What to Pack

There are so many things to consider when packing your child’s bag, especially if you have more than one! To eliminate the guessing game, we have provided a list of the “essentials” along with some optional items that might help your little one feel more comfortable.

INFANTS

• Diapers

  • We recommend packing one diaper for every two hours that your child is in attendance at the center. Add 3 or 4 extra diapers just for any additional changes that may be necessary throughout the day.

• Diaper Cream

  • This is especially necessary if your little one has sensitive skin. Just be sure to fill out the JFS “Request for Administration of Medication” form. A copy of this form can also be provided at the front desk.

• Bottles

  • Please pack enough bottles to accommodate your child’s needs.  Breastmilk and bottles will be refrigerated once they arrive at the center. Please include your child’s name and the date on each bottle. For breastmilk, be sure to also add the date the milk was expressed. We recommend sending several bottles portioned with smaller quantities of ounces in each to minimize waste.

• Pacifiers

  • Pacifiers can be an essential comfort item! Just know that every time a pacifier hits the floor, we sanitize it! With that being said, packing a few extra pacifiers will help us while the others are being cleaned.

• Cereal and Baby Food:

  • If you have started to introduce foods be sure to pack those along with a bowl, spoon, and multiple bibs! We would never want to be the first to experience your child having an allergic reaction, therefore, please introduce all foods at home prior to bringing them to the center! Also, please label all personal items.

• Blanket

  • What’s better than a cozy blanket from home to help your infant feel as safe and secure as possible? Unfortunately, blankets are not allowed in the crib for infants under twelve months, but you are welcome to pack a one-piece sleeper or wearable blanket for nap times. Only children who are not able to roll-over are permitted to be swaddled using a wearable swaddling blanket. Please all items.

TODDLERS ( you can include all that applies under the infant category)

• Pull-ups

  • If your little one is in the process of potty training, we recommend packing about 3-4 pull-ups on a daily basis. Depending on which stage they are in the process, you can also pack about 2 pairs of underwear so that our teachers can help them get acclimated with the feeling of underwear.

• Packed Breakfast and/or Lunch

  • If your child will be eating breakfast and/or lunch while at our center, please be sure to check out our packing guidelines and suggestions for meals in the previous blog.

  • Don’t forget to include a sippy-cup if your child still uses one. We provide children with small cups of apple juice or water so this item is optional. To prevent any mix-ups, label all food containers and cups with your child’s full name and the date.

INFANTS - SCHOOL AGERS

• Change of Clothes

  • Infants to school-agers should always have a change of clothes because, at Sprouts, we love to give kids hands-on learning experiences. Translation: things can get messy! Infants may need a few more clothing options for leaks and blowouts. Please be sure to label all items of clothing. An easy way to label clothing items is to write their initials on the tags.

• Comfort Item

  • We know a comfort item can make all the difference in helping children learn that Sprouts is a safe place where they can explore. We want your child to feel like Sprouts is a second home so we allow all children to bring a small comfort item. Again comfort items also need to be labeled with your child’s name.

• Optional: A thin blanket and travel-sized pillow

  • To help your child stay warm and cozy while they rest, we allow them to bring a small blanket and travel size pillow for nap time. A muslin blanket is a perfect option because they are lightweight and will cover your toddler.

• Optional: Outdoor Play Items

  • Sunscreen:

    • The “Request for Administration of Medication” form, from the Enrollment Packet, will need to be completed for teachers to apply this to your child. First, please make sure the Sunscreen isn’t expired … common mistake.

  • Weather Appropriate Clothing (include child’s initials on all tags).

    • Coat

    • Gloves

    • Winter or sun hat

    • Rain boots

Of course, there are other items you may need to pack such as, prescription medications or supplemental foods if your child requires a modified diet. Just remember that a JFS “Request for Administration of Medication” form or a “Medical/Physical Care Plan” is required for these items.

We hope this list has been helpful! You can reference the parent handbook for items that are not allowed to be brought to the center. Once again, please remember to label all of your child’s personal items, and don’t forget to date food items.