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.
