Sending your baby to daycare for the first time can feel overwhelming. What do you pack? How much of each item do you need? You want to ensure your child has everything they need for a comfortable, happy day while making life easier for daycare staff.

There are many things to think about, especially if you have a child with medical needs, sensitivities, or who’s just quite emotional; all these aspects affect your packing list. So, while this guide and list is the essentials, you know what’s best for your child as a parent. What might be essential for your child is daycare, but it may not be for another.

(First things first, purchase your adorable daycare label pack! so you can label all these important items and avoid lost stuff, germy mix-ups and costly replacements)

Essential Daycare Packing List:

1. Clothing

Having enough clothing on hand ensures your child is comfortable no matter what the day throws at them. From unexpected messes to sudden weather changes, extra clothes can save the day—and your daycare provider will thank you for being prepared!

• Two full changes of clothes: Include weather-appropriate options, like a short-sleeve onesie for warm days and long-sleeve shirts or light sweaters for cooler weather. Don’t forget pants and socks.
• Extra clothes for potty training: Pack 5-6 pairs of underwear and socks if your child is potty training. Accidents are common, and having enough spares ensures your child stays comfortable. The extra socks are key, (we often forget that it dribbles down to their little feet)
• Seasonal extras: In colder months, include items like hats, gloves, and an extra layer, just in case the temperature drops unexpectedly.

2. Feeding Supplies

Feeding time can be a messy business, but having the right supplies helps keep things running smoothly. Remember to label all food items well items well to ensure no mix-ups with other children’s food or bottles (here is a great guide on how to label your bottles for daycare)

Some daycare centers supply everything needed for mealtimes, while others don’t. So, this entirely depends on where your baby goes to daycare and is a really important question to ask when you’re choosing for the right daycare.

• Bottles or sippy cups: Ensure all bottles and cups are labeled to prevent mix-ups. Many daycares have strict safety labeling policies.

• Breastmilk or formula: Follow your daycare’s storage and labeling guidelines. Some may require bottles to be pre-filled and labeled with your child’s name and the date. Here is a great guide from Enfamil to prepping milk for daycare.
• Solid food/snacks: If your child is eating solids, include labeled containers with easy-to-eat options like cut-up fruit, crackers, or pre-made purees.
• Utensils and bibs: If your daycare requires you to provide these items, pack a labeled bib and child-safe utensils.

3. Diapers and Wipes

You can never have too many diapers or wipes! These essentials keep your little one clean and comfortable, but daycare handles this differently, so ask lots of questions about what they expect. Here are some general tips:

• Pack enough diapers for the day, plus a few extras for emergencies. Some daycare centers ask that you provide a full sleeve or more to leave at the center, so check in with them on the policy.
• Include your preferred wipes. If your child has sensitive skin, ensure you pack hypoallergenic or fragrance-free wipes.
• Add a small tube of diaper cream, especially if your baby is prone to diaper rash. Label it clearly with your child’s name.

4. Medications and Health Items

Whether it’s allergy meds or a fever reducer, health items are a must-have. Being prepared shows you’re thinking ahead, and your daycare provider will appreciate clear instructions for anything medical.

• If your baby requires medication, talk to the daycare staff about their policies. Medications must often be prescribed by a doctor and labeled clearly.
• For children with allergies or medical conditions, provide a detailed care plan and any necessary emergency medications (like an EpiPen).
• Thermometer and fever reducer: While not always required, some parents like to include these for quick temperature checks at drop-off.

5. Comfort Items

Transitioning to daycare can be tough for little ones, but comfort items can help ease the process. A familiar blanket or stuffed animal can make naps feel a little more like home.

• Familiar items like a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier can help ease separation anxiety. Make sure these are labeled and in good condition.
• Extra pacifiers: Pack a spare, as these can easily get lost.
• Nap items: Confirm with your daycare if they provide nap mats or bedding. If not, include a labeled crib sheet or small blanket.

6. Outdoor Gear

Outdoor play is a big part of the daycare day, so packing the right gear ensures your little adventurer is ready for anything—rain or shine.

• Sunscreen and sun hat: Apply sunscreen in the morning and pack a labeled bottle for reapplication. Make sure your sunscreen is daycare-approved.
• Weather-appropriate clothing: Include items like jackets, raincoats, or snowsuits, depending on the season.
• Outdoor shoes or boots: Some daycares require indoor and outdoor footwear. Pack waterproof boots for rainy days and sneakers for dry weather.

7. Additional Essentials to Pack for Daycare

These extra items may not be required but can make daycare days smoother. Plus, a little touch like a family photo can help your child feel connected even when you’re apart.

• A family photo: Many daycares request a photo to provide comfort and connection for your child during the day.
• A daily checklist: Keep a checklist near the door to ensure no back-and-forth items (like coats or bottles) are forgotten.
• Daycare labels: These are essential for keeping everything organized and ensuring items come home with your child. Durable, waterproof labels are a game-changer for busy parents.

Pro Tips for Staying Organized for Daycare:

• Create duplicates: Keep a duplicate at home for items like comfort blankets or lovies to avoid tears if something is left behind.
• Pack ahead: Prepare your daycare bag the night before to reduce stress on busy mornings.
• Use a packing station: Dedicate a small area in your home for daycare essentials, including extra labels, diapers, and seasonal clothing.
  
• Label everything: Clear labels on everything, from clothes to bottles, are critical to preventing mix-ups, lost items, and the spread of germs. Consider investing in these high-quality daycare labels; your daycare provider will thank you!

Common Questions About Daycare Packing:

Q: How many diapers should I pack for daycare?
A: Depending on your baby’s age and habits, you’ll typically need 5-8 diapers per day. Always include a few extras, just in case. However, this will also depend on your daycare center; many request a full sleeve if they have the space to store them.

Q: Can I leave items at daycare?
A: Many daycares allow you to leave items like extra clothes, blankets, or diaper supplies in a designated cubby. Check with your provider about their storage policies and what they prefer.

Recommended Products for Daycare:

Need labels for daycare? Check out Mabel’s Labels Daycare Label Pack to ensure everything stays organized and germ-free. These labels are durable and waterproof, a must-have for babies and toddlers heading off to daycare! Your daycare provider will thank you!!

Packing for daycare doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep, and the right tools, you can feel confident that your baby will have everything they need each day – giving you one less thing to worry about ♥