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Packing for Daycare for the First Time? These Are Our Tried-and-True Essentials from Amazon

written by STEPH ALLEVA CORNELL

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

daycare essentials for toddlers"
daycare essentials for toddlers
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell

After spending nearly every single day together, the time has finally arrived for your toddler’s big daycare send-off. Whether you’ve been dreading or looking forward to this day, most moms can agree this is a milestone that affects the whole family, including the child, parents, grandparents—even the dog. On top of this huge life change, you now have to think about what daycare essentials you’ll send with your toddler on their first day away.

Us moms don’t tend to do well when we have to relinquish control, much less when it comes to the care of our littles. And it can get even more stressful when you’re considering what to pack for daycare. Well, we’re here to reassure you with a packing list that covers everything they’ll need. And while your worries are always valid, remember that your child is in capable, caring hands. Here are 14 daycare essentials that will help your child with this transition.

cerebelly smart bars
Cerebelly
Toddler Smart Bars

First and foremost, snacks. My son can’t leave the house without his emotional support snacks in hand, even if it’s a five-minute drive to the car wash. These toddler smart bars from Cerebelly are conveniently packaged and offer little ones a brain boost with real veggies and fruit in every bar. With flavors like apple kale, carrot date, and strawberry date, it’s almost impossible to strike out when finding a bar your kiddo will love.

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Cerebelly
Smoothie-Style Purees

Another Cerebelly favorite of ours are these yummy smoothie-inspired puree packs that provide 16 brain-supporting nutrients, have 0 grams of added sugar, and lead with veggies over fruits. A genius way to add healthy nutrients into your toddler’s diet in the form of a tasty treat. Along with their snack bars, they are Clean Label Project certified (meaning there are no toxins or harmful levels of heavy metals to be found), so you can feel confident about what you’re giving your little ones at snack time.

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Amazon
Crew Neck T-Shirts

Messes are inevitable with kids, especially when they’re surrounded by 20 other tiny humans. Packing extra clothes with their names labeled on them is a must.

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Tiny Twinkle
Mess-Proof Wet Bags

These lightweight wet bags for dirty clothes are perfect for those days when your little one comes home with wet or dirty clothes from playing outside or having some sort of spill during their day.

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The Honest Company
Hypoallergenic Diaper Rash Cream

If your toddler is still in diapers, this gentle rash cream is an absolute must-buy. Its clean formula and soothing abilities will keep your little one feeling comfortable and itch-free all day long.

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Pipette
Mineral Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential for outdoor play or walks around the daycare center. This mineral sunscreen has SPF 50, no fragrance, and is hypoallergenic, which is perfect for those sensitive skin babes.

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Party Profi
Lunch Box Notes

It truly is the little things that count, and these lunch box notes will make your little one’s day. Even though toddlers can’t read quite yet, they’ll still get so excited to see fun notes like these in their lunchboxes.

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Bentgo
Bento Style Kids Lunch Box

Bento boxes are an easy way to divide up their meals and ensure nothing spills while going to and from daycare. Also, consider drawing a cute little picture for them to see when they open up their box at lunch time.

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Simple Modern
Reusable Sippy Cup Bottle

These sippy cups are a staple in our house. We’ve used them for over a year and have had minimal leaks, no matter how many times our toddler throws them. If that’s not reason enough to buy one, I don’t know what is.

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Kirecoo
Toddler Utensil Sets

Reusable utensils to pack for their snack and lunch times are another mandatory item to add to your cart. This one from Amazon comes in a two-pack so you always have an extra on hand.

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Wildkin
Insulated Lunch Bag

Are you packing food that needs to be kept hot or cold all day long? Then, you definitely need this insulated lunch box to keep all of your little one’s snacks at the perfect temperature.

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name labels daycare amazon
Teddylabels Store
Personalized Name Labels

It’s far too easy for items to get lost at daycare, especially with frequent changes. These cute labels come in various colors and designs to help you keep track of your LO’s belongings.

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Wake In Cloud
Nap Mat

Nap time may be making you anxious every time you think about how on earth your kid is going to sleep in a new environment with new people. Creating a cozy little space for them with a nap mat may help them adjust.

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Manhattan Toy
Soft Photo Book

This soft photo book is a great way to send a little piece of home with your little. Although nothing is as good as the real thing, photos of mom and dad can definitely help with the separation.

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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Cerebelly, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.