Checklist: what to pack in your Little One’s nursery bag

The night before Bumple started nursery, I remember scratching my head about what to put into her daycare bag. I couldn’t seem to find the balance between packing enough for a two week holiday – and completely forgetting the essentials!

I was tired and emotional about her starting nursery… my brain wouldn’t work.

So, for any new daycare Moms trying to work out this dilemma – here is the quick, handy guide I could have done with that night.

First thing to note: what you actually need to pack will vary depending on your child’s age and the nursery that you have chosen. Our nursery provides cows milk and three snacks a day for children over the age of two.

In some cases, your nursery will already provide some of these essentials – so check with them.

Nursery Bag Essentials

• Nappies and wipes (although I like to leave multiple packs with the nursery so I don’t need to add more every day) 
• Milk and/or water bottles
• Bowls and spoons
• Supply of breastmilk or preferred formula
• Snacks – fruit, bread sticks, yoghurt etc (I usually do a baby fruit pouch, a baby biscuit, some savoury snacks and a banana – half to be mushed in with her breakfast and half for later) 
• Other meals – weetabix works well for breakfast
• Medication such as calpol/paracetamol (one to check with their policy)
• Seasonal specific protection: sunscreen and hats in the summer / wellington boots and extra layers / waterproofs, hats and gloves in winter
• Sleeping bag
• If they have a no outdoor shoe policy, slippers
• Soother / comforter
• Teething gel
• Lots of spare clothes!
• If your nursery has a wall of photos of families, send in a photo of you all.

It is funny, writing this now as a seasoned daycare Mom – it seems so simple, obvious and routine… but when I was tired, with baby brain and the overwhelming emotions of the arrival of the first day of nursery – I had such a mental block this list seemed impossible!

So – finally – if you are feeling overwhelmed remember that these feelings will pass and it will be fine. And have a read of my blog telling you everything you need to know about surviving the first week of daycare.

Good luck to you and your little one!