Daycare Checklist

Starting daycare is a big milestone for both babies and caregivers. A little preparation can help make the transition smoother and help your child feel safe, comfortable, and settled in their new environment.

This checklist covers the practical things to organise before your baby's first day and what to prepare for daily daycare routines. Browse our range to find everything you need in one place.

Before Your Baby Starts Daycare

☐ Confirm your baby's start date and settling visits
☐ Complete all registration and enrolment forms
☐ Provide emergency contacts and authorised pickup people
☐ Share any medical information, allergies, or medications
☐ Discuss your baby's feeding, sleep, and comfort routines with caregivers
☐ Provide copies of immunisation records if required

Feeding Preparation

☐ Label bottles clearly with your child's name
☐ Prepare enough milk or formula for the day
☐ Pack extra milk if your baby is going through a growth spurt
☐ Provide clear feeding instructions for caregivers

Many childcare centres ask families to provide feeding supplies each day. Having a dedicated set of bottles and storage containers for daycare can make this easier to manage.

You may need to provide:

☐ Baby bottles
☐ Breast milk storage bags or containers
☐ Formula if required
☐ Drink bottle or water bottle for older babies and toddlers
☐ Lunch box for solid foods
☐ Bottle warmer if requested by the centre

What to Pack Each Day

☐ Change of outfit (2–3 spare sets)
☐ Nappies for the day
☐ Reusable nappies if your centre supports them
☐ Baby wipes
☐ Bibs if needed for feeding
☐ Comfort item such as a soft toy or blanket
☐ Sleep sack if used for naps
☐ Drink bottle
☐ Lunch box for meals and snacks

Packing a dedicated daycare bag can help keep everything organised and ready each morning.

Clothing & Outdoor Play

Many childcare centres include outdoor play, water play, and messy sensory activities throughout the day.

You may need to pack:

☐ Sun hat
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Jacket or warm layer
☐ Wet weather gear or rain jacket
☐ Swimwear for sprinkler or water play
☐ Wet bag for wet or messy clothing

Labelling Your Child's Belongings

☐ Label bottles and feeding items
☐ Label clothing and hats
☐ Label comfort toys or sleep items
☐ Label bags and lunch containers

Clear labelling helps caregivers return your child's belongings at the end of the day.

Sleep & Comfort

☐ Share your child's sleep routine with caregivers
☐ Provide a sleep sack or familiar sleep item if allowed
☐ Discuss how your baby usually settles to sleep
☐ Inform caregivers about any sleep preferences or comfort routines

Some families also find reassurance in being able to monitor sleep routines at home with a video monitor.

Daily Routine Preparation

☐ Pack your daycare bag the night before
☐ Prepare bottles and feeding supplies in advance
☐ Lay out clothing for the next day
☐ Allow extra time for morning drop-off routines
☐ Create a calm pick-up and evening routine at home

Supporting Your Child Emotionally

☐ Allow time for settling visits before the first full day
☐ Keep drop-offs calm and consistent
☐ Communicate regularly with caregivers
☐ Expect an adjustment period during the first few weeks
☐ Celebrate small milestones as your child settles in

A Gentle Reminder

Every child adjusts to daycare in their own time. Some settle quickly, while others need a little longer to feel comfortable in a new environment.

With preparation, patience, and good communication with your childcare team, daycare can become a positive and supportive part of your family's routine.

 

 

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Common Questions from Farming Families

Can I take my baby on a quad bike?

It is a question that comes up for many farming families. In New Zealand, guidance from WorkSafe New Zealand recognises that in some situations decisions are made based on what is reasonably practicable at the time. However, quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers, and this is especially important with babies, who cannot support themselves, hold on, or respond to movement.

Many rural parents talk about how tempting it can be to take their baby along for short trips, especially when there is no one else around and jobs need to be done.

If a baby is carried, the focus needs to be on reducing risk as much as possible. This can include:

  • Keeping speeds very low and avoiding uneven, steep, or unpredictable terrain
  • Making sure the rider is experienced and fully focused on controlling the bike
  • Avoiding additional loads or tasks that could affect balance and stability
  • Planning very short, necessary trips only

For older children, safety guidance may also include things like wearing a correctly fitted helmet and being able to hold on securely.

Because of this, many families look for safer ways to manage the day where they can. Using a well-fitted baby carrier for appropriate tasks on foot, setting up a secure space nearby using a portacot, playpen, or bassinet, or planning jobs around times when someone else can keep an eye on your little one can all help reduce risk.

How do I manage calving season with a baby?

Calving season can bring long days, broken sleep, and a lot of unpredictability, whether you are working in dairy or dry stock. Adding a baby into the mix often means letting go of a set routine and focusing on what works in the moment.

Many families find it helps to have a few flexible setups ready across the day. This might include using a baby carrier for hands-on tasks, having a pram or car seat nearby for naps on the go, or setting up a safe space with a portacot or bassinet like the Veer Switchback Bassinet close to where you are working.

Planning ahead where you can, like having meals prepared, keeping essentials packed and ready, and working around feeding and sleep when possible, can help take some of the pressure off during busy periods.

It is not about getting everything right. It is about doing what you can, when you can, and finding a rhythm that works for your family during the season.

Where should my baby sleep during busy farm days?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some families use a portacot or bassinet set up in a sheltered space close to where they are working, while others work around naps at home when possible.

Having a portable option makes it easier to adapt your setup as the day changes. Products like portacots or a bassinet such as the Veer Switchback Bassinet can give you a safe, familiar space for naps while staying close to the action.

If sleep feels like a challenge, our Baby Sleep & Health Checklist shares practical tips that work in real life, not just perfect routines.

What is the safest way to manage toddlers around animals?

Supervision is key, especially as toddlers are naturally curious and quick to move. Creating clear boundaries, teaching gentle behaviour, and having safe play areas away from active farm work can help reduce risk.

Setting up a defined space using something like a TikkTokk Little Boss Square Playpen or Hexagonal Playpen can give your toddler room to explore while keeping a level of separation from working areas.

What is the best way to carry my baby while working outdoors?

Baby carriers are a go-to for many farming families. They keep your little one close and settled while leaving your hands free for lighter tasks.

In New Zealand, soft structured carriers like those from Ergobaby and BabyBjörn are commonly chosen for their comfort and support, especially for longer wear. The right fit makes a big difference, both for you and your baby.

If you are unsure where to start, our Babywearing Guide can help you find the right option for your body and your day.

What pram works best on gravel and uneven farm terrain?

Not all prams are designed for farm life. Look for large wheels, good suspension, and a sturdy frame that can handle gravel, grass, and uneven ground.

All-terrain options like the Veer range or running style prams such as the UPPAbaby RIDGE are popular choices for families who need something that can keep up outdoors. Pairing this with a bassinet like the Veer Switchback Bassinet can also give you flexibility in those early months.

How do I keep my baby warm during early mornings on the farm?

Layering is key. Start with a breathable base layer and build up with warm outer layers that can be easily adjusted as the day changes.

All-in-one suits and waterproof outerwear can make a big difference, helping keep your baby warm and dry without constant changes, especially when conditions shift quickly

How do I manage feeding when I am outdoors most of the day?

Many families find a mix of flexibility and preparation works best. Breastfeeding on the go, having a quiet spot to feed when needed, or using a breast pump to express milk in advance can all help.

Wearable pumps like the LACEVO S70 In-Bra Breast Pump can be especially helpful when you need to stay mobile. You can also explore our full range of breast pumps to find an option that suits your routine.

If you are navigating pumping or combination feeding, our Breastfeeding Guide covers practical tips to make it easier day-to-day.

Many families are figuring this out as they go, and you are not alone in that. Finding small ways to make your day easier can make a real difference.