Daycare Supplies Guide 2026: What to Pack and Bring
Complete guide to daycare supplies in 2026. What to pack daily, supplies to stock, labeling tips, and staying organized throughout the year.
Keeping your child supplied at daycare requires organization. Knowing what to pack daily versus what to stock, plus smart labeling systems, makes the daycare routine smoother for everyone.
Table of Contents
Daily Packing List
Infants
| Item | Quantity | |------|----------| | Bottles/milk | Day's worth + extra | | Diapers | 6-8 | | Wipes | Plenty | | Change of clothes | 2-3 outfits | | Burp cloths | 2-3 | | Comfort item | Pacifier, lovey |
Toddlers
| Item | Quantity | |------|----------| | Diapers/pull-ups | 6-8 (or underwear) | | Wipes | Plenty | | Change of clothes | 2-3 complete outfits | | Extra shoes | 1 pair | | Comfort item | If allowed | | Sunscreen | If not provided |
Preschoolers
| Item | Quantity | |------|----------| | Change of clothes | 1-2 outfits | | Extra underwear | 2-3 pairs | | Water bottle | Filled | | Nap items | Blanket, cot sheet | | Sunscreen | If not provided |
Supplies to Stock
Ask What's Needed
| Category | Common Requests | |----------|-----------------| | Diapering | Diapers, wipes, cream | | Feeding | Formula, bottles, bibs | | Sleeping | Crib sheets, sleep sack | | Outdoor | Sunscreen, hat | | Emergency | Extra outfit, weather gear |
What Program Provides
Typically provided:
- Meals and snacks (often)
- Hand soap
- Basic first aid
- Cleaning supplies
- Some activity materials
Typically parent provides:
- Diapers and wipes
- Formula/breast milk
- Sunscreen
- Bedding items
- Comfort items
Labeling Everything
Why It Matters
| Reason | Consequence | |--------|-------------| | Items get mixed up | Lost belongings | | Staff need identification | Wrong items used | | Return to you | Without label, may not |
Labeling Options
| Method | Best For | |--------|----------| | Permanent marker | Quick, cheap | | Name labels/stickers | Professional look | | Iron-on labels | Clothing | | Stamps | Fast application | | Tags | Bags, blankets |
What to Label
| Must Label | Optional | |------------|----------| | Bottles | Pacifiers | | Sippy cups | Blankets | | Clothing | Nap mat | | Bags | Shoes | | Food containers | Hats |
Staying Organized
Systems That Work
| System | How It Helps | |--------|--------------| | Dedicated daycare bag | Always ready | | Restock routine | Check weekly | | Spare supplies at daycare | Emergency backup | | Communication log | Know what's needed |
Weekly Checklist
| Day | Task | |-----|------| | Sunday | Pack week's supplies | | Wednesday | Mid-week check | | Friday | Bring home items to wash |
Seasonal Updates
| Season | Update Needed | |--------|---------------| | Fall | Light jacket, long sleeves | | Winter | Heavy coat, hat, mittens | | Spring | Rain gear, layers | | Summer | Sunscreen, swimsuit, hat |
Common Mistakes
Avoid These
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | |---------|-------------------| | Unlabeled items | Lost forever | | Running out of diapers | Emergency call | | Wrong size clothes | Can't change child | | No comfort item | Upset child | | Forgetting seasonal gear | Child uncomfortable |
Special Situations
Potty Training
| Extra Items | Why | |-------------|-----| | Many underwear | Accidents happen | | Many pants | 3-5 pairs | | Wet bag | For soiled items | | Extra socks | Get wet too |
Sick Season
| Extra Items | Why | |-------------|-----| | Extra tissues | Runny noses | | Lip balm | Chapped lips | | Change of clothes | Accidents when sick |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025