"This summer, my toddler attended camp for the first time. And as any mom sending her child off into the world, I was fully unprepared. The night before her first day, I frantically ran around the house looking for all the items I suddenly realized she would need for her first day away from home. I grabbed an old backpack of mine, scribbled her name on her clothes in Sharpie, and sent her on her way. At drop-off, I saw all the other little 2-year-olds with their adorable backpacks. Right then, I promised myself I’d do better by the time the school year came around with a full-blown preschool packing list.
And now, preschool is nearly here! Despite having a hand-me-down adult backpack, my daughter loved camp! I’m so excited to now get her ready for her first day of preschool. Thankfully with camp as a practice round, I now know how to prepare my child for school. I have been gathering all the necessities to make sure she has a great first day.
If you’ve got a toddler heading off to school for the first time, there are a few things they will need, plus some nice-to-haves as well. Read on for a general preschool packing list, plus everything I’m buying for my child’s first day of preschool.
Preschool Packing List
Use the below as a helpful checklist for what you’ll likely need to pack for your little one’s first day of preschool. Of course, be sure to ask your specific school for anything else your child may need for a successful day.
- Backpack
- Lunch box (+ snacks)
- Water bottle
- Nap mat (+ comfort item)
- Waterproof labels
- Indoor shoes (if required)
- Extra set of clothes
- Extra socks & underwear
- Wet bag
- Diapers & wipes (if needed)
- Boogie wipes or water wipes
- Sunscreen
- Medication (if needed)
What I’m Buying for Preschool
Here, I’m sharing the specific items I’m purchasing ahead of my daughter’s first day of preschool. Some of these products are part of the packing list above. But a few others—like a special first day of school outfit and photo prop and a new forehead thermometer—are extras I’m buying to be prepared for the first day and beyond.
This is a little something for an Instagramable first day of school picture. I love that this board can be used every year on the first and last day.
I love a matching moment, so I couldn’t resist this backpack that coordinates with the lunch box linked below. This bookbag will easily fit everything she needs at preschool, including the Bentgo lunch box that fits in the bottom zippered pocket.
10+ patterns available
I can’t guarantee I’ll be making elaborate bento-style lunches all year, but this box is giving me some serious creativity goals. I love that it has compartments for a full meal and is far less wasteful than individual plastic bags for snacks.
10+ patterns available
This water bottle will be perfect to toss in my child’s backpack for a day at school. I like that it has a flip-up straw to minimize spills and germs because I’m sure this bottle will spend plenty of time being dropped on the ground.
4 colors available
Though it’s dependent on their age, most kids take one nap per day while at preschool.
“This adorable roll-up mat is from a small women-owned business and is fantastic quality compared to others we’ve had.”
— Allyson Trammell, Editor-in-Chief of The Everygirl
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this comfy (and super cute!) nap mat comes with an attached pillow and blanket.
10+ patterns available
I’ve been told to label literally everything my child is taking to preschool, or else things will get lost in the sea of kids. I ordered a value pack of labels and decided to only put our last name on the stickers so any leftovers can be used for our younger child in the future.
I know that kids get messy at school, and by day two, I’m sure my child will be dressed in basic bargain clothes. But at least for the first day, I’m excited to dress my kiddo up in a special outfit. I’m loving this dress and wish it came in my size.
2 patterns available
sizes 12M – 6T
How cute are these hair clips? While I’m sure I’ll be too rushed most mornings to accessorize my child, sometimes her hair can use a little taming and these come in an easy-to-grab pack of 20 clips.
Trust me: Easy to slip on velcro sneakers are game changers. These shoes are a solid reliable pair that can withstand your little one’s active lifestyle.
2 colors available
Kids need comfortable shoes for adventuring out of the house, and this easy-to-put-on pair will be perfect for school. And if your school requires a pair of “indoor shoes,” this option works great because of their non-skid soles.
10+ colors available
Speaking of basic clothes, I’ll be putting a backup outfit in my child’s backpack, and this pack of biker shorts will be great to have when needed.
2 styles available
sizes 12M – 6T
These tops are another good basic to have as an extra outfit or for preschool days when crafts will be involved.
2 styles available
sizes 12M – 6T
Earlier in my parenting experience, I purchased adorable socks with different colors and patterns. Two years later, I realize that was a big mistake because every morning, I’m running around looking for matching socks (rarely do I end up finding any). I finally caved and now have this huge set of basic socks to make mornings just a tiny bit easier.
10+ styles available
Accidents happen at preschool. Even if your child is potty trained, it’s a good idea to send them off with an extra pair (or two) of underwear in case they’re needed during the day.
And speaking of accidents and general messiness, a reusable wet bag like this one is a must-have backpack item, so teachers have somewhere waterproof to throw wet, soiled, or stained clothing when your little inevitably needs to change outfits.
If your child isn’t yet potty trained, be sure to check if your school provides diapers and wipes for changes. If not, be sure to send them with enough of each. I especially love Coterie because they’re plant-based, hypoallergenic, and great for sensitive skin.
It’s always a good idea to pack a spare sunscreen bottle to protect your little one when they’re having some fun in the sun. Plus, I love how easily this sunscreen melts into their skin.
In addition to diaper-change wipes, it’s always helpful to throw a pack of Boogie Wipes or Water Wipes in your child’s bag for easy clean-ups during the school day.
As all parents know, kids get sick, so having this forehead thermometer on-hand at home will ensure I can check her temperature quickly and easily if she comes home feeling sniffly.
This is another safety item that I like to keep on deck, just in case. It’s perfect to store in the car, has basic first-aid essentials, and is encased in an adorable pattern.
5 patterns available
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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Amanda Shapin Michelson, Former Editor
Amanda is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and motherhood. She recently wrote the book Pregnancy Hacks, sharing tips to comfortably get through the major ups and downs of pregnancy. She currently works for Babylist and lives in Maryland with her husband, kids Millie, Ezra, and Sloane, and pup Ollie.