Ah, the first day of daycare…there will be worry, apprehension and full-blown tearsand we don’t mean from your child! It doesn’t matter if your baby is six weeks old or a walking, talking toddler, the first full day away from mom and dad is always hard on the family. But, like any major transition in life, there are a few things you can do to prepare so that you’re off to a great start from day one. You’ll feel as ready as you’ll ever be if you know what to pack and how to properly prep her for her big debut.
What to Pack for the First DayWondering what to pack for daycare? Many of us have never done this before, so the packing protocol might seem a tiny bit complicated. Luckily, many daycare centers actually issue a list of what to bring, which makes prep a little bit simpler. Some facilities require you to supply just about everything, including all food and drinks, utensils and even crib sheets for naptime. Ask your provider up-front what’s expected and follow the list below to fill in the gaps.
- Emergency contact information
- Diapers and wipes
- An extra change of clothes
- Bibs and burp cloths
- Blanket and pacifier for nap
- A security animal or blanket
- An apron or smock for crafts (older kids only)
- Food for breakfast, lunch and snacks
- Utensils for mealtime
- Juice, milk or water
- Medicine and sunscreen
Quick Tips for Food and Packing
- Skip Messy SnacksIt seems obvious, but don’t subject your childcare provider to spaghetti. Stick to neat, handheld foods for daycare, especially those that don’t need to be reheated. Toddlers should have small sandwiches, mini bagels, fruit, cereal, cheese and snack bars. Put food in neatly partitioned containers to make it easier on daycare staff during breakfast and lunch.
- Send Breastmilk the Right WayThe idea of even a single drop of breastmilk going to waste is unbearable for many mamas (we don’t blame you) so you want to make sure you’re sending it to daycare in a manner that prevents leaking or spilling. Ask your center if it’s okay to send milk frozen in a clearly labeled storage bag to prevent any spills. Make sure the facility is breastfeeding-friendly.
- Keep Some Items ThereMost daycares allow parents to store items at the facility in a locker or cubby. Create a designated daycare stash of childcare essentials like extra Onesie brand bodysuits, blankets, tissues, medications, sunscreen and clothes to accommodate for temperature changes, so you don’t have to pack up the entire nursery every morning.
- Label EverythingMake sure that everything you send to daycare comes back to you and doesn’t accidentally go home with another child. You can order pre-printed daycare labels or print them yourself at home using adhesive printer paper. Make sure that they clearly state your child’s name and, if there are a lot of field trips or outings to the playground, add a phone number or e-mail address.
Prepping Your Child for the Transition
- Start SlowIf you’re transitioning a child older than a couple of months old, easing into things is vital to first-day success. Start by visiting the daycare once or twice with your child, stepping out of view while your little one plays independently or with other kids. If possible, make these trials at the same time you’d actually drop off your child. Start with half-days and work your way up to full days.
- Buddy UpDoes your little one have a sibling, cousin, playground pal or friend who is the same age? If possible, work with other parents to send your children to the same daycare. When your child sees a familiar face, he or she will be much less likely to outright reject the idea on day one.
- Build ExcitementGoing to daycare is an exciting rite of passage! If your child is teetering on toddler years, it’s important that you surround the occasion with enthusiasm and positivity. You could make the first day extra-special with balloons, a first day card and even a special gift after the first successful run.
- Don’t HoverIt’s easily the hardest part of that very first day, but you should prepare yourself to practice the drop and run. Keep your goodbye concise and work in a special little routine that signifies that you’re actually, officially leaving. Observing from out of your child’s sight is okay for the first week or so, but you shouldn’t linger too long.
- Comfort from AfarYou can’t be at arm’s reach for the rest of your child’s life, but you can help to comfort her from afar by sending a security blanket or something familiar to remind her of home. These days, you can actually send your child to daycare with toys that let you communicate with them in real-time. It’s a bit extreme, but it may be of use for kids and parents who are particularly attached.
- Don’t RushFinally, make sure that you’re giving yourself and your child enough time on that very first day so that you don’t feel like you have to rush through the experience. Get up early, make it an exciting adventure and give yourself a little bit of extra time in case your child has difficulty adjusting.
Raising a Well-Adjusted Child
Perhaps the most valuable thing any parent can do on the first day of daycare is to give herself some props. As much as we naturally want to shelter our children and keep them by our sides for the rest of their lives, social interaction and independencetwo primary benefits of daycareare characteristics that healthy, well-adjusted kids must possess. Remind yourself that you’re an amazing parent and that, as clich as it is, it’s true what they sayevery day does get easier!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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