Packing Your Pre-Schooler’s Bag

Does your child go to pre-school, daycare or kindy? Then you will need to pack them a bag for every day that they go. Below is a quick list of the various things that you may need. Keep it on the fridge for an easy way to get ready in the morning and to ensure that you don’t have to return home to pick up those items that you have forgotten.

Essential Items

• Back pack your child will need a back pack to carry all of their items. Have them help you pick it out and check that it fits and that it will be big enough to hold all of their items.  Choose a bag that will be sturdy, not too heavy for them to carry and easy to clean.
• Water bottle make sure that it is labelled with your child’s name on it.
• Extra pair of clothes often daycare activities will get messy (think painting, sand play and water play) and it is always a good idea to have a clean, spare pair of clothing (or three) just in case.
• Extra undies or nappies this is especially important if your child is toilet training.
• Bed sheets children will still have a rest time at daycare until they are four or five. So bring bed sheets (usually cot sheets are required) and a light blanket so that your child will be able to have a sleep with everyone else.  Check with your daycare centre on the provision of pillows, most don’t allow it.
• Hat make sure your child’s hat has their name on the inside.
• Shoes make sure your child doesn’t leave the house without shoes on. And, if they do, then pack them in his bag. Children will often have outside play and will require shoes to go outside or on outings.  Young children should have sturdy shoes that are easy for them to get on or off themselves.  Avoid laces, try for velcro or slip on.

Maybe Items

• Sun screen most daycare centres provide sunscreen but check to see if you need to bring your own.
• Lunch many daycares will have a cook that will provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the kids. However, you may need to bring your own food for your child, especially if they have specific allergies. If this is the case, invest in a separate lunch box, labelled so that your child can put their lunch in the fridge. Make sure all the inside containers are labelled as well.  Think sandwich, fruit, yoghurt and cheese.
• Swimmers, goggles and a towel many schools will offer water play or even swimming lessons in the hotter months. If this is the case, then make sure you pack an extra bag with swimming gear, a towel and goggles.

Security Items

• Teddy bear if your child is still getting used to being away from home, why not pack their favourite sleeping bear or toy. They can take it out when it’s time for a sleep or when they arrive to keep them feeling secure when you are not around.
• Picture of family another good idea is to let them bring a photograph of you, your spouse and any siblings as a way for them to remember that you are always there. If they get upset, they can look at the picture with their teacher
• Bottle or dummy if your child still takes a bottle or a dummy, then keep one in the bag just in case.

At the end of the day, take out the items and restock your child’s bag. That way you will be prepared for the next daycare day without running around the morning before in panic mode.