The first thing you’ll need is something to put everything in. Backpacks are nice because they are fairly compact, easy to carry, and easy to hang or store. Minted has come out with these gorgeous backpacks made from heavyweight canvas and personalized with foil-pressed leather name tags. They have two sizes: small and classic. I chose the classic size so you can cram a few more things in there but the small would be great as a day pack. The best part is your child can use it long past their daycare days. We will attach a TCCC bag tag to help identify your child's bag. 

Congratulations on becoming a parent, you now have to label EVERYTHING. Not only is it difficult for a 3-month-old to say, "yes, that’s my hat", but odds are three other kids have the same one. In my opinion, Minted makes the nicest ones. Use them for clothing, bottles, pacifiers, bedding, medication, etc. They even have ones for allergy warnings and ones that are photo styles for non-readers. I like to get two types: little for small items and the larger ones for big items where you don’t want to dig around for who it belongs to. 

If your kid plans on pooping and peeing at daycare you’re going to want to send diapers. Please plan to send a labeled pack at the beginning of each week. Plan for your child to go through about 10 diapers a day. Of course, if you’re like me packing underwear for a vacation you’ll add a bunch more “just in case”.

Wipes are another staple where your provider might want you to send in a labeled case at the beginning of every week or they might prefer a labeled pack in your bag. Either opt for a case that comes with resealable packages or a case that you can refill vs. an industrial size that could dry out if accidentally left open. 

Diaper creams can’t be shared for obvious hygienic reasons; plus, it often varies wildly between kids – what works for one doesn't work for another. Opt for something that is easy to close so you’re not dealing with a bag full of goopy zinc because the screw-on cap fell off. 

If your baby is a pacifier fan, make sure you have a good supply (plus extra). You can use a pacifier clip to tether it you your child and/or label them either using a permanent marker or a very small label. We require one pacifier to stay at the center at all times versus having to remember to send one home and hope one comes the next day. Please have at least two available to the center at all times. We sanitize and clean the pacifiers daily.

Naps are an important part of daycare so make sure to send a labeled blanket and lovie (if needed). Skip pillows as they increase the risk of suffocation.  TCCC will provide cot/crib sheets. 

Plan to pack one bottle for every two-four hours your baby will be at daycare (or based on your feeing plan). So, if it’s going to be an 8-hour day you’ll need two to four bottles. All bottles must be premade before arriving to the center. All bottles are kept refrigerated and warmed based on your Infant Feeding Plan. As with diapers, it’s not a bad idea to include an extra bottle or two in case there’s an issue or your baby is extra hungry one day. Label all your bottles and caps or they will labeled upon arrival.

Ah, nothing like a good poosplosion that goes up to the neck and down to the toes. Pack a couple of extra outfits even if it’s two or three onesies. Make sure outfits are in a ziplock bag with your childs name on them. We will keep the changes in their bag or bin and request they are changed out for the seasons.