Daycare days are full of fun, games and the joy of learning. To make everyday life as smooth as possible, it’s important that your child has all the things they need. It doesn’t matter whether your child has been at daycare for months or is just starting out – a well-prepared backpack makes everyday life easier for everyone. Daycare staff also play an important role in your child’s day, and a well-packed backpack will make their day run more smoothly. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide and handy checklist of what to pack in your daycare backpack to make each day smoother and more comfortable for both your child and daycare staff. Jump in and make sure your child is ready to enjoy their day at daycare in peace and joy.
1. Dress for the weather
Daycare days are full of activities, and weatherproof clothing is key to your child’s comfort and well-being. In Finland, weather conditions can vary greatly from season to season, so planning clothing in advance is important. The weather can also change frequently during the day, so well-chosen outdoor clothing and accessories are essential. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a cold winter morning, the right outdoor clothing can make your child’s day much more comfortable and safe.
In summer, lightweight, breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts and caps are essential. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your child’s delicate skin and eye areas from the sun’s UV rays. Also make sure your child has comfortable and sturdy shoes that can withstand a lot of running and playing.
In autumn and spring, the unpredictability of the weather emphasises the importance of layering. Waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers and warm but breathable base layers and mid layers are a must. A raincoat and crane pants or crane gloves improve rain resistance and add to a child’s enjoyment of outdoor play in rainy weather. Rubber boots are an absolute must at this time of year to keep your child dry and warm.
In the winter season, layering is key again. A warm base layer, sweater, topcoat, warm gloves, hat and scarf will keep your child protected from the cold. Waterproof and warm winter shoes are vital as feet are particularly vulnerable to cold. An extra layer, such as a fleece-lined jumpsuit, can provide extra warmth on very cold days.
Remember to also take into account the clothing needs of the daycare’s interior. Lightweight indoor clothing, such as sweatpants and t-shirts, are good for keeping your child comfortable indoors, where temperatures are often constant. Ensure that clothing is labelled, making it easier to find during the day and preventing any chance of losing them. Careful clothing for different situations and weather conditions will ensure that your child can participate in all daycare activities happily and safely, in all weathers.
2. Spare clothes are essential
Daycare days can be full of surprises, which is why it’s especially important to make sure your child always has enough spare clothes. Children are active, and accidents can happen during play, such as falls, water play or food spills that require a change of clothes. It is particularly important to have several changes of clothes for young children, as they are more likely to have accidents.
Always have at least one complete change of clothes in your backpack, including underpants, socks, a t-shirt or sweater and trousers. This will help ensure that your child stays dry and comfortable all day. It’s best to put spare clothes in a small cloth bag or plastic bag to keep them organised and separate from dirty clothes.
You should also pay special attention to the time of year. In winter, extra woollen socks and layers may be necessary, while in summer light clothing and extra shorts or skirts can be useful. It’s also worth remembering to pack extra gloves and hats for the colder months, as these small items are often the first to disappear during the day.
With spare clothes, your child can go about their day comfortably and without distractions. It is also a great relief for daycare staff to be able to easily and quickly change a child’s clothes in case of an accident. This allows both the child and the adults to concentrate on the essentials: learning, playing and being together.
Toys should be chosen according to what your child loves and enjoys.
3. Toys and a sleep buddy
Bringing toys and sleep buddies into the daycare centre can give your child a sense of security and familiarity in a new environment, and make their days more comfortable and enjoyable. By carefully choosing your child’s toys and sleep buddies, you can help ensure that they feel at home and have a good time at daycare. Small, easy-to-carry toys, such as soft toys, small cars, or vinyl dolls, are usually good options. These toys don’t take up much space in a backpack and are easy to carry around.
A sleep buddy is especially important for younger children who may nap at daycare. A beloved sleep buddy can provide a lot of comfort and a sense of security, which will help your child get a better night’s sleep. A labelled bedtime companion will ensure that it can be quickly found back with its owner if it happens to get lost.
Toys should be chosen according to what your child loves and enjoys, but it is also important to remember to take into account the rules and facilities of the daycare centre. It is a good idea to discuss with your child the choice of toys and why it may not be possible to take all toys to daycare. This can help your child to better understand and accept the limitations. Once toys and sleep buddies have been carefully chosen, you can be sure that your child’s day at daycare will be safer and more comfortable, full of joy and fun.
4. Lunchboxes and drink bottles
During the day, proper nutrition and adequate hydration are key to a child’s strength and well-being. Therefore, well-chosen lunchboxes and water bottles are important items to keep in your daycare backpack at all times.
Choose a lunchbox that is easy to open and close, as well as resistant to handling. The best lunchboxes are tight and compact, with several compartments for different types of food. Multi-compartment lunchboxes are particularly handy, allowing you to pack a variety of fruit, vegetables, sandwiches and other healthy snacks. Remember to follow the daycare guidelines and any allergy rules to ensure the safety of all children.
A water bottle is equally important, as children need regular water to stay hydrated. Choose a water bottle that is durable and easy to use, preferably one with simple opening and closing mechanisms. It’s a good idea to normally reserve a bottle for children that is made of BPA-free plastic or stainless steel and is dishwasher safe to keep it hygienic.
It is a good idea to label both the lunchbox and the water bottle so that they are easy to identify and find. Labelling also reduces the risk of loss. Good snacks and an adequate supply of water will help your child to stay energetic and focused throughout the day at daycare, which in turn supports play and learning.
5. Hygiene products
Hygiene products are an essential part of a well-stocked daycare backpack. They help keep children clean and comfortable, and support healthy practices that prevent the spread of disease in the daycare. Pack a few basic hygiene items in your backpack to ensure your child has everything they need within reach during the day.
First, wet wipes are absolutely handy for cleaning little hands after meals and play. They allow your child to easily wipe away dirt, food or paint from their fingers. Choose gentle, fragrance-free wipes that won’t irritate your child’s skin.
Secondly, gloves are a great accessory, especially during cold and flu season. A small, easily accessible bottle of hand sanitizer helps keep hands clean when washing water and soap are not immediately available. Make sure the hand sanitizer you choose is alcohol-free or contains gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your child’s sensitive skin.
Thirdly, lip balm is particularly useful in the winter months when the cold outside and warm indoors can dry out your child’s lips. Easy to apply, child-friendly lip balm helps keep lips soft and prevents painful chapping.
Finally, any medication needs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines, should be well labelled and known to staff. This will ensure that the child gets the medication they need at the right time and in the right way.
Labelled toiletries make them easier to identify and use, and reduce the chance of them being lost during the day. A well-stocked hygienic backpack helps your child stay clean, healthy and ready for the day’s play and learning.
6. Moomin Baby tape diapers
To ensure a smooth and comfortable day at daycare, it is important to choose high-quality and reliable diapers that meet the needs of both the child and the caregivers. Moomin Baby tape diapers are an excellent choice for everyday use in the daycare centre thanks to their many benefits.
Moomin Baby tape diapers are specifically designed to meet the needs of active children, providing excellent fit and comfort throughout the day. Their soft and breathable material reduces the risk of diaper rash and keeps baby’s skin dry and healthy. In addition, the diapers’ flexible sides and tapes ensure that the diapers stay in place tightly but comfortably, without pinching or causing discomfort.
One of the biggest advantages of Moomin Baby tape diapers is their ease of use. The tape fastening makes diaper changes quick and easy, which is a great advantage for both daycare staff and parents. This speeds up diaper changes and reduces interruptions to childcare, allowing children to get back to play and other activities more quickly.
Moomin Baby tape diapers are also environmentally friendly, as they are produced in a responsible and sustainable way. This is an important factor that can reassure parents and support their values. By labelling the diapers, you ensure that your child gets the right diapers for them, even in the busy day-to-day life of the daycare centre. Moomin Baby tape diapers are a reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly choice that will make everyday life easier for everyone involved and keep your child happy and dry all day long.
Discover Moomin Baby products here!
Clear labelling makes the daycare experience smoother and less stressful.
7. Labelling is important
In the day-to-day life of a daycare centre, children and their belongings can easily become confused with each other, which is why labelling is very important. When all of a child’s personal belongings are clearly labelled, finding and returning them to their rightful owner is smooth and easy. This helps to avoid unnecessary stress for both the child and the daycare staff.
Start by labelling basic items such as jackets, hats, gloves and shoes. Name labels, fabric markers or simply writing the child’s name in durable marker on clothes washcloths works well. Name labels are particularly handy, as they can withstand washing and use for a long time. Remember to label spare clothes and outdoor clothing too, as they are particularly prone to getting lost and mixed up with other children’s belongings.
In addition, labelling your child’s water bottle, lunchbox, backpack and other personal items will ensure that they do not get lost or mixed up with other children’s belongings. This is particularly important for toiletries such as wet wipes and toothbrushes, as these are personal items that should not be shared with others.
You should take special care when labelling sleep buddies and toys, as these are often children’s most cherished objects. A labelled sleep buddy or favourite toy is easier to find if it happens to get lost among other toys.
Labelling ensures that your child can easily identify and find their own things, which helps them to become more independent and responsible. It also makes it easier for daycare staff and reduces the number of lost items. Clear labelling makes the daycare routine smoother and less stressful, allowing the child and staff to focus on more important things like learning and play.
8. Making sleep routines easier
Daytime naps are an important part of a young child’s day at daycare. Luckily there are some simple but effective ways to ensure they run smoothly. Well-planned sleep routines give children a sense of security and help them to get the most restorative sleep possible.
Familiar objects, such as a sleep buddy or a blanket, can make sleep more comfortable in a new environment. A sleep buddy provides a sense of home and security, helping your child to relax and fall asleep more easily. Be sure to label the sleep buddy so it doesn’t get lost with other children’s belongings.
Another important factor in supporting sleep routines is consistency. Once your child gets used to the same nap routine at daycare as at home, the transition to naptime will be easier. For example, you can arrange with the daycare staff to read your child a short story or have them listen to soothing music before they fall asleep.
Comfortable clothing, chosen according to the weather, is also important. Light, breathable clothes in summer and warmer underwear in winter help to keep your child comfortable throughout the day.
A quiet environment with dimmed lights and low noise levels is also crucial. Give daycare staff information about your child’s preferences and sleep routines. This way they can do their best to maintain those routines.
By working with the daycare, you can create an environment that supports your child’s sleep patterns and well-being during the day. This ensures a refreshed mind and a sense of well-being amidst all the fun and learning.
9. Safety and comfort
Ensuring a child’s safety and comfort is a priority in the daycare. It is up to the parents to ensure that all the necessary equipment is in place to enhance these goals. By being prepared for different situations and small details, you can make a big difference to your child’s day at daycare.
The first thing to pay attention to is dressing your child in comfortable and weatherproof clothes. Outdoor clothing appropriate to the environment – an umbrella or raincoat in mild weather and hats and sunglasses in summer – will increase your child’s comfort and safety. On cold days, layering can ensure that your child stays warm and comfortable, while in summer, lightweight and breathable clothing prevents overheating. Shoes also play an important role; comfortable and supportive shoes help to keep active and prevent falls and slips.
In addition to safety concerns, you should also pack comfort items in your child’s backpack. A small soft blanket or pillow for naps can make nap times more pleasant. A child’s favourite toy or sleep buddy can bring a familiar and reassuring element to a new environment.
Labelling is a key element of safety. Clearly labelling your child’s clothes, accessories and toys reduces the risk of loss and confusion. This makes it easier for daycare staff and ensures that children have access to their own familiar items.
Also inform the daycare staff of any special needs or allergies so that they can take them into account and ensure the child’s safety in different situations. This way, working together with the daycare center, you can create an environment where your child can grow, learn and play safely and comfortably.
Check out our tips for a successful daycare start here!
