Tia Sauls
Tia Sauls is an early education specialist who helps families and educators navigate the child care, early education, and K–12 landscapes.
Preparing for infant daycare can feel overwhelming, especially when every program has slightly different expectations. Some infant daycares provide diapers, wipes, and food as part of tuition, while others ask families to bring most daily supplies. This checklist outlines the most common items parents are asked to provide, along with notes on what may vary by provider so you know what to ask before your baby’s first day.
If you are still early in your childcare search, it can be helpful to understand why it can be difficult to find infant childcare in many communities, especially compared to toddler or preschool care.
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Diapering and Cleaning Supplies
Diapering needs are one of the biggest differences between infant daycare programs. Some centers include diapers and wipes in tuition, while many home daycares ask families to provide their own.
Common items to bring include:
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Diapers (enough for the day or week, depending on provider policy)
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Baby wipes (unscented is often preferred)
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Diaper cream or ointment (with a signed medication authorization form if required)
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Plastic or wet bags for soiled clothing
Some programs have strict rules about creams and ointments, even over-the-counter ones. Always confirm what documentation is needed before sending these items.
Feeding Supplies
Feeding expectations vary based on your baby’s age, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed, and the daycare’s licensing rules. Infant programs typically follow individualized feeding schedules rather than set meal times, especially in younger infant rooms.
Parents are commonly asked to provide:
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Bottles filled with breast milk or formula (labeled with your child’s name and date)
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Extra breast milk or formula in case your baby is hungrier than expected
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Sippy cups or water bottles for older infants
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Bibs and burp cloths
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Baby food or purees, if your child has started solids
Some child care centers participate in food programs and may provide baby food once solids are introduced, while others rely entirely on families. Always ask whether food must be unopened, pre-packaged, or prepared at home.
To better understand how feeding fits into a full day of care, it helps to look at a typical daycare schedule for infants and how routines shift throughout the day.
Clothing and Comfort Items
Babies go through multiple clothing changes each day due to spills, diaper leaks, and messy play. Most providers recommend sending more clothes than you think you will need.
Your infant daycare checklist should include:
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Two or more complete changes of clothes (weather-appropriate)
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Socks and seasonal outerwear such as sweaters or jackets
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Sleep sack or crib sheet, if required by the program
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Comfort item such as a lovey or small stuffed animal (if allowed)
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Pacifiers, including at least one spare
Some programs allow families to leave a framed family photo in the infant room. While optional, this can provide comfort for babies who are still adjusting to group care
Health and Safety Items
Health policies are especially strict in infant care settings, and many items require written authorization before they can be used. Licensing rules and provider policies may affect what is allowed and how items are stored.
Depending on your child’s needs and the program’s rules, you may be asked to bring:
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Necessary medications, with completed medication authorization forms
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Sunscreen, if babies go outside and the provider does not supply it
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A sun hat or weather-specific gear, such as mittens or a warm hat in colder months
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Indoor shoes or soft-soled footwear, if required
If you are still deciding whether infant daycare is right for your family, it may help to review developmental considerations discussed in how young is too young for daycare.
Items Daycare May Provide (and When Parents Still Bring Them)
Some infant daycare programs provide certain supplies as part of tuition, while others ask families to bring everything from home. Even when items are included, parents may still be asked to send backups for individual use.
Items that may be provided by some programs include:
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Diapers and wipes
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Crib sheets or sleep sacks
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Baby food once solids are introduced
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Sunscreen
Always confirm what is included and whether items are shared or individually assigned.
Things Parents Often Forget
Many parents discover after the first week that a few extra items would have been helpful. Commonly forgotten essentials include:
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Extra bottles for longer days
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A backup pacifier
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Seasonal outerwear left at daycare
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Labeled storage bags for bottles or clothing
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Updated written feeding or sleep instructions
Tips for the First Week of Infant Daycare
It is normal for your daycare bag to feel overpacked at first. Over time, you will learn exactly how much your baby uses each day and how often supplies need to be replenished. Open communication with your child’s caregiver can help ensure expectations stay aligned and the transition to infant daycare feels smoother for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Daycare Supplies
How many diapers should I send to infant daycare?
Most providers recommend sending enough diapers for a full day, plus a few extras. Some programs ask families to restock weekly, while others prefer daily supplies, so it’s best to ask how often diapers are replenished.
Do I need to label everything I bring to infant daycare?
Yes. Bottles, clothing, pacifiers, sleep items, and bags should all be clearly labeled with your child’s name. Labeling helps prevent mix-ups in shared infant rooms and is often required by licensing rules.
What if my infant daycare provides diapers or food?
Even when a daycare provides certain items, families are often asked to send backups for individual use. This is especially common for babies with sensitivities, brand preferences, or specific feeding needs.
Can I bring toys or blankets from home?
Many infant daycares discourage toys from home and may limit blankets or large comfort items for safety and hygiene reasons. Always check your provider’s policy before sending personal items.
How often should I expect to restock supplies?
Restocking schedules vary. Some items, like diapers and wipes, may need weekly replenishment, while spare clothes and comfort items are typically replaced only as needed.
