Amongst the nappy changes, breakfasts, dressing, and all the other things that go along with getting your child ready for daycare, it’s easy to forget to pack something (or several things!) to get them through the day. Especially if you’re new to childcare.
Depending on what developmental stage your child is in, the list of things you should pack for them will chop and change with the seasons.
So, to help – we’ve put together a handy list of what to pack for childcare to ensure that your little one has everything they need and is comfy throughout the day!
Spare clothes (not their Sunday best)
At any age, children love to get messy during activities like eating or playing outside meaning there is potential for clothes to get stained and worn down. We recommend that you pack everyday activity clothes instead of outfits you don’t want damaged.
Children can also have little accidents such as leaking through nappies or during the toilet training stage, so when planning what to pack for childcare, it’s important that they have at least two backup outfits and lots of spare underwear to ensure they’re always dry and comfortable.
What to pack for childcare in winter: hats or beanies, a warm jacket, closed footwear, and a pair of gloves will make sure your child is snuggly and warm and can still play outside during the chilly seasons.
What to pack for childcare in summer: lighter clothing allows your child to play and do activities comfortably. A sun hat, sandals (thongs aren’t recommended) and swimwear for water play during summer should see your child through the sunny days.
A good bag is also a really great idea. There are tons of options, but make sure the one you choose has enough space for everything mentioned in this article. You could also include a tag so that your little one can start identifying their name and build a sense of having things that belong to them.
Sunscreen is seriously important in any childcare centre. Many centres offer sunscreen, but if your child has sensitive skin, simply include your own bottle in their bag and the centre will make sure that they get properly protected from the sun before going to play outside.
Bottles
If your child is on formula or being breastfed, you’ll need to send them with a good supply of sterilised bottles with pre-boiled water for formula, or with the amount of breast milk they’ll need for the day. This ensures that your child has the bottle they’re familiar with. It’s also a great idea to portion out the formula making it easy for educators to make the bottle up for your little one.
If your child is past the bottle-feeding stage, you should pack a water bottle to keep them hydrated, especially during the warmer months. Choose something sturdy in case it gets dropped often, and something that’s able to hold a reasonable amount of water so that it’s not too heavy.
Soothing toys for sleeping
Sleeping in different environments can sometimes be a big adjustment for your child, so it’s important to pack any comfort toys to tuck in with them and put them at ease. Although children often want to, we don’t recommend you bring any toys from home in case they get lost or damaged.
Medication
Your child’s health and happiness is our priority. So, if your child is on any medications, it’s essential that you pack them and inform educators so they can be documented, stored safely and administered properly.
Backpack
You’ll need something to pack all those essentials into! A backpack with a few different compartments for safe storage will make sure your child has everything they need in one handy bag.
A few helpful tips
- There’s a simple tip for keeping track of your little one’s belongings – label everything! Daycare has a lot of children with a lot of items to remember, so it’s important that educators know which belongings are for which children, and labels really help!
- Keep a checklist in a convenient place at home that reminds you of exactly what your child needs to be packed every day.
- Pack what you can the night before. Mornings can be a mad rush of a thousand tasks that require your attention, and things can easily get forgotten. Packing what you can the night before will free up some time to get everything else done before you drop your child off for the day.
- Have a look at the school’s daily program and amenities, and pack according to what your child is likely going to be doing. From playing outside (with water), to sandpits and climbing apparatus – considering the activities they’ll be engaging in will help you dress them for the day!
There you have it! Now you know what to pack for childcare to make sure your little one has everything they need. If you’re still unsure about anything our website is packed with helpful information, and you can always get in touch with a member of our helpful team by calling your nearest Child’s Play centre.
