What to Bring to Daycare for Infant: A Parent’s Complete Guide

What to Bring to Daycare for Infant: A Parent’s Complete Guide

Starting daycare is a big step for both parents and babies. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and worry. One way to feel more at ease is to make sure you pack everything your little one needs. This guide will help you get ready for your infant’s daycare adventure.

Quick Answer

Pack diapers, wipes, bottles, extra clothes, bibs, pacifiers, comfort items, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget to label everything with your baby’s name!

My Daycare Packing Story

I remember the first time I packed my daughter’s daycare bag. I was so nervous! I triple-checked everything, but still managed to forget her favorite stuffed bunny. When I picked her up, her teacher told me she’d been a bit fussy. The next day, with bunny in tow, she had a great time. It taught me that even small things can make a big difference in your baby’s day.

Essential Items for Your Infant’s Daycare Bag

1. Diapers and Wipes

• Pack enough diapers for the whole day, plus a few extra just in case.
• Bring a pack of wipes for diaper changes and cleanup.
• Pro tip: Some daycares prefer you bring a whole pack of diapers to keep there.

2. Diaper Cream

Bring a tube of diaper cream to prevent and treat rashes. Remember to label it with your baby’s name. Daycares usually don’t let babies share these items for health reasons.

3. Bottles and Feeding Supplies

• Pack one bottle for every two to three hours your baby will be at daycare.
• If you’re breastfeeding, fill bottles with breast milk and pack them in a cooler with ice packs.
• For formula-fed babies, pre-measure formula in each bottle to make it easy for caregivers.
• Don’t forget: Label each bottle with your baby’s name and the date.

4. Extra Clothing

• Pack at least two complete outfit changes.
• Include socks and a light sweater or jacket.
• Think about the weather and pack accordingly.

5. Bibs and Burp Cloths

Bring several bibs for feeding times and burp cloths for spit-ups. Choose bibs that are hard for babies to pull off.

6. Pacifiers

If your baby uses a pacifier, pack a couple of extras. A pacifier clip can be handy to keep them from getting lost.

7. Sleep Gear

• Bring a sleep sack or swaddle if your daycare allows them.
• Make sure any sleep items follow safety rules to keep your baby safe while sleeping.

8. Comfort Items

A special blanket or stuffed animal can help your baby feel more at home. Check with your daycare about their rules for these items.

9. Solid Foods and Snacks

If your baby eats solid foods, pack them in labeled containers. Make sure to follow any allergy rules your daycare has.

10. Sun Protection

For outdoor time, pack a sun hat. If your baby is over six months old, you can also bring baby-safe sunscreen.

11. Medication

If your baby needs any medicine during the day, bring it in the original container. Label it clearly with your child’s name and instructions. Talk to the daycare about how they handle medications.

Weekly Items to Bring

Some things can stay at daycare for the week:

• A pack of diapers
• Extra clothes
• A comfort item like a blanket

Just remember to check and refill these items each week.

Why Labeling is So Important

Put your child’s name on everything. This helps avoid mix-ups and lost items. Use waterproof labels for bottles and food containers. For clothes, you can use iron-on or stick-on labels.

Communication is Key

Talk to your daycare provider about:

• Their specific rules and needs
• How they handle feeding and naps
• Any questions or worries you have

Good communication helps ensure your baby gets the best care possible.

Packing Tips from Real Parents

“I keep a running list on my phone of things to pack. It’s saved me so many times!” – Sarah, mom of 8-month-old Liam

“I pack the night before. Mornings are crazy enough without trying to remember everything.” – Mike, dad of 6-month-old twins

What Not to Bring

Some items are best left at home:

• Valuable jewelry or clothing
• Toys that make noise (unless the daycare asks for them)
• Food items that are choking hazards

Dealing with Daycare Anxiety

It’s normal to feel worried about leaving your baby. Here are some tips to help:

• Visit the daycare with your baby before their first full day
• Create a goodbye routine
• Leave a family photo for your baby to look at
• Remember that it often gets easier with time

Printable Checklist

To make packing easier, here’s a handy checklist you can print out:

Item	How Many	Packed?
Diapers	1 per 2-3 hours + extras	[ ]
Wipes	1 pack	[ ]
Diaper cream	1 tube	[ ]
Bottles	1 per 2-3 hours	[ ]
Extra clothes	2 sets	[ ]
Bibs	2-3	[ ]
Burp cloths	2-3	[ ]
Pacifiers	2-3	[ ]
Sleep sack/swaddle	1	[ ]
Comfort item	1	[ ]
Solid foods/snacks	As needed	[ ]
Sun hat	1	[ ]
Sunscreen (if over 6 months)	1 bottle	[ ]
Medications	As needed	[ ]

Wrapping Up

Getting ready for daycare might feel overwhelming at first. But with a little planning and this guide, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember, the most important thing you’re packing is love. Your baby will feel it, even when you’re not there.

Next Steps

1. Print out the checklist above
2. Talk to your daycare about any special requirements they have
3. Start gathering and labeling items
4. Do a practice pack the night before the first day

You’ve got this, parents! Your little one is about to start an exciting new adventure, and you’re doing a great job getting them ready for it.