The final days of summer slowly fade away, and soon it’s time for the kids to return to school. If there’s something small they went to from daycare in the summer, they’ll be happy to go back to school with friends. However, the new season will bring in new daycare essentials. Sunscreen, swimsuits and beach towels are gone, but it’s time to plan a cool day.
As a former daycare worker, I have created a list of essentials that your child will need this fall season.
1. jacket
When the weather gets cold, your child needs a jacket. Often, children must appear on cold autumn mornings without jackets and go outside with friends. Then they complain to us about the cold. Also, don’t forget to label your child’s jacket with their full name. There have been times when kids have the same jacket, and they are brought back to the wrong child, like two blue jackets or two superhero jackets. Sometimes you have a child with the same name. Therefore, make sure to clearly label your child’s belongings. Go into your kids’ closet now and make sure your fall jacket is in good condition. If not, you can add a new one to your school supplies/clothing list.
2. Coat
When the season wears and the temperature gets even colder, try packing a coat for your kids. In some areas, temperatures drop quickly, but some people see snow in October or November. Make sure your child has a heavy coat, such as a swollen or fur lining coat. Now is the perfect time to look at winter coats and see what shape it is. You can check if the buttons and zippers work properly, check if there are holes in the pockets, tears in the seams, or if there are hard wear or tears, and start buying a winter coat if necessary.
3. hat
If your child doesn’t have a hat when the weather gets much colder, plan to get it. This helps keep them warm when playing outside. Try it to make sure it fits well and isn’t too big or too small. At this time of year, children will be more likely to be able to easily hear the ears, often caused by a lack of protection from the wind and elements.
4. Gloves and mittens
All children need gloves and mittens during the fall and winter. There were many times in the play area as little fingers were frozen, as the kids stuck their hands into my coat pockets. Again, these items can be easily lost, but even the child’s name cannot actually be marked. Instead, get a long thread, tie each end into a loophole in each glove, and stick it on the sleeves of your child’s jacket or coat. This way, they are less likely to get lost in playgrounds or classrooms.
5. Snow boots (or rain boots)
If you live in a snowy area, make sure your child has snow boots. Place your regular shoes in your backpack or plastic shopping bag. If it’s not too cold, it can come out in the snow. The last thing you want is that your kids will run around in their dress flats and good tennis shoes, so how many snow boots you bring. You can also buy two pairs. One is for day care and the other is for home use. Therefore, there is no need to transport it back and forth. If you live in a warm climate, don’t count how cold the rain is. Make sure your child has sturdy rain boots for rainy days.
6. Extra clothes
Wearing extra clothes in daycare is important all year round, especially during autumn and winter. “It’s the season for flu, stomach bugs and rhinoviruses. Bring at least two or three extra pieces of clothing, including shirts, pants, underwear and socks. Usually, if you bring clothes to day care, this is the time to check out your child’s cubby and bags and bring all your summer clothes home. Then replace them with autumn or winter clothes.
7. Art Smock
I do many art projects to get outside when it’s too chilly, rainy, or snowy. If you haven’t done it yet, pack an old T-shirt belonging to a family or older sibling for your child to wear during art time for a nasty project. Autumn is the perfect time to use lots of paint, sparkle and other messy things with your kids. My kids did everything from glittering apples to drawings of fingers with pudding to playing with shaving cream. We don’t want your kids to ruin their good clothes.
8. Diapers and wipes
I know what you’re thinking: I always bring these. Still, this is the season when you want to pay attention to the number of wipes your child has in his nursery. As a teacher, there’s nothing worse than having a sick child coming out of a diaper or wipe. Check with your child’s teacher every two weeks.
9. Heavy blanket
Your child needs a heavier blanket for naps. Something medium-weight is good so it won’t be too hot or too cold. Bring a light summer blanket home. Bringing two blankets is even better in case your child gets blown away or thrown into the blanket. Also, no one wants your child to get sick, so take your child’s blanket home every Friday night, wash it over the weekend, and make sure it’s clean next week.
10. Additional Cot Sheet
Bring an extra cot sheet for your child’s cubby. I had an accident or had a dirty bed sheet because my child got sick, but there was nothing to replace it. Cot sheets are important. This is because there is no one in the cot, a regulatory issue in most states. So bring an extra fit sheet for your child’s bed.
Fall daycare was one of my favorite times this year. I loved doing various art projects with my kids and reading stories about autumn. Still, it also came with its own unique challenges. Track all the extra clothing that comes with autumn and winter, pay attention to diapers and wipes to ensure parents bring autumn essentials during the cold/flu season.
Take your time to research this list today and start planning your child for fall and winter. Make sure they have everything they need and everything is in good condition. You’ll be left organized as you walk through the closet and add what you need to your school shopping list. It also gives you the peace of mind that you have everything you need for a productive, happy and healthy grade. Your child’s teacher will also appreciate your efforts. Because this ensures that this grade will be a winner for everyone.
Photo Credit: ©istock/getty Images Plus/Fly View Productions
Carrie Laurance is a freelance author and author. She has featured her works on Crosswalk, Everie Ave, Huffington Post and Penny’s Hoarding. She is also the author of three children’s books, three clean romance books, one romance novel, three poetry books, one non-fiction book. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking and baking, reading, and her husband, sweet pussy, cupcakes. For more information about Carrie and her writing, please visit www.carrielowrance.com.
