What to Pack for Daycare: A Simple Toddler & Preschool Checklist

Squiggle Room
26 minutes ago
3 min read

Getting ready for daycare can feel like a lot, especially in the first few weeks. The good news is: once you have a solid “go bag” routine, mornings get easier fast.

If you’re preparing for your child’s first days at a daycare in Ann Arbor, this checklist will help you pack with confidence, avoid last-minute stress, and make sure your child has what they need to have a comfortable day.

The essentials (most kids need these every day)

These are the core items that keep your child comfortable and ready for routines:

A labeled water bottle
A change of clothes (at least one full set)
A light jacket or weather-appropriate outer layer
Diapers/pull-ups and wipes (if applicable)
Any required comfort item (small blanket, lovey, pacifier, etc.)

For families with toddlers, extra clothes are your best friend. Accidents and spills happen, and having backups keeps your child comfortable and keeps the day flowing smoothly.

Extra clothing checklist (toddlers + preschoolers)

Pack at least one full change, and consider a second set for toddlers or during messy-weather seasons:

Shirt
Pants/leggings
Socks
Underwear (or extra pull-ups)
Seasonal extras (hat, mittens, etc.)

A quick tip: keep the backup clothes in a gallon zip bag so teachers can send home soiled clothing easily and you can restock without guessing.

Nap and rest-time items

Rest routines matter a lot in early childhood. Many children do best when nap time feels familiar and predictable.

Depending on your child’s age and the daycare’s policies, you may need:

A small blanket and/or sleep mat sheet
A comfort item (if allowed)
A labeled nap-time bag

Strong rest routines are part of what helps kids adjust more smoothly to care outside the home. If you’re preparing for the first few weeks, you might also like: The First Two Weeks of Daycare: What’s Normal (and When to Worry).

Meals, snacks, and food needs

Some programs provide food and snacks, while others ask families to send them. Either way, it helps to be clear about your child’s needs.

Ask your center:

Do families provide lunch and snacks, or is it included?
Are there restrictions on certain foods (allergies, choking hazards, etc.)?
What should we do about food allergies or dietary preferences?

If your child has allergies, it’s worth doing a quick “label and confirm” routine early, so everyone feels confident and your child stays safe.

Seasonal packing: winter, spring, summer

In Michigan, the weather changes fast. It helps to keep a few seasonal items ready to rotate.

Winter:

Warm coat
Hat and mittens
Snow boots (if needed)

Spring/Fall:

Light jacket or rain jacket
Extra socks (mud happens)

Summer:

Sun hat
Light layers
Sunscreen (if requested/allowed)

Outdoor play is a big part of healthy early childhood development, and being properly dressed makes it easier for kids to enjoy it comfortably. You can see more about how play and movement fit into the day on our Approach and Activities pages.

Labeling: the small thing that saves a lot of stress

This one matters: label everything.

Even with the best systems, daycare classrooms are busy, and kids are kids. Labels make it easier to keep items with the right child and reduce “mystery items” at pickup.

Label:

Jackets, hats, mittens
Water bottles
Lunch boxes
Blankets/mats
Extra clothes bag

A quick “daycare bag” checklist (copy/paste)

Here’s a simple baseline checklist you can screenshot:

Water bottle
1–2 full changes of clothes
Diapers/pull-ups + wipes (if needed)
Comfort item (if used/allowed)
Nap items (blanket/sheet as needed)
Seasonal outerwear
Any required forms/meds (if applicable)
Lunch/snacks (if your program requests it)

Want help getting ready for daycare?

At Squiggle Room, we know starting daycare is a big transition for kids and parents. Our goal is to make it feel calm, supportive, and predictable, with routines that help children feel safe and confident.

If you’re looking for a daycare in Ann Arbor and want to learn more about our routines, schedule, and what families should bring, we’d love to connect. Visit our website to explore our Programs and contact us to schedule a tour.

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