Is your child about to start childcare or preschool in Singapore? Stay calm and let’s get ready with the things to prepare for this new milestone. Fret not if you’re feeling unsure how to start preparing because we’ve come up with a list of items you can pack for your child’s comfort in preschool.

 

This list is non-exhaustive and can differ between preschools but contains the main essential items. Remember to label your child’s name on his or her belongings to minimise the chance of mix-ups!

 

  • Water Bottle
    Water keeps your little one hydrated throughout the day as they are more energetic and expend a lot of energy. Choose a water bottle that is your child has no problems opening or closing to access the straw for drinking.

 

 

  • Milk feeds
    Infant care teachers are trained to handle breast milk. If your child is above 6 months old, you can consider switching your baby from breastmilk to formula milk. Here are some tips on choosing formula milk.In a playgroup, toddlers are given up to two milk feeds a day and you should bring a clean milk bottle with a milk dispenser containing two separate portions of formula milk for easy preparation. Check with the school on the schedule especially if your child is going to full-day childcare and will be napping there.

 

  • Diapers/Underwear
    If your child has yet to be toilet trained, you will need to pack at least 4 pieces of disposable diapers for frequent diaper changes. Otherwise, pack in briefs or panties for your toilet-trained child. When your child shows signs of readiness, teachers will support potty-training and parents can also play their part at home to prepare your son or daughter to go diaper-free. 

 

  • Additional clothing
    You will need to pack clothes for your child to change into after bath time or water play. It is recommended that you pack in a long sleeved sleepsuit if your child attends a childcare centre with air-conditioning. Some school have a different set of uniform for naptime, and some may not allow home clothes to be worn. Do check with your child’s school to clarify. An additional spare set of clothes will come in handy in case it is dirtied.

 

  • Towel
    A medium sized bath towel for drying off after bathtime is needed. Bamboo bath towels are soft, eco-friendly and absorbent. Choose a size that is small enough for your child to handle.

 

  • Wet bag
    Soiled clothes will be placed in a wet bag or plastic bag for laundering at home. This is to prevent other items in the bag from getting dirty. You can purchase waterproof stickers so they can withstand washes.

 

Pack a spare set of clothes in your child’s school bag for childcare or preschool in case of emergency situations.

 

  • Cot Mattress Cover
    For children who attend full-day childcare, they will be napping in school and will need a mattress cover for the mattress that your child will be sleeping on. Some childcare centres include this item in the list of things to pay for during registration, and the school will take care of the washing and labelling. Do check with the school on the arrangement for this.

 

  • Pillow/Blanket
    You can pack along a small pillow and blanket to make nap time more comfortable for your child. Letting him or her to choose which pillow and blanket to bring gives them more autonomy over their decisions. A light and thin blanket will provide a cosy sleep setting in school.While it may help your child overcome anxiety, it is not advisable to bring his or her favourite toy as there is the likelihood of loss or damage.

 

Teddy stays home – bringing beloved possessions to preschool or childcare are not encouraged as there is a risk that it will be misplaced or damaged.

 

  • Snacks
    Childcare centres provide snacks, but a small container of snacks that your child loves is handy to have for nibbling on the way home from school.

 

Finally, with the number of items to pack, you will likely need two school bags – one to store the bedding and another for the rest of the items. To get your child excited for school, bring him or her shopping for their very own school bags!

 

Has your child started preschool or childcare yet? Tell us, how did you prepare him or her for that very first day of school?