First day of daycare (or with a childminder): prep your baby's bag in advance. This list helps you pack the essentials without overpacking or forgetting the must-haves.
Each facility has its own internal regulations. Before buying anything, ask the daycare for their official list: some provide diapers, meals, or milk, while others do not.
What to generally pack
Spare clothes
This is the most important part. Pack:
- 2 to 3 full outfits (onesie, pants or pajamas, top);
- spare socks;
- a cardigan or sweater for temperature changes;
- a hat and gloves in winter, a sun hat in summer.
Choose clothes that are easy to put on (snap buttons, no tiny buttons) and machine washable at high temperatures.
Diapering
Depending on the facility, diapers, diaper cream, wipes, and lotion may or may not be provided. Ask before the start date. If you need to bring them, keep a small supply that you replenish regularly.
Meals
- Bottles already prepared or equipment for preparation, if the milk is provided by the parents.
- Powdered milk in its original container, according to the daycare's rules.
- Bibs (3 to 4) and appropriate spoons for babies who are already eating solids.
- Sippy cup or training cup if your baby uses one.
Sleep and comfort
- Lovey/security blanket: essential for many children. If possible, have a second identical one to avoid panic if it gets lost.
- Pacifier, if your baby uses one, with a hygienic storage case.
- A sleep sack adapted to the season, if the daycare requires you to bring one.
The bag
- A practical backpack or diaper bag, large enough to hold spare clothes but lightweight.
- Labels with your baby's name on everything: clothes, bottles, lovey, pacifier.
What you should ask the daycare
| Subject | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Diapers and care | Are they provided? What brand? |
| Meals | Are milk, meals, and snacks included? |
| Nap time | Do I need to bring sheets, a sleep sack, or a blanket? |
| Medication | What is the procedure? Is a prescription required? |
| Slippers | Are indoor slippers required? |
| Lovey and personal items | Are they allowed? Under what conditions? |
Good habits for the first few days
- Do a trial/adaptation period: gradually introduce your baby to the facility with increasing durations, if the daycare offers this.
- Label everything: clothes start looking the same very quickly.
- Pack the bag the night before to avoid morning oversights.
- Check the bag every evening: dirty clothes to wash, clean clothes to replace, supplies to replenish.
- Inform them of any specific needs: sleep habits, allergies, comfort items.
What can stay at home
- Toys: the daycare already has enough.
- Jewelry, teething necklaces, or non-compliant pacifier clips: most daycares refuse these for safety reasons.
- Fragile or expensive clothes: they risk getting stained or damaged.
- Complex accessories: anything that is time-consuming to put on or clean.
Daycare bag checklist
- 2 to 3 spare outfits
- Spare socks
- Cardigan or sweater
- Hat / sun hat depending on the season
- Diapers, wipes, and cream (if requested)
- Bottles and milk (if requested)
- Bibs
- Lovey and pacifier
- Sleep sack (if requested)
- Labels with baby's name
- Bag for dirty laundry
FAQ
How many spare clothes should I pack?
At least 2 full outfits. If your baby is already eating purees, pack a third.
Should I label all the clothes?
Yes. Iron-on labels, stick-on labels, or a fabric marker: the important thing is that the name remains legible after washing.
Can the lovey go to daycare?
In most facilities, yes. Many even recommend it to help with nap times. Check your daycare's rules.
Does the daycare provide diapers and meals?
It depends on the facility: public daycares, private ones, micro-nurseries, and childminders all have different rules. Ask for the list before the start date.
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