Starting Daycare: The Most Important Items You Need

Back to school season can be a little overwhelming when your little one is starting daycare. There are so many things that you need to send your kids to school with, and if this is your first school season then you may feel a little lost.

But there’s no need to worry! Whether this is your first time starting daycare or you’re used to the routine, we have a list of important items you don’t want to skip over this year when heading off to daycare this year.

DockATot

Starting Daycare: The Most Important Items You Need

With starting daycare this fall, sleep for everyone in the house is of utmost importance. DockATot Grand provides a comfortable place for your baby (9 months-3 years) to rest. Knowing that the DockATot Grand is Oeko-Tex certified, you and your baby can rest easy. Parents can find comfort knowing that the DockATot Grand is tested for health-hazardous substances.

The sleek Cloud Grey color is gender neutral and will fit into any nursery or parent bedroom seamlessly! The DockATot Grand is easily disassembled and is conveniently machine washable – so no worries about messy sleep mats when starting daycare. Not only does the DockATot Grand provide sleep at home, but also on the go! Equipped with a handle and lightweight design, the DockATot Grand can easily be carried from one location to the other.

The multi-functional ability of the DockATot Grand to turn from naptime to playtime, to lounge time, leaves nothing to be desired. Cuddle comfortably with your little ones for storytime, sing-alongs, and educational activities is all possible. The DockATot Grand is a one-stop-shop for your nap needs around the time your child is starting daycare!

Animal Island

It’s never too early to start building a foundation for your toddler’s childhood education, especially when they’re starting daycare! The Animal Island Aila Sit & Play Education System can help with this goal by creating a virtual learning experience at home. This kids-sized tablet offers a fun and entertaining preschool curriculum where toddlers can develop literacy and STEAM skills.

Connected through wifi, this device is ad-free and you will never have to worry about exposure to inappropriate content. The thick, rounded base allows kids to be hands-free while the durable cover protects the screen from accidental drops and bumps.

Centered around an island, the Aila Sit & Play Education System is a learning experience that features a group of friendly animal characters that talk, sing, read, dance, and play games with its child viewers to help teach them essential educational information. The 10-minute modules allow your little one to remain focused and engaged during short periods of “good screen-time” that helps prepare them for a school environment. Parents will love the included features of being able to track their child’s usage and set learning sessions through the AILA app as well as being able to physically see them through the monitor camera.

Chicco

Do you have a little one that is growing up and going places? Maybe one that is starting daycare in a few weeks? Whether your little one will be waiting in a school drop offline, going to a homeschool tutor’s house, or exploring the great outdoors on an out school learning adventure- they will need a top-notch booster seat to take them there. We love the KidFit Zip Air Plus from Chicco, and know you will too!

The KidFit Zip Air Plus is a high back booster designed to grow with your little one. This smartly designed seat will quickly become a favorite while also giving your peace of mind. The premium LATCH stabilizes the seat while an innovative quick-release LATCH offers one-hand removal for ease of installation. Hot days? Do not worry about the KidFit Zip Air, the 3D AirMesh channels allow for increased air circulation in the back and headrest. We all know our kids can get very messy when they’re starting daycare, but the cover on this seat zips on and off easily for cleaning!

DuoGuard offers two layers of protection, a rigid shell plus a comfortable layer of foam. EPS energy-absorbing foam surrounds the head and torso with integrated side wings. Plus the seat adjusts to 10 head positions thus allowing you to find the safest position for your child. When you are ready it fully converts to a backless booster!

No matter what road you are taking this Fall, drive with confidence when you strap your little one into the KidFit Zip Air Plus. This seat will keep your kiddo comfortable and safe!

SHOP:
KidFit Zip Air Plus
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Chicco | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Yoto

Being a modern parent can be so overwhelming when looking for learning toys, especially when a lot of them seem to be on a tablet or computer. If you’re looking for toys that will reduce your child’s screen time when they’re starting daycare, then look no further than the Yoto Player!

The Yoto Player is a screen-free speaker, where your kids can listen to books, music, podcasts, and the radio – with no screen or ads! Your kids won’t be hunting you down begging for more screen time, as they can simply grab a card and plop it into their own Yoto Player any time they want! This speaker also acts as a clock, and your kids can customize the face in the front to their liking!

The Yoto Player holds a charge with its built-in battery, so your kids can take their speaker from room to room, or even in the car! While your kids will feel like they have full control over their players, you can manage all the settings to your speaker behind the scenes via the Yoto app. Yoto has a huge library of book cards, with books ranging from age 0 to age 8. They have books including classics like James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Secret Garden.

Your kids can even make their own cards from home-recorded songs and stories. With an endless library and tons of free cards, the Yoto Player is one of those learning toys that continues to grow with your kids.

SHOP:
Yoto Player
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Yoto | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Lovevery

Little ones learn best in a play-based environment. This year, our littles may not be starting daycare as they were in the past, so bringing an educational yet fun environment home will expand their minds. Lovevery offers a variety of Montessori based toys subscription boxes to carry your little one through infancy and beyond!

Recently, they introduced the perfect educational toys for two and three-year-olds. Each kit is carefully designed for age-appropriate play. Each kit provides a great learning experience developed by researchers and specialists to expand their growing brains. Every detail is carefully and thoroughly thought through, thus producing some of the best toys on the market. Whether you’re looking for a subscription-based service or to buy individual boxes, Lovevery offers perfect toys for starting daycare.

SHOP:
Play Kits
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Lovevery | Facebook | Instagram

Scandiborn

When your little ons is starting daycare, learning should always be rooted in play! Children learn naturally through observations and exploration. Toys that support this type of learning are the best for starting daycare. Scandiborn is geared towards crafting toys that complement natural learning.

The Legler Baby Walker allows children to enter this world of play. It is crafted from solid wood with beautiful bright colors. The toy is both a walker and an educational tool, promoting both fine and gross motor skills. This toy is not only functional but also has a beautiful design, making it go with any decor in your home!

The adorable Little Dutch Rainbow Stacker is perfect for any nursery or playroom decor. This Montessori based toy allows for learning as it is intended, at the hands of the child. Let their imagination drive them as they make shapes, mountains, roads, whatever else their heart desires! Composed of natural colors this little rainbow will bring warmth and light to your play area.

SHOP:
Legler Baby Walker | Little Dutch Rainbow
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Scandiborn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Nested Bean

When your child is an infant, starting daycare can be a little scary. Will they nap as well as they nap at home? The transition can be tough on parents but starting daycare can be easier when you send your child to daycare with the right gear! The Zen Sack from Nested Bean can help your child develop better sleeping habits in just three days. The gently weighted sack is designed to make your baby feel safe and protected.

The Zen Sack helps transition from the traditional swaddle without any disruption in sleep. This sleep sack can also help reduce fussiness, improve sleep, and promote health. If you have a tummy sleeper, the sleep sack can even be worn backwards for extra comfort. Longer or consistent naps when starting daycare are now possible with Nested Bean!

SHOP:
Zen Sack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Nested Bean | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Dough Parlour

For those little ones starting daycare and learning to be away from you, distract them and get their hands messy in all the learning tools available. Why not start with the beloved favorite amongst all kids…play-doh. The Dough Parlour has taken the much-loved finger-play substance to a whole new level of sensory stimulation.

Made from 100% non-toxic ingredients, not only will the littles have hours of fun molding, squishing, and imprinting their favorite shapes, they’ll be surrounded by their favorite scents like bubble gum, root beer, cotton candy, grape, green apple, and so much more. Grab the Creativity Bundle, an all-in-one set, complete with the Parlour Pack™ of 6, the Imagination Mats™, a wooden rolling pin, and a set of mini cutters (Butterfly, Flower, and Star).

In addition to the Creativity Bundle, add on the NumberDough Mats and the AlphaDough Mats which are the perfect size for making little shapes, numbers, the alphabet, and so much more. Keep those little hands busy learning, touching, exploring, counting, and coming up with endless ideas to fill up their mats. Not only will you be enhancing your children’s cognitive learning and memory when starting daycare, you’ll be thrilled to know that hours of fun have passed even before they are ready to quit!

SHOP:
Creativity Bundle | NumberDough Mats | AlphaDough Mats
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Dough Parlour | Facebook | Instagram

Baby Delight

A new school year is right around the corner. For our littlest children, that may mean that they are starting daycare! If you plan to send your children to an in-home daycare, make sure you are prepared to send everything they may need. The Go With Me Venture Deluxe Portable Chair is an easy and convenient alternative option to a bulky and heavy highchair. Not only is this chair perfect for starting daycare but it is also great for camping or traveling.

The removable harness helps keep your baby secure and upright for feedings. The sun canopy and removable snack tray are perfect for meals on the go. Make your child’s first day starting daycare a little bit easier this Fall with Baby Delight.

SHOP:
Go With Me Venture Deluxe Portable Chair
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Baby Delight | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Radio Flyer

If you have made the tough decision to send your kiddos to a babysitter or daycare this fall, make sure you send them with a lot of toys and gear to keep them entertained. The 4-in-1 Trike from Radio Flyer is the ultimate outdoor ride. It grows with your child from 9 months to 5 years old.

With removable accessories such as the parent push bar, you can easily transform this trike into four different stages that match your child’s age and ability. The UV protection sun canopy helps keep your child safe and cool while they enjoy some outdoor fun. You can even get a license plate personalized with your child’s name. Roll into daycare this year in style with Radio Flyer.

Carters

Back-to-School is right around the corner, parents! Time to start prepping the little ones who are starting daycare with all the stylish back-to-school clothing. What’s fun about the clothing from Carters is that the summery pieces are great transitions into the Fall season with their subtle colors. The 2-Piece Striped Linen Tank & Short Set is a gorgeous cream and white outfit that is pre-washed for ultra-softness! And let’s not forget about those flutter sleeves with the pom pom trim to add a little pop of style for the first day of school!

Another sweet linen piece is the Striped Linen Shorts that have the perfect blend of summer-to-fall colors like blue, pink, and orange. These breezy and lightweight shorts are easy to pull on and come with a charming faux wooden button detail in the front. Try tucking in a nice fall sweater to match one of the many colors!

The Crocheted Slub Jersey Tank is another beautiful solid-color top made for the Fall season with it’s military green color; pairs lovely with a dark-wash jean. Lastly, every kid needs some fresh socks for back-to-school. Check out the soft cotton-blend 6-Pack Crew Booties that come with a variety of colors to match any outfit. Act fast parents, your little ones will be starting daycare before you know it!

World of Eric Carle

Starting daycare is such a huge moment in you and your child’s life. They will be learning a ton of new life skills and wanting to do more activities once they’re home! When they get home from daycare at the end of each day, playing games with them and relearning what they’ve been taught is a huge way to bond and encourage their education.

The World of Eric Carle has an endless amount of learning games that include characters from Eric Carle’s incredible and popular children’s books. The Very Hungry Caterpillar 2-Sided Floor Puzzle includes 26 giant pieces, and the complete puzzle is 3 feet! This puzzle is perfect to continue teaching your child their shapes and colors as they are starting daycare.

The Let’s Feed The Very Hungry Caterpillar Counting Cards Kids Game is a board game that the whole family can enjoy when you’re little one is starting daycare! This game is limited edition and was released for the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Your kids will have a blast moving their little caterpillars from fruit to fruit and collecting butterflies along the way.

The Let’s Feed The Very Hungry Caterpillar Counting Cards Kids Game is a great board game for teaching your kids cognitive thinking skills and decision making. And while you’re working on your kid’s skills, make sure to check out The Very Hungry Caterpillar Twirl & Toss Game! This game will help with their hand-eye coordination as they toss fruit to the twirling caterpillar in order to win.

The World of Eric Carle games and artwork is such an incredible addition to your home when your kids are starting daycare. With these games, they will be coming home thrilled to continue to learn and play each day!

aden + anais

If you are starting daycare for the first time, most teachers will tell you that it takes a couple of weeks for your little one to get used to a new nap time routine. Help make nap time a breeze by packing an aden + anais silky soft swaddle to ensure your baby’s comfort. These swaddle blankets provide two layers of breathable viscose fabric made from bamboo, that delivers softness and durability and will be the best thing to touch your baby’s skin.

These swaddles come in an assortment of colors and patterns which adds just a nice pop of color and fun. The great thing about aden + anais swaddles is their versatile use not only as a swaddle but also a tummy-time blanket, burp cloth, stroller cover and more!

SHOP:
silky soft swaddle 3pk
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
aden + anais | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Tiny Twinkle

If you have a messy eater (let’s be real, all kids are) make sure you send a bib with your little one when they’re starting daycare. The Easy Bib from Tiny Twinkle comes in a set of three adorable and fashionable designs. The Mess-proof Full Sleeve Bib will keep even the messiest eaters from ruining their Sunday best. These Tiny Twinkle bibs are easy to clean and dry quickly between meals. If you have an infant that is exploring the exciting new world of solid food, the Silicone Dippers are perfect for purees.

BBluv

Starting daycare may mean you have tons of fun activities planned for your kids after school! If you have a little one that is not quite ready for the pool or ocean, try out the Splash Baby Paddling Pool from BBluv. This splash pool will help your little one become more comfortable with the water, all while keeping them cool. The fabric is durable and waterproof, making it almost indestructible even for the wildest kiddos. It even comes with a matching bucket for easy filling. Take a break from all the school work and have some fun splashing and playing in the Splash Baby Paddling Pool from BBluv.

SHOP:
Splash Baby Paddling Pool
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
BBluv | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Mushie

Make sure you have all the gear your little one will need when they’re starting daycare this fall! If you have a messy eater, a Silicone Baby Bib from Mushie is a must. These bibs can tackle even the messiest of eaters, as they are easy to clean and resist stains. The deep front pocket is perfect for catching all the crumbs, so your floor doesn’t. The bibs come in several timeless and elegant colors. Stock up on bibs with Mushie!

SHOP:
Silicone Baby Bib
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Mushie | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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Olababy

Starting daycare is such a fabulous milestone for your little one where they will learn, grow, and most importantly socialize with other kiddos their age. As they continue to develop their eating and drinking skills, make this process as seamless as possible with the Olababy 100% Silicone Training Cup for Baby and Toddler (Coral & Mint). These non-toxic, durable silicone cups provide a weighted base for stability and ease of holding for independent drinking. The silicone material is easy on the gums and teeth preventing any potential injury to the mouth. Another great feature of this cup is that while it is translucent allowing your little one to see the exact amount of liquid inside, it also provides exact measurement dots allowing parents to measure and monitor consumption. Let Olababy be your go-to company for all your independent feeding needs!

Pillowie

Whether nap time this school year takes place at home or in preschool, keep your child cozy, comfy, and secure with Pillowie the tagalong pillow and blanket set. Perfect for travel, home, or school, the creatures of Pillowie will comfort your child and become their go-to blanket, pillow, or fun dress-up costume of choice. Pillowie is a blanket, pillow, carrying case, and costume all in one. Great for on-the-go adventures, children can choose from forest friends or monsters, and the washable blanket and pillow combo pack compactly into the pillow with a carry strap for travel. Soft and snuggly, your little ones will love nap time this school year at home and on the go with Pillowie.

SHOP:
Flynn Fox | Rocky Racoon
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Pillowie | Facebook | Instagram

Artkive

Do you have tons of artwork with nowhere to go? Does your child come home with a new masterpiece every day and you just can stand to toss it in the trash? Here to solve the problem of the never-ending art projects cluttering the kitchen is Artkive, “the easiest way to capture, organize, and celebrate your child’s creativity.” Simple and easy to use, with Artkive you simply send in a box of your child’s amazing creations and in turn receive a hardcover album full of their designs. This precious keepsake can then easily be stored, preserving their art (and your memories of their younger years) forever. Now, Artkive even offers framed mosaics with 25 of your child’s favorite pictures printed and framed, perfect for hanging on their bedroom wall. Additionally, with the downloadable app, your child’s creations are available digitally for sharing from any connected device.

SHOP:
Artkive
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Artkive | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Pinterest

With all of these items by your side, starting daycare will simply be a breeze. No more being the only one worrying about their naptime, food schedule, or screen time – time to let the teachers help you with each and every step. Remember to relax and know that your little one has begun the first step in their education journey!

WANT TO READ MORE?
Starting daycare can be a little scary! Sending your little one to someone else may be overwhelming, but we can help you with some peace of mind! If you’re looking for help when searching for care providers, make sure to read Choosing the Right Daycare.

Starting Daycare: The Most Important Items You Need

Read More: Simple changes to baby’s nap schedule! Bye bye 2 naps a day!

Read More: What is the Montessori method?

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