If you’re like most parents, you want to ensure your child has everything they need while away from home. After all, you want them to be comfortable and happy while they’re in daycare. To help take the guesswork out of packing your child’s daycare bag, we’ve put together a list of essentials every parent should consider.
The Essentials for Your Child’s Daycare Bag
If you have a kiddo in daycare, you know that a lot of packing is involved! From snacks and diapers to changes of clothes and wipes, it can be easy to forget something important. To help you keep organized (and avoid those dreaded phone calls from the daycare), we’ve put together a packing list of everything you need to bring daily.
Clothing Essentials: Extra Socks, Underwear, and Clothes
Babies and toddlers are notoriously hard on clothes. Spills happen, messes happen, and things just seem to get dirtier faster than they do when you’re an adult! That’s why it’s always a smart idea to pack extra socks, underwear, and clothes in your child’s daycare bag. That way, if they have an accident or their clothes get dirty, they have a clean change of clothing to put on. And if you want to be prepared, pack a spare outfit for yourself in case your child has an accident while you’re at daycare! (It happens!)
Cold Weather Clothing for Daycare
It’s essential to dress your child in weather-appropriate clothing when they go to daycare, especially in cold weather. A warm hat and mittens are necessary to keep them comfortable, and a neck warmer can help keep their face warm. A jacket will also help keep them toasty, and a snowsuit is a good option if they play outside. Boots are a must in cold weather and extra socks. By including these winter daycare essentials in your daycare bag, your child will stay comfortable and dry all day long.
Warm Weather Clothing To Include In your Daycare Bag
As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to start thinking about what kind of clothing to pack in your child’s daycare bag. Whether your child is spending the day playing at the park or splash pad, it’s important to have the right clothes to protect them from the sun and insects. Sunscreen with at least SPF 30, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential for any outdoor activities. If your child is spending time in the water, be sure to pack a swimsuit, swim diapers (if needed), and towel. And, of course, don’t forget the bug spray!
When packing clothing for summer activities, include in your daycare bag short-sleeved shirts and shorts or tank tops. It’s also a practical idea to have a few extra outfits on hand in case of accidents. Lastly, sandals or sneakers are a must – no flip-flops! Flip-flops can be damaging for running and playing. If you’re unsure what to pack, just ask your daycare provider. They will be able to let you know what items they need for their daily activities.
Toileting Items To Include In Your Daycare Bag
Diapers and Wipes: If your child is still in diapers, you’ll need to pack enough for them to last throughout the day. We suggest packing more than you think you’ll need to be safe. It’s also a good idea to pack your favourite diaper cream, just in case. The very last thing you want is for your kiddo to run out of diapers while at daycare.
If you’re potty training your child, you’ll need to pack some extra items in their daycare bag. We suggest packing pull-ups or training underwear, as well as extra clothing. This way, if there are any accidents, your child will have something to change into. Being prepared can help make the transition to potty training a little bit easier for both you and your child.
Depending on your daycare, you may be asked to provide lunch, snacks or a reusable water bottle. Ask your daycare provider if these items are required during your meet and greet.
Other Must-Haves: Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Hand Sanitizer…and More!
Depending on the season and where your daycare is located, you may want to pack sunscreen, bug spray, and hand sanitizer. These items are convenient when your child is playing outside or when germs are going around the daycare center.
Other things that you may want to consider packing include:
- Hats or sunglasses for sunny days
- Blankets for naptime
- Water bottles
- Stuffed animals or loveys for comfort
- Change of shoes
- Medications (if applicable)
- Bibs
- Anything else that would make your child more comfortable during their time at daycare.
What to Look for in a Good Daycare Bag
It can be overwhelming packing everything you need for daycare each morning, and remembering everything can be even more challenging. You want to ensure you have everything your child will need throughout the day, but you also don’t want to overpack their bag and make it too heavy. And, of course, you want their daycare bag to be stylish!
There are a few key features you should look for when shopping for a good daycare bag.
First and foremost, the bag should be easy to open. You’ll be struggling to hold your kid and all of their things, so a zipper that’s simple to open and shut one-handed is a must.
The second thing you should look for is multiple pockets. A reasonable amount of pockets will help you stay organized and keep track of everything more easily. Trying to find something specific in a big bag full of things can be difficult, so pockets are critical!
The third thing to be mindful of is size. You don’t want a huge bag taking up space in your child’s cubby, so make sure it’s not too big or bulky. And lastly, you’ll want to check that the bag is waterproof. Spills happen, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
When shopping for a good daycare bag, keep these things in mind, and you’re sure to find the perfect one for your family. With the right supplies on hand, dropping off your little one at daycare will be a breeze!
Packing for daycare can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! By keeping a few essential items in mind— diapers/wipes, extra clothes—you can be sure your child will be happy and excited to go to daycare. And don’t forget those other must-haves like sunscreen and bug spray! With this packing list in hand, you’re ready to take on the daycare drop-off with confidence.
