Kindergarten checklist: What you need for daycare & kindergarten
Kindergarten packing list for transport and meals
Kindergarten backpack or bag, not too big, comfortable to carry and easy to open and close
Lunchboxfor breakfast, possibly another one for the afternoon break
Water bottle, shatterproof, dishwasher-safe and securely closable
Change of clothes for daycare
Spare clothes, appropriate for the season:
two bodysuits or two pairs of underwear and undershirts
one pair of tights and 1-2 pairs of socks
one pair of pants/shorts each, a sweatshirt, a T-shirt
Suitable indoor shoes for kindergarten
Suitable indoor shoes for kindergarten should above all comfortable, non-slip and easy to put on and take off be. They should give the child enough support so that they can walk and play safely, and at the same time breathable be, so that the feet don't sweat. Models with Velcro fastenings or elastic inserts are particularly practical for small children who want to put on their shoes independently. It also makes sense to pay attention to washable materials to consider, since indoor shoes in kindergarten can often get dirty.
Rainwear for daycare
rain pants and rain jacket or rain suit
rubber boots
It is important that the clothing waterproof and robust, so that the children can play outside even in bad weather without getting wet or cold. Our weatherproof children's mud pants together with well-fitting rubber boots provide optimal comfort and maximum freedom of movement
Other clothing for daycare
Sports pants or shorts
T-shirt
Sports shoes (often activities are done barefoot)
Gym bag for sports clothes
Children's painting and craft smock (e.g. an old men's shirt or a parent's T-shirt, but it is often provided by the daycare)
Pajamas for the midday nap
Personal care at the daycare
Toothbrushing cup
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (is sometimes provided by the daycare for hygiene reasons)
Towel (small, e.g., a guest towel)
Washcloth
Diapers, if needed
Wet wipes, if needed
Diaper cream, if needed
Bring personal toys & stuffed animals to daycare?
Not all daycares allow personal toys and stuffed animals. However, during the settling-in period or for the midday nap at daycare, your child should have their familiar companions with them. Our lovingly crafted cloth dolls are the perfect friends for little ones - they listen, provide comfort, and safely accompany your child through daycare life.
Pacifier (preferably in a sealable container with their name)
Medications and Co.
If your child needs certain medications or receives special food due to an allergy, these should always be available in sufficient quantity at daycare. Check the expiration date regularly and replace the products if necessary.
Warning! Most daycare providers prohibit their educators from administering medications to the children in their care for insurance reasons. This also applies to homeopathic remedies (globules) or cough syrup.
Facilities usually make an exception only for chronic illnesses and allergies. You should therefore feel free to send asthma inhalers, eczema creams and similar items to kindergarten if you have made an appropriate arrangement with the educators ...
Kindergarten checklist specifically for summer & winter
Sun hat; if needed, swimwear for splashing
Sunscreen with a high SPF
Insect repellent
Hat, scarf and gloves; possibly extra gloves in case one pair gets wet
Kindergarten checklist as a PDF for download
You want the daycare checklist on hand and available at any time? No problem – we have all the important points for the optimal kindergarten preparation for you as a printable PDF compiled. That way you can conveniently tick off what has already been completed.
Tips for kindergarten supplies of your child
Basic kindergarten essentials depend on the daycare concept
What your child needs for nursery or daycare, also depends on the facility and its care concept. In the Forest kindergarten both weatherproof clothing as well as waterproof footwear and sun and insect protection particularly important, while in other daycares perhaps gym clothes or personal supplies such as craft scissors or glue are part of the basic equipment.
Kindergarten backpack or bag?
Your child carries one of these every day. In any case, the model should have enough space for lunchbox and water bottle provide enough space, but be so comfortable and manageable that your child can carry everything easily on their own. Make sure that they can easily open zippers, buckles, or buttons on their own. If they also like the design and color, everything's all set!
Check kindergarten supplies
From time to time, go through spare clothes, rainwear, slippers, etc., and check whether the items still fit or might be damaged. A good time for this is before the holidays. Simply take the entire kindergarten supplies home and replace any items that have become too small.
Name labels for kindergarten: Label clothing with names
Stick labels wherever possible: Clothing, shoes, gym bags and toothbrush kits are best labelled with your child's name, to avoid mix-ups. Ideally, the kindergarten backpack with a name be labeled. Especially younger children cannot always clearly distinguish their belongings from those of other children, e.g. rain jackets in the same color. Names help children and educators identify things. At the same time, children practice taking care of their belongings.
Ask for a checklist for starting daycare
Most daycares provide a list of items to bring to parents. If in doubt, ask — e.g., whether towels and wet wipes are provided or should be brought, or whether the children drink from cups during breaks or should bring their own water bottles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the basic equipment for a kindergarten?
When should you start preparing for kindergarten?
What clothes does my child need in kindergarten?
