Top 10 Must Have Daycare Essentials for Busy Parents

Introduction:

Do you feel prepared for daycare? If the immediate answer that popped up in your head is, “Absolutely not!”, don’t fret. Life gets busy, and it can be overwhelming. As a busy parent, ensuring that your child is well-prepared for their daycare adventure is very important. From snacks to spare clothes, the list of items your little one needs can seem never-ending. That's where Name Bubbles comes in – your ultimate partner in being prepared and staying organized. Our goal is to help you keep track of all the items on the daycare supply list – and even the items they forgot to mention! After all, with our personalized labels, keeping track of your child's belongings has never been easier. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the top 10 must have daycare essentials for busy parents and how our personalized labels make your life easier!

1. Baby Bottles and Sippy Cups:

Staying hydrated throughout the day is crucial for your child's well-being. Items like sippy cups and baby bottles are the first to be lost and end up in the daycare center lost-and-found because they’re all pretty similar! So after ensuring your child has a leak-proof water bottle or sippy cup, you next need to make sure that bottle is labeled with their name. Meet Name Bubbles' water-resistant labels! Our Sippy Cup Labels and Baby Bottle Labels are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and freezer-safe. They’re easy to apply and re-writable with our Hydropencil - write the date and re-write it the next day with ease. The Hydropencil is easy to wipe off labels, and the ink is refrigerator and freezer proof too! This is perfect for marking whether a bottle is breast milk or formula or when the bottle was prepared and for how long it can be used for. If juices need refrigeration or warming, our labels are a great tool to keep the childcare provider in the know.

2. Snack Containers:

Healthy snacks keep your child energized and focused. Use airtight containers to pack their favorite treats and baby food, and make sure their snacks are properly labeled to avoid mixups. If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, we recommend our Alert Labels to keep others aware of your children’s sensitivities. For example, we have our Gluten Allergy and Peanut Allergy stickers along with our Vegan, Kosher, and Halal Dietary Alert Stickers. Our dishwasher-safe labels can withstand regular cleaning, maintaining a vibrant appearance that's easy to spot and helps keep your children safe.

3. Change of Clothes:

Accidents and spills are a part of every child's day. Pack an extra set of baby clothes, including underwear and socks. Personalized clothing labels by Name Bubbles ensure that mix-ups are a thing of the past. Plus, our labels are laundry-safe, meaning they will still be in quality condition after they cycle in the wash! If you’re wondering why it’s crucial to label everything for daycare, read this previous blog post that shares why it’s important to label everything before sending them off to daycare.

4. Diapers and Wipes:

For toddlers still in diapers, packing enough diapers and baby wipes is essential. While most daycares have diapers available, it never hurts to be prepared and have diapers in the correct size in their changing bag. We also recommend diaper cream, baby powder for sensitive skin, and all the necessary cleaning supplies just in case. Keep in mind that even if your child is potty trained, accidents can happen and it can be proactive to have diapers or pull-ups and extra clothing in the first few weeks of potty training.

5. Blankets and Comfort Items:

If your child has a beloved blanket or stuffed animal, don't forget to pack it! An easy way to prevent your child’s favorite toy or comfort item from going missing is by attaching a personalized label to them to ensure they return home daily. To learn more tips about dealing with lost toys and preventing missing toys, read our latest blog post: Losing Toys is a Big Deal – Here’s How to Prevent It.

6. Medication Information:

If your child requires medication, ensure the daycare staff is well-informed. We recommend labeling their medication with our Name Labels, and for additional preparedness, we recommend our Contact Labels, which can include your or your partner’s contact information for quick access.

7. Sunscreen and Bug Spray:

For outdoor playtime, sunscreen and bug spray are crucial. We recommend a sports sunscreen that will help avoid sunscreen running into the eyes and is easy to apply. As for bug spray, we recommend trying out a non-toxic natural bug spray like California Baby’s bug spray or Yaya’s Organic Baby Bug Ban. To learn more about natural baby products, listen to our podcast episode with California Baby’s founder, Jessica Iclisoy. 

8. Naptime Gear:

If your child takes a nap at daycare, a nap mat or blanket is necessary. Labeling these items with Name Bubbles' durable, waterproof labels prevents mix-ups and helps your child feel more at ease. Additionally, make sure to include their crib sheets and all their sleeping essentials for the best rest

9. Art Supplies:

Packing crayons, markers, and other art supplies can be exciting for creative minds. This can help keep kids occupied at daycare and can help encourage creativity. Personalized labels on their art kit keep their creativity organized and prevent lost supplies.

10. Bag or Backpack:

Lastly, a sturdy bag or backpack is essential to carry all these daycare essentials. We love these diaper bags from Lily Jade – a family-owned business we featured on our podcast, From the Basement Up.

Conclusion:

Sending your child off to daycare can be a mix of emotions, but with the right preparation and organization, you can ensure that they have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Name Bubbles' personalized labels provide the perfect solution for busy parents who want to keep track of their child's belongings. From water bottles to blankets, our durable and stylish labels help prevent mix-ups and ensure your child's items come home where they belong. Invest in the convenience of personalized labels from Name Bubbles and make daycare days worry-free for you and your child.