Sending your child off to daycare for the first time can be an emotional experience for both you and your little one. It's normal to feel a mix of excitement, nerves and maybe even a little sadness as you prepare for this new milestone. One of the biggest challenges for many parents is figuring out what to pack for daycare. After all, you want to make sure your little one has everything they need to feel comfortable and secure in their new environment. In this blog post, we'll share a comprehensive daycare checklist that will cover all of your bases from essential items to optional extras. A little preparation can go a long way toward helping make the transition easier for everyone involved. Ready, set, pack! 

What to Pack For Daycare: 30 Key Items

Clothing 

1. Extra change of clothes. As any parent knows, when it comes to little ones, accidents and spills happen. So, be sure to add an extra change of clothes to your daycare checklist.  
2. Jacket or sweater. Layers are always a good idea to help your child stay comfortable whether they’re dealing with chilly air conditioning or they get too warm after running around with their friends. 
3. Shoes or sandals. Your child will need a comfortable pair of shoes or sandals to wear to and from daycare and for outdoor play. Make sure the shoes fit properly and are easy to put on and take off. 
4. Indoor shoes or slippers. Many daycare centers require children to wear indoor shoes or slippers to keep the floors clean. Check with your daycare center to see if this is a requirement.

 

Hygiene

1. Diapers. If your child is not yet potty-trained, be sure to pack enough diapers to last the day. Depending on your child's age, this could be anywhere from 4 to 8 diapers.
2. Wipes. You'll also need to pack wipes to clean up after diaper changes or messy snacks. Add a full pack of wipes to your little one’s bag to ensure they have enough for the day. 
3. Baby lotion or cream. If your child has sensitive skin or the daycare encourages the use of hand sanitizer, you may want to pack a small bottle of lotion or cream your child’s teacher can apply to help keep your little one’s skin moisturized throughout the day.
4. Diaper cream. If your child is prone to diaper rash, pack a tube of diaper rash cream or ointment the daycare staff can apply as needed.
5. Wet bag. A wet bag is a good item to add to your daycare supply list in case your child has an accident or gets messy during an outdoor activity.

Weather Gear 

1. Sunscreen. If your child will be spending time outside, make sure to pack sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it before dropping your child off at daycare.
2. Hat. Even if your little one is wearing sunscreen, it’s still a good idea to pack a broad-rim hat for an added layer of protection. 
3. Beanie. If you live in a colder climate, be sure to pack a beanie to keep your child stay warm and toasty on cooler days.
4. Jacket. Ask your daycare provider if the children will be spending time outside and make sure you have appropriate outerwear for outdoor activities. 
5. Boots. In the winter and on rainy days, pack a pair of boots to keep your child's feet warm and dry.

 

Comfort 

1. Stuffed animal. If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, be sure to pack it. Having something familiar and comforting can help make the transition to a new routine easier. 
2. Extra pacifiers. If your child still uses a pacifier, pack a few extras in case they get lost or dirty.
3. Teething Ring. If your child is teething, pack a teething ring to help soothe their gums. 
4. Photo of family. A family photo can provide your little one some comfort while they’re away from home. Slip it into their bag or attach it to a keychain that your little one can carry with them.

Food & Snacks 

1. Snacks. Talk to your daycare about whether or not food is provided throughout the day. If necessary, pack a few healthy snacks that are easy to eat and won’t make a mess for your child to enjoy throughout the day. 
2. Sippy cup or water bottle. Your child will need a sippy cup or water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Make sure it's labeled with their name and is easy for them to use.
3. Extra bottles and formula. If your child is still drinking from a bottle, pack enough bottles and formula/breast milk for the day. Be sure to label each bottle with your child's name.
4. Extra bibs or burp cloths. If your child is still learning to eat solid foods, pack a few extra bibs or burp cloths to clean up any messes.

 

Health & Safety

1. Medications. If your child requires medication, make sure to pack it with clear instructions for the daycare staff. Label the medication with your child's name and keep it in its original container.
2. Instructions. If your child has any special needs or requirements, such as allergies or a specific sleep routine, provide clear instructions for the daycare staff. Make sure to communicate any changes or updates to the staff as well.

 

Naptime

1. Nap mat or crib sheet. Speak to your daycare provider about what’s required for nap time. If your child will be taking a nap at daycare, you may need to provide a nap mat or crib sheet for them to use.
2. Sleep Bag. If your child uses a sleep bag at home, pack one for nap time at daycare. Make sure it's appropriate for the season, a 1.7 TOG sleep bag is a good year-round option and a 1.0 TOG sleep bag is perfect for the warmer months. 
3. Blanket. If your child is old enough, you may also want to bring along a blanket they can use during nap time. 

On-The-Go Essentials

1. Diaper Bag. Make sure you have your diaper bag stocked with all the essentials for trips to and from daycare. 
2. Pouch Set. A set of pouches can be handy for organizing your child's snacks and other small items. Use one pouch for snacks, another for extra clothes and a third for any necessary medications.
3. Hand Sanitizer. Finally, pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer for your child to use before and after meals, after using the bathroom and after playing with toys. Make sure it's labeled with your child's name and is easy for them to use.

Transitions are always difficult but a little preparation can go a long way toward making things a whole lot easier. We hope this daycare checklist helps set you and your child up for a successful first day!