Your daycare centre may require your child to bring a bag. Some centres may give you a list of recommended and required items for the bag. Packing your child’s daycare bag with all the essentials can put your mind at ease, especially if it is your child’s first time going to daycare. You may be stressed about the transition and how your child will adjust. And having the added stress of whether or not your child’s bag is properly packed isn’t necessary.
Here are some things you should pack in your child’s daycare bag.
Diapers
Even if your child is already potty-trained, you should still pack diapers. Your child may not be used to going to the washroom in a different environment. Or, they may be nervous to go alone or ask a teacher for assistance. Put 2-5 in your child’s bag. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so packing more is not a bad thing.
Extra Clothes
Putting an extra pair of underwear, shorts, and a shirt in your child’s bag is wise. You never know what your child will spill on themselves or if they accidentally fall in some dirt outside. It is better to send spare items so your child doesn’t feel uncomfortable in dirty clothes.
Blanket
Your daycare may have a napping schedule. Although they might provide blankets, your child may appreciate having their own there. It will make them feel at home due to its familiarity and the smell. You may even find your child sleeps better.
Lunch Box
Chances are that food will not always be provided. And it is safer to pack your child their own food so you know what they are eating. Pack their lunch box into their bag. It is also smart to label the lunchbox so your child knows it is theirs. You should also include bottles with formula if needed, or any other feeding accessories. Make sure you label these as well.
Medications
If your child needs any medications during the day, make sure they are in their bag. You can hand them to a teacher at the start of the day if you feel more comfortable. You can tell the teacher any instructions they’ll need for giving your child the medication. It also saves you the inconvenience of having to go to daycare to give them to your child during the day.
If you liked this blog, check out this one on, “How To Help Your Child Transition Back To Daycare.”