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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.