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The first days of taking care of children you might feel like you’re packing for a week holiday. Good news? Once you do this a few times, it becomes second nature. Most childcare centers provide a list of what they need, but this one wallet list it covers the basics and works well for babies through toddlers. Each day’s care is a little different, so check with your provider for any requests.
Daycare Bag List
Feeding
□ Bottles and prepared breast milk or formula (if needed)
□ An extra bottle or two, if possible
□ A bottle nipples
□ Baby food or purees (if available)
□ Pack a lunch (if your child brings one)
□ Morning and evening snacks
□ A bottle of water, a straw cuporsippy cup (if not provided by your day care)
□ Mabiif needed
Follow up
□ Diapers (enough for a day, plus a few more)
□ Wipes
□ Diaper cream (if your daycare allows)
Clothes
□ Two change of clothes
□ Extra socks
□ Weather-appropriate outerwear (jacket, sweater, raincoat)
□ Hat, if needed
Adventures, crafts, water sports, and lunches are held. An extra coat or two saves everyone a lot of stress.
Sleep
Most childcare centers have blankets, but some ask families to bring their own.
Check if your day care offers:
□ Paper on legs
□ Sleeping bag (if your child is using one and your care allows)
Always take care of your children safe sleeping rules. Loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and other items should not be placed in a child’s sleeping area.
Comforting Things
If your day care allows them:
□ Pacifiers (If you are using it. Make sure you bring extras)
□ A little love for little children, if allowed
Health & Personal Care
□ Any necessary medication with completed paperwork
□ Sunscreen (if childcare providers ask families to provide)
Make sure all medications are in their original packaging and follow your day care routine.
Don’t forget
□ Daily communication folder or notebook (if the childminder uses one)
□ Any child support forms you have requested
□ A quick hug, a smile, and a bold goodbye
Your child takes their ideas from you. A calm, positive goodbye builds confidence and makes the transition easier for both of you.
Women on Call Advice
Keep a small basket by your front door filled with diapers, wipes, extra clothes, bibs, and anything else you carry around on a daily basis. Refill the bag every evening instead of rushing to do it the next morning. You will be thankful in the future.
Starting childcare is a big transition for everyone, and having a well-stocked backpack is a small way to make those first few days more manageable. You don’t have to wait for any events or pack the entire nursery. A few basic essentials, plenty of backup, and everything your babysitter often asks of you is all you need to help your child feel comfortable and cared for throughout the day.
As you settle into your new babysitting routine, you’ll quickly figure out which ones are used the most, which ones should be in daycare, and which ones should come home every night. Before long, babysitting becomes just another part of your family’s repertoire. Give yourself a little grace when you find something that works, you can always change it as you go, and a daycare planner can be a great tool to help you organize your list.
Looking for personalized help to help you check this and more? Partner with one of the Women on Call Certified Premier Consultants to walk by your side, and help you every step of the way!
Pa Mother Sings, we are committed to providing the best, most effective and efficient ways to help parents feel confident and relaxed. You are the best parents—we’re here to help you understand your child better and enjoy parenting with some great tips! Visit our website at www.momsoncall.com to see everything that can help you sleep, feed, laugh and love your way through your baby!