Packing for your baby or toddler’s first day at a licensed daycare in Coquitlam can feel overwhelming. What does the centre provide? What must come from home? What gets labeled, what doesn’t? This complete Coquitlam parent daycare packing checklist covers everything from the daily bag to seasonal extras, plus what Smiling Kids provides. For our programme details: daycare Coquitlam | infant daycare Coquitlam. Call 604-600-4393.
The Golden Rule: Label Absolutely Everything
At group childcare, 8-12 children the same size wear near-identical items. Label with your child’s full first name (or initial + last name) using:
- Iron-on or sew-on labels for clothing (laundry-proof)
- Waterproof write-on labels for bottles, soothers, and hard containers
- Permanent marker on the inside of shoes
- Dishwasher-safe label stickers for food containers
Unlabeled items get separated and lost within days. This is the single most universal piece of advice from experienced daycare parents.
Daily Daycare Packing List — Infant (3–12 months)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Breast milk or formula (labelled) | More than you think you’ll need. Bring pre-measured or in clearly labelled storage bags |
| Bottles (labelled) | 2-3 per day minimum; more for younger infants. Match nipple flow to baby’s age |
| Diapers (labelled package or individual) | Most centres don’t supply diapers. Bring 4-6 for a full day |
| Diaper cream | Labelled. Written consent form required for application at most licensed centres |
| Complete change of clothes (×2) | Two full outfits minimum; spit-up and diaper leaks are daily at this age |
| Sleep sack (labelled) | Many licensed BC daycares use sleep sacks rather than blankets for SIDS prevention per Fraser Health guidelines. Check if centre provides or requires a specific weight |
| Soother + soother clip (labelled) | If your infant uses one. Bring at least 2 |
| Sun hat or warm hat (season-dependent) | Required for outdoor time. Labelled |
| Sunscreen (labelled) | 6 months+ mineral sunscreen. Signed consent form required |
Daily Daycare Packing List — Toddler (12–36 months)
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Full change of clothes (×2) | Toddlers: one for outdoor, one for spills. More if potty-training |
| Indoor shoes (non-slip soles) | Required at most licensed centres; stays at the centre all week |
| Outdoor shoes/boots (season-appropriate) | Rain boots for Coquitlam’s wet months (Sep–April) |
| Lunch (if centre doesn’t provide) | Nut-free required. Labelled bento-style containers work well |
| Water bottle (labelled, spill-proof) | Stays at centre during the day. Bring home nightly to wash |
| Diapers or pull-ups (if potty-training) | Bring extra pull-ups + 3-4 pairs underwear during training period |
| Comfort object (optional) | One labelled lovey or small blanket for rest time. Keep it simple and replaceable |
| Rain suit (Oct–March) | Quality licensed centres go outside year-round. A proper rain suit protects clothing |
What Smiling Kids Provides — So You Don’t Pack It
What families do NOT need to bring to Smiling Kids (provided by the centre):
- Wipes (provided at the centre)
- Hand soap and handwashing supplies
- Cots/sleep mats for rest time
- Bedding washed weekly at the centre (sleep sack is child’s own)
- Bibs for meal times (we ask you not to send your own — they get mixed up)
- Sunscreen application capability (we apply your labelled bottle with your consent form)
What to Keep Permanently at the Centre
These items live at the centre all week — you bring them at the start of the week and take them home Friday:
- Indoor shoes
- Extra set of clothing (change bag)
- Comfort object (if used for rest time)
- Rain gear (October–April)
Related guides: first day at daycare — what to expect | how to prepare baby for daycare | what happens at daycare all day.
Questions Before Your First Day?
Call Smiling Kids: 604-600-4393 | contact us online
