Back-to-School Baby Essentials: Packing for Daycare
As the school year kicks off, it’s not just the older kids who need to get organized – if you’ve got a little one heading to daycare or preschool for the first time, it’s time to start packing their essentials too! Whether it’s a new experience for you and your baby or you’re returning to the routine, having a well-packed daycare bag can make your mornings smoother and give you peace of mind throughout the day.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to ensure your baby is ready for their day at daycare – from daily essentials to comfort items that will help them feel more at home.
1. Diapers and Wipes
It’s no surprise that diapers are the first thing to go into the bag! Make sure to pack enough diapers for the entire day – a good rule of thumb is to pack 1 diaper for every 2-3 hours your baby will be at daycare, plus a couple of extras just in case.
Pro Tip: Use a diaper caddy to keep the diapers, wipes, and creams organized. This makes it easy for the daycare staff to access everything they need.
What to Pack:
- 5-7 diapers (depending on your baby’s schedule)
- A full pack of wipes
- Diaper rash cream (if needed)
2. Extra Clothes
Babies are messy – whether it’s from feeding, playtime, or diaper accidents. Always pack a full change of clothes, and consider sending two sets if your baby is prone to getting extra messy.
What to Pack:
- 1-2 extra outfits (onesie, pants, socks)
- Bibs or burp cloths for feeding
- A lightweight sweater or jacket for cooler weather
3. Feeding Essentials
Whether your baby is bottle-fed, breastfed, or starting on solids, you’ll need to ensure they have everything they need to stay fed and hydrated throughout the day.
What to Pack:
- For Formula-Fed Babies: Pre-measured formula in containers and sterilized bottles.
- For Breastfed Babies: Pumped breast milk in labeled bottles with feeding instructions.
- For Babies Starting Solids: Small containers with portioned-out baby food, snacks, and a spoon. Don’t forget a sippy cup for water or milk!
Pro Tip: Label all bottles, cups, and food containers with your baby’s name to avoid any mix-ups.
4. Comfort Items
Daycare can be a big adjustment for babies, especially if it’s their first time being away from home for extended periods. Including a few comfort items can make all the difference and help your little one feel safe and secure.
What to Pack:
- A favorite blanket or soft toy (if allowed by the daycare)
- A pacifier (if your baby uses one)
- A family photo or something familiar from home to help ease separation anxiety
5. Nap Time Necessities
Most daycares will have nap time, so it’s important to send any items your baby may need to fall asleep comfortably. Ask the daycare if they provide cribs or mats, or if you need to bring a sleeping bag or nap mat for your little one.
What to Pack:
- A familiar sleep sack or blanket (depending on the weather)
- A comfort item like a lovey or small stuffed animal
- A white noise machine or a soothing sound toy (if permitted by the daycare)
6. Outdoor Gear
Many daycares take the children outside for playtime, so you’ll want to pack weather-appropriate gear. In the early fall, mornings can be cool but the afternoons can warm up, so it’s a good idea to layer clothing.
What to Pack:
- A sun hat and baby-friendly sunscreen for sunny days
- A lightweight jacket or sweater for cooler weather
- Extra socks or shoes (if your baby is walking)
7. Health and Safety Items
Make sure to include any special health or safety items your baby might need during the day. If your baby has specific medical needs or takes any medications, talk to the daycare staff to make sure they’re fully informed.
What to Pack:
- Any medications your baby may need, along with clear instructions
- Band-aids or a small first-aid kit (optional, as most daycares will have this covered)
- A baby hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes for the daycare staff to use before feedings
8. Label Everything!
One of the most important daycare hacks is labeling EVERYTHING. From clothes to bottles, having your baby’s name on every item will save both you and the daycare staff a lot of time and confusion. You can use waterproof name labels or a permanent marker for this.
Bonus: A Ready-to-Go Daycare Checklist
Here’s a quick daycare packing checklist to make sure you don’t forget any essentials:
- Diapers and wipes
- Change of clothes
- Feeding supplies (bottles, formula, baby food)
- Comfort items (blanket, toy, pacifier)
- Nap time essentials (sleep sack, lovey)
- Outdoor gear (hat, sunscreen, jacket)
- Health items (medications, first-aid)
Final Tips for Packing Baby’s Daycare Bag
- Keep a backup: It’s a good idea to leave a backup set of clothes, diapers, and wipes at the daycare so you don’t have to worry if you forget something one morning.
- Communicate with daycare staff: Find out if your daycare has specific guidelines on what to bring and if they provide certain items, like blankets or bibs.
- Rotate comfort items: To avoid wear and tear, have a few comfort items on hand to rotate, so your baby always has something familiar with them.
Get Ready for a Smooth Back-to-School Season
Packing for daycare doesn’t have to be stressful! With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to ensure your little one is well-prepared for their day away from home. Don’t forget to check in with your daycare provider for any specific packing guidelines they may have.
Need more tips on baby gear and essentials? Explore our other baby care articles and check out our shop for all the must-have items for your little one.
Here’s to a happy, smooth back-to-school season!