What to pack for day care in Australia: The first day of day care checklist

When your little one is on their way to day care for the first time, it can be overwhelming to remember everything they need. As well as packing their must-haves, it can be an emotionally taxing time for you to see your child take this big step into the next stage of their life.

Starting day care is a big change for everyone in the family, and there are plenty of ways you can prepare to make it simple for both you and your little one. From establishing your new routine ahead of time, to getting all the day care essentials for your toddler well in advance, it’s a good idea to prepare your toddlers day care bag before the big day arrives.

Not sure what your child needs for the first day of day care? Don’t worry! We’ve got your first day of day care checklist below, to make sure everyone is ready for the big day!

What to pack for day care in Australia

Before your little one begins their new adventure, the day care they’re attending will likely provide you with a first day of day care checklist of the supplies your child will need. This is a great way to get started – however it’s important to know and prepare based on your child’s individual needs.

At Penny Scallan, we create high-quality, uniquely designed bags, lunchboxes and more that will last your child’s school adventures for years to come! Explore some of our favourite day care essentials for toddlers below.

Day care lunchbox

Lunchtime is a big part of your child’s day – so why not do it in style! Our day care Bento Boxes are a great way to prepare a healthy lunch for your little one and save on single-use plastics.

Available in a variety of designs and sizes, our day care Bento Boxes are a great switch from the traditional plastic bags or day care lunchboxes, as they wipe clean, are dishwasher friendly, and fit perfectly in our Penny Scallan backpacks!

Day care backpack

Arguably the most important thing your little one will need for their new adventure is a backpack! Our Penny Scallan backpacks are a day care essential for your toddler and will fit everything they need with ease.

Available in a range of designs and sizes, our wipe-clean backpacks are a great choice for day care, as well as adventures after school and weekend walks with the family!

Day care bundles

If you’re wanting to get your little one prepared without doing too much shopping around, our Day care Bundles are a great way to get ready for the first day of day care or school! We have a range of options, including:

• The Day care Pack; a medium-sized backpack, a day care drink bottle, and an adjustable sun-smart hat.
• The Mini Bento & Lunch Pack; a mini sized day care bento box and matching lunch bag.
• The Snack Pack; including a mini day care bento box, mini day care lunch box, food jar and day care water bottle.

We have a range of day care bundles to suit all your child’s needs, with all the day care essentials for toddlers ready to go – allowing you to focus on packing, and mentally preparing!

How to pack your toddler’s day care bag

Now you know what you need to pack in your day care bag for your toddler, it’s important to know how to pack your little one’s bag. These tips will allow you to be present for your little one on their first day, knowing their day care bag is packed and ready!

Make a to-do list

Write down everything your little one is going to need in their bag and place it all together in the same place. This gives you a visual representation of everything that needs to be packed before you begin putting it into their bag – which sometimes isn’t dissimilar to a game of Tetris!

Practice packing

It might seem silly, but practicing how you’re going to pack is a great way to get your routine down to avoid those mid-week rushes. This way, you’ll be able to be present with your child every morning and cherish that time with them as they move into their school years.

Pack similar items together

When you’re packing your little one’s lunchbox, change of clothes and any medication, it’s a good idea to pack similar items together. For example, items like clothes should all be packed close together so your child and/or their teacher can access everything with ease.

Secure liquids and powders

Any items, such as sunscreen or baby powder, need to be covered in a secure, airtight manner to avoid any bag spills. In the event something does spill, our Penny Scallan bags wipe clean with ease, so your toddler's bag will be good as new!

Starting day care can be daunting – both for you and your child – but ensuring you’re prepared will help you to be fully present for your child as they start this new experience! However you plan for day care, be sure to invest in quality, beautiful day care essentials for toddlers from Penny Scallan.