Parents Guide

 
Daily Items Parents Should Send

1. Diapers (if applicable)
2. Wipes
3. Two changes of clothes (include socks, in case of spills or accidents)
4. Bottle(s) or Sippy cup (labeled with the child’s name)
5. Prepared formula or breast milk (for infants)
6. Comfort item (e.g., pacifier, small blanket, or stuffed animal, if applicable)
7. Lunch and Snacks (see detailed guidelines below)

Weekly or Monthly Items for Cubby

1. Bulk supply of diapers (for infants and toddlers still in diapers)
2. Wipes (enough for the week)
3. Additional clothes: Consider one set per season (cooler or warmer clothes, in case of weather changes)
4. Sunscreen (especially in warmer months)
5. Diaper rash cream (if needed)
6. Baby lotion or moisturizer (for infants with sensitive skin)
7. Extra blanket for nap time
8. Personal care items (e.g., comb, hair ties for toddlers, if needed)

Food and Snacks Parents Should Send Daily

For Infants (Newborn to 12 Months):
• Breast milk or formula: Enough bottles prepared for the day, with additional formula if needed.
• Baby food: Purees or soft solids, based on the baby’s eating stage. Make sure each container is labeled with the child’s name and feeding times.
• Infant snacks: Soft snacks like teething biscuits or rice crackers, if appropriate for the age.

For Toddlers (12 Months to 3 Years):
• Lunch: Provide balanced options like:
• A protein (e.g., small cubes of chicken, tofu, or beans)
• Whole grains (e.g., small pasta, rice, or whole grain bread)
• Vegetables (soft and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Fruit (e.g., banana slices, applesauce pouches)
• Snacks:
• Morning snack: Include fruits, yogurt, or whole grain crackers.
• Afternoon snack: Options like cheese slices, veggie sticks, or a healthy muffin.

Guidelines for Parents:
• Avoid choking hazards (e.g., whole grapes, hard nuts, popcorn).
• Label each item with the child’s name and instructions (if needed).
• Limit sugary items and opt for healthy, energy-giving foods.

Emergency Snacks to Keep at Daycare

For Infants (Newborn to 12 Months):
• Single-serving jars of baby food (Stage 1, 2, or 3, depending on age)
• Pre-measured formula packets (in case parents forget to pack formula)
• Teething biscuits or rice crackers (for older infants)

For Toddlers (12 Months to 3 Years):
• Fruit pouches (unsweetened applesauce or mixed fruit)
• Whole grain crackers (soft enough for young toddlers)
• Baby/toddler-friendly granola bars (check for choking hazard)
• Cheese sticks or cubes (non-perishable cheese as backup)
• Unsweetened cereal (like Cheerios, as an easy snack option)
• Veggie or fruit sticks (like freeze-dried options)
• Individual yogurt cups or shelf-stable yogurt pouches