Packing for Daycare (Part-2)
Here is a
continuation of the list of the basics that should be available for your child
at the daycare.
Kids are messy: it is normal even for the best behaved of children to get their clothes dirty while in daycare; perhaps they are not to blame. It's not just dirt – water, juice, paint etc., can leave your child wet and unhappy. It is also an invitation to a runny nose, if not worse.
Keep two or three spare sets of clothes in your child’s cubby at the daycare. If that sounds like a lot, remember that 3 days of spilled liquids in a row can easily happen. Keep each set in a reusable plastic bag for bringing dirty clothes home and taking clean ones back to the daycare.
If you live in an area where temperatures can change suddenly, include an extra jacket among the clothes kept in the cubby. Make sure that your child’s name is clearly marked on all the clothes.
Lunches
An increasing number of daycare centers require that children bring their own food, drinks and snacks. If that is the case with your kid’s, ask for a list of suggested foods as well as those not allowed. For example, many daycares are nut-free zones because of the allergy issues.
Pack lunches in thermal containers – many daycares do not have enough refrigeration facility for the food items of all the children. Don’t worry too much about the lunch not being hot enough – children are not so fussy about food temperature as adults are. Food at room temperature is usually fine with them.
Check if the daycare provides utensils. If they are not available, pack a couple of spoons along with the lunch.
Lunch made of finger foods is a good idea because children can feed themselves. Snacks can be a bit more difficult: this is where children get bored quickly and so variety is important. Among the best snacks to rotate are sliced fruits, crackers, cheese slices, dry cereals, pretzels, yogurt, applesauce etc.
Medicines
Most daycares keep first-aid medicines like fever reducers, pain relievers and ointments for cuts, scrapes and bruises. If your child is allergic to any over-the-counter medication, inform the daycare, make a pack of the medicines that suit your child and keep it at the daycare.
In addition to medicines, think about adding sunscreen to the pack. Children are typically exposed to the weather outside once or twice during the day, and having sunscreen available is always a good idea. You could also think about applying sunscreen before the child leaves for daycare.
Ask for help from the daycare
A good daycare will be as concerned about your child’s happiness and health as you are. Ask them for guidance on what they think you should pack everyday, and what to keep at the daycare. Their experience can be invaluable in ensuring that your child’s time at the daycare is truly enjoyable.
When you are sure that your child is happy and well fed there, you can relax and make the most of your worry-free time.
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Extra Clothes
Kids are messy: it is normal even for the best behaved of children to get their clothes dirty while in daycare; perhaps they are not to blame. It's not just dirt – water, juice, paint etc., can leave your child wet and unhappy. It is also an invitation to a runny nose, if not worse.
Keep two or three spare sets of clothes in your child’s cubby at the daycare. If that sounds like a lot, remember that 3 days of spilled liquids in a row can easily happen. Keep each set in a reusable plastic bag for bringing dirty clothes home and taking clean ones back to the daycare.
If you live in an area where temperatures can change suddenly, include an extra jacket among the clothes kept in the cubby. Make sure that your child’s name is clearly marked on all the clothes.
Lunches
An increasing number of daycare centers require that children bring their own food, drinks and snacks. If that is the case with your kid’s, ask for a list of suggested foods as well as those not allowed. For example, many daycares are nut-free zones because of the allergy issues.
Pack lunches in thermal containers – many daycares do not have enough refrigeration facility for the food items of all the children. Don’t worry too much about the lunch not being hot enough – children are not so fussy about food temperature as adults are. Food at room temperature is usually fine with them.
Check if the daycare provides utensils. If they are not available, pack a couple of spoons along with the lunch.
Lunch made of finger foods is a good idea because children can feed themselves. Snacks can be a bit more difficult: this is where children get bored quickly and so variety is important. Among the best snacks to rotate are sliced fruits, crackers, cheese slices, dry cereals, pretzels, yogurt, applesauce etc.
Medicines
Most daycares keep first-aid medicines like fever reducers, pain relievers and ointments for cuts, scrapes and bruises. If your child is allergic to any over-the-counter medication, inform the daycare, make a pack of the medicines that suit your child and keep it at the daycare.
In addition to medicines, think about adding sunscreen to the pack. Children are typically exposed to the weather outside once or twice during the day, and having sunscreen available is always a good idea. You could also think about applying sunscreen before the child leaves for daycare.
Ask for help from the daycare
A good daycare will be as concerned about your child’s happiness and health as you are. Ask them for guidance on what they think you should pack everyday, and what to keep at the daycare. Their experience can be invaluable in ensuring that your child’s time at the daycare is truly enjoyable.
When you are sure that your child is happy and well fed there, you can relax and make the most of your worry-free time.
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