Starting daycare comes with a surprising amount of gear. Between spare clothes, nappies, comfort items and everything your centre asks you to label, it helps to have a simple checklist you can use each morning.
Every childcare centre has its own requirements, so always use their list first. Then use this guide as a practical prompt for the everyday things families often need.
Daycare packing checklist
- Spare clothes
- Nappies or toilet-training supplies if required
- Water bottle if requested by your centre
- Sun hat and other sun-protection items requested by the centre
- Comfort item if permitted
- Sleep items if required
- Food or bottles where your centre requires families to supply them
- A waterproof wet bag for wet or messy clothes
- Any swimming or water-play items requested
Pack more spare clothes than you think
Water play, food, paint, mud and toileting accidents can all lead to outfit changes. Pack season-appropriate spare clothes and check the bag regularly as your child grows.
Label everything according to your centre’s policy so stray socks, hats and shirts have a better chance of making it home.
Use a wet bag for messy clothes
A waterproof wet bag gives educators and parents a designated place for damp or messy clothing rather than putting it loose inside the daycare bag.
It can also be reused for swimming lessons, beach days, toilet training and family travel.
Shop waterproof wet bags for daycare and swimming.
Nappies and toilet-training supplies
Ask your centre exactly what they provide and what needs to come from home. Requirements can differ, so don’t assume nappies, wipes or toileting supplies are included.
If your centre offers water play or swimming activities, ask whether your child needs a swim nappy and what type is accepted.
Explore reusable swim nappies.
What should stay in the daycare bag?
Keeping a few non-perishable essentials permanently packed can make mornings easier. A wet bag, labelled spare clothing and any centre-approved basics can stay ready, while food, bottles or other daily items are added as needed.
Check the bag at the end of every day
A quick reset at pickup or when you get home can save the morning scramble. Remove wet clothes, replace used spare outfits, wash anything that needs cleaning and check notices from your centre.
What does a 1-year-old need for daycare?
For a one-year-old, focus on changes of clothing, nappy or toileting needs, feeding requirements, sleep needs and comfort items permitted by the centre. Your childcare provider’s own list should always take priority because routines and supplied items vary.
Make daycare mornings simpler
A good daycare setup is less about packing everything you own and more about having the right essentials in predictable places.
For an expanded list, read our daycare and childcare essentials guide. You can also browse Sarah Jane Collection waterproof wet bags for daycare, swimming and messy days out.