Preparing for your child’s first day at daycare is a significant undertaking. As a parent, it’s natural to want the experience to go as smoothly as possible, establishing a positive routine while eliminating stress for all. Knowing what to pack for your little one ahead of that first day is essential to ensuring that everything goes smoothly for a memorable and happy one.
While some items are more obvious than others, it never hurts to review a list of the key items to pack to remain prepared. Let’s check out the ultimate list parents can use to pack and prepare for their child’s first day at daycare.
Daily essential items
Meals and snacks
Before packing a lunchbox for your little one, be sure to check with the daycare program to confirm whether or not it provides lunch and snacks for enrollees.
If the program does not provide food, parents should pack lunch and snacks for the day with an icepack to keep the food items fresh.
It’s a good rule of thumb to pack two to three snacks, along with milk and/or formula bottles. Some programs, like Kids’ Work Chicago Riverview, offer organic meal plans for a small fee for all enrollees, from infants and toddlers to preschool and junior kindergarten students, covering breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and even organic milk. Parents can find more details here.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is vital for young children as they grow and develop. Parents should pack a leak-proof water bottle that is labeled with their little one’s name to ensure they have access to water during the day.
Extra clothing
In general, parents should pack two or three full outfits before dropping their little one off at the daycare facility. These outfits can comprise onesies, shirts, pants, and socks. It’s a good way to prepare for accidents, messy play, and spills that can occur throughout the day.
Wet bag
Packing a wet bag ensures that educators and staff at the daycare center have a suitable place to store soiled or dirty clothing after an accident or spill.
Comfort Item
If your little one has a favorite stuffed animal or comfort item, packing it along with the food, water bottle, extra clothing, and wet bag can give educators a tool to aid with naptime transitions.
Things to leave at the daycare facility
In addition to the daily essentials that parents should pack ahead of each day their child attends a daycare program, there are things that parents should pack that will be stored at the daycare facility. These items should be restocked weekly or as needed.
Diapering supplies
Essential diapering supplies include wipes, diaper cream, and diapers. Parents should plan for their little one to go through up to 10 diapers daily. The daycare program at Kids’ Work Chicago Riverview provides diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and Aquaphor as part of the tuition package, as detailed here.
Nap gear
Nothing can make a day unravel more quickly than a bad or missed nap for a young child. Parents can prevent that by packing nap gear ahead of their little one’s first day. Ask the staff for the crib mattress dimensions to find the right size of sheet. A comfortable and child-safe pillow and sleep sack are also recommended for nurturing and safe naps while at daycare.
Eating equipment
Parents are well aware that meals and snacks can become quite a mess with infants and toddlers. It’s helpful for parents to pack three or four bibs when preparing and packing. Burp cloths are also highly recommended for families with infants.
Seasonal weather clothing
Some daycare programs prioritize outdoor time for students when the weather is warm and dry. These activities could include group play on the playground or stroller walks through nearby parks. Parents are encouraged to pack protective gear like a sun hat, rain jacket, waterproof rubber boots, and sunscreen to ensure their little one is kept safe from the elements.
Parents who use this packing list can pave the way for a stress-free first day at daycare for their children.