How many diapers should I send to daycare each day?

For infants under 6 months, send 8–10 diapers per day. For 6–12 month olds, 6–8 diapers. For toddlers, 4–6. Most centers will alert you when supplies are running low, but starting the week with a surplus reduces the chance of running out mid-day. Always send wipes separately, as most centers go through wipes faster than parents expect.

Should I pack my child's lunch or does daycare provide food?

Policies vary by center. Some daycare centers provide meals and snacks (included in tuition or for an additional fee); others require parents to pack all food daily. Ask about the meal policy at enrollment. If you pack food, use labeled, leak-proof containers and include an ice pack for anything perishable — most centers do not have individual refrigerator space for every child's bag.

Do I need to label every item I send to daycare?

Yes — label every single item that leaves home for daycare, including individual socks, sippy cups, water bottles, shoes, hats, and every piece of clothing. In a room with 8–15 children, unlabeled items regularly disappear or end up in the wrong cubby. Permanent marker directly on fabric tags works for short-term use; iron-on labels or silicone stick-on labels hold up significantly better over a school year.

What to Pack in Your Child's Daycare Bag: A Complete Age-by-Age Guide

May 25, 2026

Infant Daycare Bag (0–12 months)

Infant bags are the most supply-intensive of any age group. Restock supplies at the start of each week rather than daily to avoid running short.

Diapers: 8–10 for newborns; 6–8 for older infants; more than you think you need
Wipes: A dedicated travel pack — do not assume the center provides wipes
Diaper cream: With written authorization for the caregiver to apply; many centers require a signed medication/cream authorization form
Pre-measured formula or breast milk: Clearly labeled with date, time, and child's name; ask about the center's breast milk storage and handling protocol
Extra bottles: 3–4 labeled bottles; ask the center how many they need on hand
Spare outfits: 3 full changes — infants generate more laundry than parents anticipate
Sleep sack: If your infant uses one; centers cannot put blankets in cribs (safe sleep guidelines)
Labeled pacifiers: 2 in a labeled case, if used

Toddler Daycare Bag (12–36 months)

Toddlers are mobile, curious, and messy. Their bags need more redundancy than infant bags in the clothing department.

Diapers or pull-ups: 4–6 diapers; 4–8 pull-ups if potty training (accidents increase during training)
Wipes: Full travel pack, restocked weekly
Extra outfits: Minimum 2 complete changes — full outfit including socks and underwear/pull-up
Labeled sippy cup or straw cup: Bring it full; centers will refill with water but may not have your child's preferred cup style
Lunch and snacks: In labeled, spill-resistant containers with an ice pack; pack morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack in labeled, separated containers for a full-day program
Nap mat or cot sheet set: Per center specifications; ask at enrollment what format they require
Spare shoes: Toddlers are remarkably good at getting shoes wet
Sunscreen: With written authorization form (centers require written permission to apply sunscreen); SPF 30+

Preschooler Daycare Bag (3–5 years)

One labeled complete change of clothes — accidents happen even in preschool
Labeled insulated water bottle — sent full, with name clearly marked
Lunch and snacks in labeled, leakproof containers with an ice pack
Nap blanket and small pillow — per center specs; ask about the required size and storage
Sunscreen and a hat for spring and summer months, with the authorization form
Indoor shoes if the center requires a dedicated pair kept at school
Show-and-tell item when requested — labeled and sized to fit in the cubby

Labeling Strategy

The most durable labeling system for childcare items: iron-on fabric labels for clothing (available from brands like Mabel's Labels, Name Bubbles, and Label Daddy), and silicone stick-on labels for cups, water bottles, and hard containers. Permanent marker on the tag or sole of shoes works but fades faster than dedicated labels. Label everything at the start of each season — don't wait for items to go missing. Find top-rated daycares near you to start comparing programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many diapers should I send to daycare each day?: For infants under 6 months, send 8–10 diapers per day. For 6–12 month olds, 6–8 diapers. For toddlers, 4–6. Most centers will alert you when supplies are running low, but starting the week with a surplus reduces the chance of running out mid-day. Always send wipes separately, as most centers go through wipes faster than parents expect.
Should I pack my child's lunch or does daycare provide food?: Policies vary by center. Some daycare centers provide meals and snacks (included in tuition or for an additional fee); others require parents to pack all food daily. Ask about the meal policy at enrollment. If you pack food, use labeled, leak-proof containers and include an ice pack for anything perishable — most centers do not have individual refrigerator space for every child's bag.
Do I need to label every item I send to daycare?: Yes — label every single item that leaves home for daycare, including individual socks, sippy cups, water bottles, shoes, hats, and every piece of clothing. In a room with 8–15 children, unlabeled items regularly disappear or end up in the wrong cubby. Permanent marker directly on fabric tags works for short-term use; iron-on labels or silicone stick-on labels hold up significantly better over a school year.