Sending your child to daycare can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. As a parent, you want your little one to feel comfortable, safe, and ready for all the day’s activities. That’s why having a daycare packing checklist is so helpful. It ensures you don’t forget any of the essentials your child might need during the day.
A little thoughtful packing can make drop-off mornings so much smoother for both you and your little one. Here’s a complete guide to help you pack everything your child needs for daycare, from clothing and diapers to feeding supplies, comfort items, and health essentials.
Essential Clothing for Daycare
Comfortable clothes are a must. Your child will be moving, playing, and maybe napping too, so choose outfits that are soft, comfortable, and easy to change. When planning things to pack for childcare, make sure to include extra sets of clothes in case of spills, accidents, or messy playtime.
Please pack several labeled sets of clothing each day to allow for changes due to weather, spills, or sensory play.
Guidelines:
- Pack at least 2–3 full changes of clothing daily.
- Dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo to help prevent overheating.
- Onesies, rompers, and bodysuits are great for infants. Toddlers do well with tops and bottoms that are easy to put on.
- No backpacks or plastic/Ziploc bags, as these are considered choking hazards and are not allowed under Washington State licensing.
- Please send only labeled clothing sets (we will store them safely in your child’s cubby).
- Dirty clothes are sent home daily for washing.
Seasonal Clothing
Dressing for the weather keeps your child both comfortable and protected.
- Summer: Lightweight shirts, shorts, sun hats, and breathable fabrics. Don’t forget sunscreen for outdoor time.
- Winter: Warm layers, jackets, beanies, gloves, and snowsuits if necessary.
- Always label each item with your child’s name.
Dress for Messy Play
Daycare days are full of fun, painting, playdough, and outdoor adventures, which means things can get a little messy. Pack clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Consider comfy leggings or joggers for crawling and climbing, and maybe a smock or old T-shirt for arts and crafts. A spare pair of socks or indoor shoes is always a good idea, too.
Diapers, Wipes, and Hygiene Supplies
We strive to make diapering comfortable and hygienic for every child.
Our Policy:
- Parents should bring enough diapers for the week (most families provide a two-week supply).
- We provide wipes unless your child has an allergy; in that case, parents may bring their own pack to be kept at the daycare (not in a backpack).
- We provide our own approved diaper rash cream on-site.
(Parents may not send any creams, ointments, or sanitizers, as these are considered medications under Washington State law.)
Wipes and Diaper Cream
Hygiene items keep your child comfortable and prevent irritation.
- Travel-size wipes are handy for quick changes.
- Clearly label diaper creams and ointments with your child’s name.
- Make sure daycare staff know when and how to use them.
How to Label Your Supplies
Labeling helps prevent mix-ups and keeps everything organized.
- You can use a permanent marker or get pre-printed name labels.
- Label bottles, clothing, pacifiers, lunch containers, and comfort items with your child’s name.
- Consider color-coding if you have more than one child.
Feeding Essentials
At Blanca’s Daycare, your child’s nutrition and safety are our top priorities.
We participate in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which means we provide all meals, snacks, and drinks daily, following strict nutritional guidelines.
Please Note:
- Outside food or snacks are not allowed, unless previously approved for allergy or medical reasons.
- We provide all healthy meals and beverages.
- Parents are only required to bring a can of formula or breast milk for infants.
(We will notify you when more is needed before we run out.) - All bottles and formula must be clearly labeled with your child’s name.
This ensures every child’s diet is safe, balanced, and compliant with USDA and State regulations.
Baby Food and Snacks
As your child grows, their diet changes:
- Infants may need only breast milk or formula.
- Around six months, you can start introducing purees or soft solids in labeled containers.
- Toddlers can enjoy healthy snacks in reusable containers.
Bibs and Burp Cloths
These items protect your child’s clothing during feeding times:
- Bring a few extra bibs each day.
- Choose soft, absorbent materials that are easy to wash.
Comfort and Health Items
We know comfort matters, but safety matters most.
Our Policy:
- No outside blankets, toys, or stuffed animals are allowed.
- We provide all nap-time bedding, which is washed and disinfected daily.
- All play materials are provided by us, cleaned regularly, and safely shared among children.
This keeps every child’s space safe, sanitized, and free from allergens or choking risks.
Medications and Special Instructions
Safety is our highest priority, and medication handling is strictly regulated under Washington State WAC.
Our Policy:
- Parents may not send any medications, including diaper creams, teething gels, or hand sanitizers.
- If your child requires medication, it must be documented on the state medication authorization form (signed at enrollment).
- All approved medications are kept locked and labeled in our secured medication bin; only the provider may access this.
- We provide our own brand of diaper cream and basic first-aid supplies approved for use under our license.
Important Daycare Packing Tips
- Send only labeled clothing sets (no bags, no backpacks).
- Check your child’s cubby daily for dirty clothes or notes from staff.
- Keep a small reserve of diapers and clothes at home for quick restocking.
- Check that everything’s spill-proof and easy for the caregivers to handle.
- We’ll notify you when supplies are running low.
A little consistency and preparation help your child feel comfortable and confident each day.
Check with Your Daycare for Requirements
Daycare centers have different rules.
- Ask which items they provide and which you need to bring.
- Check for any food restrictions or toy policies.
- Confirm labeling and storage guidelines to make drop-off easy.
Conclusion
Packing for daycare doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A little preparation and the right support make all the difference. From clothes and diapers to feeding supplies and comfort items, a well-planned checklist keeps you organized and worry-free.
At Blancas Daycare, we provide a nurturing, secure, and compliant environment where every detail supports your child’s well-being. We take care of meals, hygiene items, comfort, and play, so you can drop off your child each day with peace of mind.
Schedule a visit today and discover how childcare can feel calm, caring, and organized.
FAQ: Daycare Packing Tips
What to pack for the first day at daycare?
For the first day, make sure you pack several labeled sets of clothing and enough diapers for the week. If your child is an infant, bring a can of formula or breast milk, and we’ll notify you when more is needed. Please do not send food, toys, creams, or hand sanitizers, as all meals and wipes are provided on-site.
What items do I need for daycare?
Bring labeled clothing sets, diapers for the week, and formula or breast milk if needed. We provide all wipes, meals, snacks, and diaper cream. Please avoid backpacks, Ziploc bags, or outside containers for safety.
What kind of bag should I bring to daycare?
No backpacks, store bags, or Ziploc bags are allowed under Washington State safety rules. Send only clearly labeled clothing sets, which we will store safely in your child’s cubby.
What is a checklist in daycare?
Bring two to three labeled sets of clothing, diapers for the week, and formula or breast milk if needed. We provide all meals, wipes, diaper cream, and nap supplies, so no outside items are required.
What to pack for daycare for a 1-year-old?
Bring labeled bottles of formula or breast milk and diapers for the week. We provide wipes, bibs, diaper cream, and introduce solids following USDA guidelines.
What to pack for daycare for a 3-month-old?
Pack a few labeled sets of clothing and diapers if your child is still in training. Meals, snacks, nap bedding, and toys are all provided, so nothing extra is needed.
What to pack for daycare for a 6-month-old?
Bring labeled bottles of formula or breast milk and diapers for the week. We provide wipes, bibs, diaper cream, and introduce solids following USDA guidelines.
What to pack for daycare for a 3-year-old?
Pack a few labeled sets of clothing and diapers if your child is still in training. Meals, snacks, nap bedding, and toys are all provided, so nothing extra is needed.
What to pack for daycare for an infant?
Send two or more labeled sets of clothing, diapers for the week, and a can of formula or breast milk. We supply wipes, diaper cream, bibs, and all comfort and nap items. Label everything clearly to keep your baby’s belongings organized.
Any general tips for packing for childcare?
Using simple things to pack for childcare ensures you don’t forget daily essentials. Packing the night before, labeling items, and keeping a checklist handy will make mornings smoother and help your child feel ready for the day. Label all items clearly and check your child’s cubby daily. Avoid sending plastic bags, outside food, or personal items for safety and compliance.
Daycare packing checklist for infants and toddlers
Your checklist includes labeled clothing sets, diapers for the week, and formula or breast milk if your child is an infant. We handle everything else, including meals, snacks, wipes, diaper cream, and bedding.