First Day of Nursery Checklist – Things to Remember to Pack

First Day of Nursery Checklist – Things to Remember to Pack

Starting nursery or other kinds of childcare is a big step for both children and their parents. Once you have found a nursery that you can trust and have been accepted, it’s time to prepare your child’s bag for nursery. Since your child might be at nursery all day, they need to have a bag with their essentials with them. Read my first day of nursery checklist below to learn all about these daily essentials for preschool.

The items your child will need with them will depend on their age and what kind of childcare you have chosen. Check with the nursery or carer to find out what will be available and ask them to help you make a list of other things you will need to pack.

First of all, you’ll need a bag to pack in. A backpack is a good idea as they are easy to carry. I love the Fjällräven Kånken Mini Rucksack. It’s so cute and is available in lots of different colours! Put a card or a note with your details in the bag in case of an emergency.

Things to consider including in your child’s bag are the following:

Food & Drink

Some childcare options will include this but for some you might need to pack some snacks, a lunchbox and drinks in suitable bottles or beakers. If your child is a baby you will probably need to provide sterilised bottles and measured formula or expressed breastmilk. Don’t forget to label the bottles to ensure there are no mix-ups!

If your child suffers from allergies or has a special diet you might need to or want to provide your own food even if your nursery serves lunch.

Spare Clothes

Babies and toddlers get messy all the time so it’s important to pack at least one change of clothes labelled with your child’s name in case of an accident. If you know your child has a tendency to be extra messy — a baby with reflux or a toddler who loves to play in the mud, for example — pack extra clothes!

Outdoor Clothes

It’s also essential to make sure your child has the correct clothes for the weather to play outside as this is usually part of the curriculum, especially if the nursery is a Forest School. Also pack a sun hat and sunscreen if it’s summer and write your child’s name on the bottle.

Nappies & Wipes

If your baby or toddler is still in nappies, then you probably need to provide nappies and wipes for each day. Pack enough for the day (plus a few extra) or ask your nursery or childminder if you can leave a pack or two with them.

Nap-time Essentials

If your little one naps whilst in childcare you might need to pack a sheet, a blanket or a sleeping bag. You might be able to store these at your nursery or with your childminder. If your child has a comfort blanket, a soother or a special cuddly toy, remember to pack these too to avoid problems. Again, remember to label these and pack spares!

Medicines (if applicable)

If your child needs to take any medicines during the day, pack what he or she needs and give the nursery or childminder instructions on how and when to give the medicine. Write instructions and include them in your child’s bag with the medicine too to avoid any mistakes.

I hope this First Day of Nursery Checklist helps you feel more prepared when your child starts childcare.

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