So your child is ready for their first morning at daycare. They’re excited, you’re excited. But what do you pack in their daycare bag? Some things are provided by the facility, some things you can provide but stay there and don’t need to be brought home every day, and some things should go back and forth in the bag each day.
Here’s a look at what you’ll need for a toddler’s diaper bag for daycare in San Antonio. We even take a look at what to pack for your baby.
Items That Stay at Daycare
Here’s what you can pack periodically to keep at the daycare for use as needed.
- Extra diaper bag to hold everything.
- Diapers: Get a large pack of diapers and label it with your child’s name. If your toddler is potty trained, send extra underwear.
- Wipes: These are needed whether your child is potty trained or not, as they are handy for wiping sticky fingers at snack time and after playtime outside, as well as during diaper changes. Label the wipes with your child’s name.
- Nap time essentials: Ask the center what they require. You may be asked to send in a blanket or fitted crib sheet, stuffed animal, and an extra binky.
- Change of clothes: All toddlers have accidents or spill food and drink, which is why a change of clothes is non-negotiable. Pack an entire outfit, from underwear and shirt to pants and socks. You may want to add a sweatshirt for chilly months or short and long sleeve shirt options depending on your toddler’s mood on any given day. Place the outfit in a plastic zip top bag and label it with your child’s name.
- Outdoor gear: In the summer, send sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray, placing them all in a zip top bag labeled “Outside Play Time”.
- Lotions and diaper creams
- Cup: Leave an extra cup at daycare just in case.
What Goes Back and Forth Every Day
Now here’s what you’ll need to pack in your everyday diaper bag that goes back and forth with your child every day.
- Diaper bag
- Sippy cup or straw cup
- Lunchbox: Some centers provide all food, from snacks to lunch, but if not, you’ll need to pack one every day. Use an ice pack to keep cold items cold. Add dry snacks for those times in the car to and from day care when your child just needs something extra to stave off hunger.
- Change of clothes: While you have already packed a change of clothes in the bag that stays at day care, you should also keep one in your everyday bag for quick changes on the fly. You may not need it every day, but it’s good to know it’s there if you do.
- Favorite book: If your child has a tough time falling asleep at nap time, they can read their favorite book to help them feel drowsy.
What to Pack For Babies
If you don’t quite have a toddler yet, you can still follow the above guidelines in general, but here are some things to pack for infants.
- Milk or formula: If you plan to send breast milk, ask the center how you should pack it. Some want it sent in thawed while others have freezers where it can be frozen and defrosted as needed. Just be sure to label the bags. For formula, send it pre-measured in each bottle so that water can easily be added at feeding time.
- Baby food: If your infant is eating solids, pack baby food jars or small plastic containers with tight lids, as well as a bowl and spoon.
- Extra pacifiers
- Medications: In a small labeled bag, add a thermometer, gas drops and dropper, and pain reliever or fever reducer.
- Spare plastic bags: Daycare workers can add your baby’s wet or soiled clothing in these bags to be taken home each day and washed.
Clearly label all items. You may consider using iron-on labels for blankets, clothing, and crib sheets. Masking tape, painter’s tape, and wide rubber bands can be used to label bottles.
Schedule a Tour of Country Home Learning Center Today
Now that your child’s bag is packed, it’s time to come join our family! Schedule a tour today to check out our toddler rooms and infant rooms in Austin or San Antonio.
