Are you a parent gearing up for your little one’s daycare journey? Figuring out what to pack can be a daunting task, but fear not! We’ve got you covered with essential tips and tricks to ensure your child is well-prepared and their belongings are safe and easily identifiable.
Daycare Packing Tips for Parents
1. Dishwasher-Safe Stickers for Easy Labeling
When packing your child’s essentials for daycare, labeling everything is key to avoiding mix-ups. Opt for dishwasher-safe stickers that can withstand multiple washes, ensuring your labels stay put on bottles, pacifiers, containers, and more. These stickers are not only practical but also come in fun designs that your little one will love. Many can be found on Amazon.com or Etsy.com.
2. Name Stamps for Clothing, Shoes, and Blankets
Keep track of your child’s clothing, shoes, and blankets with name stamps. These handy tools make labeling effortless when stickers tend to fall off fabrics. Many can be found on Amazon.com or Etsy.com.
3. Iron-On Name Patches
Another great alternative to stickers is iron-on name patches. They are a durable and fun option for labeling clothing, shoes, and blankets, and work especially well on fabrics where stickers may not stick. Many can be found on Amazon.com or Etsy.com.
4. Silicone Bottle Labels
If you use silicone-based bottles that may not work well with stickers, personalized silicone bottle labels or sleeves are a great solution. These slip easily around your child’s bottle and come in a variety of fun designs and colors. Simply search for “personalized bottle name labels” or “bottle bands” to find plenty of options.
5. Plastic-Free Options for Daycare
For eco-conscious parents navigating daycare regulations that prohibit glass bottles, consider stainless steel or silicone-based bottles as plastic-free alternatives. These options are durable, safe, and environmentally friendly. Brands like Pura and Klean Kanteen offer stainless steel bottles, while Boon NURSH sells silicone drop-in bottle systems.
6. Infant Nap and Feeding Schedule
At Cresthill Academy, all children under 12 months are required to have a personalized nap and feeding schedule. Be sure to fill this out and send it with your little one on their first day of daycare. Keep the conversation open with your lead teacher, as you may find that your child’s schedule shifts once they are at daycare enjoying all the fun and activity around them. If your daycare does not offer a feeding schedule form, simply draft one up and bring it with you on your baby’s first day.
Preparing for a first day of anything can feel daunting and emotional—especially when it’s your precious little one’s first day of daycare. It’s completely okay to feel mixed emotions. These feelings are normal and natural, and with time (plus the wonderful photos and videos Cresthill Academy sends home), you’ll find a beautiful routine that works for both you and your baby.
Come tour and chat with a Cresthill Academy team member to see how we can be your partner in your childcare needs and your child’s growth.