the action!

8. Your Cheer Planner

You’ve got the snacks, the hair spray, and the extra socks—but don’t forget your cheer planner! Keeping track of the competition schedule, performance times, and team meetings can be overwhelming. Having everything organized in one place will make your day go a whole lot smoother.

(Need a planner to get started? Check out our cheer-specific planners at My Cheer Budget to keep you organized and stress-free on competition days.)