Comfort First! How To Dress Kids for Daycare
Have you wondered how to dress your kids for daycare (or been that parent who dresses their kids in wildly inappropriate clothing)? Use these tips to help dress kids for daycare so they’re comfortable and have everything they need.
When preparing your child for daycare or playschool, one of the biggest challenges you can face is making the best choices you can clothes-wise.
However, ensuring they are properly dressed for the day and having extra clothes packed doesn’t need to be a daily struggle.
That’s why I’ve put together these tips for helping dress kids for daycare!
A Quick Guide to Dressing Kids for Daycare
By following a few simple rules, you can guarantee that your child is prepared for anything.
Additionally, equipping them with the best girls sneakers or rain jackets will give you peace of mind that their comfort and happiness are at the top of your priority list.
Be Practical
Dressing your children in cute ruffles and pretty lace may bring you immense joy, but these types of clothes are not practical for daycare. In fact, dressy clothes for outdoor time or playtime can become hazardous.
For example, the extra fabric can catch on playground equipment or create a tripping hazard while running.
Instead, dress your tot in clothes that allow for easy movement, are lightweight, loose-fitting, and can accommodate any diaper changing if applicable. Clothing with a lot of elastic will let them run, jump and climb freely without snagging on any obstacles along the way.
Avoid dressing them in unnecessary accessories like belts, hair ornaments, or things that can get easily lost.
Choose Easy
When your little one gets home from a day at nursery, it is almost certain that you will have to wash all their clothes. From food stains to dirt, ink marks, and everything in between, these clothing items will likely need to be cleaned frequently.
Therefore, look for clothes made out of fabrics that help simplify this process. Materials that are water resistant, sturdy against stains, and quick drying will not only keep your child more comfortable during the day but will speed up the washing process at home.
Choose Quality Items
Just as adults look for quality clothing to wear, children need the same consideration shown to their wardrobe. While it may feel counter-productive to buy quality items that will instantly become dirty, children tend to sweat a lot during the day as they play.
If their skin stays wet for an extended period of time, it can become irritated and sore. Additionally, it can cause them to become cold, setting them up to catch a nasty illness.
Therefore, it is vital to ensure that your little one wears clothes made from suitable quality materials and organic sources as much as possible. These requirements guarantee breathable, hypoallergenic choices that can protect the skin from falls, friction, and the sun.
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Dress for the Season
You would never dream of wearing shorts during winter or sweats in the middle of summer. Your children are exactly the same.
Unfortunately, it is a common mistake often made by parents who are cautious about their children getting too hot or cold.
Children need lightweight, breathable, loose-fitting clothing in summer to keep cool and comfortable, while winter calls for long shirts, long pants, socks, gloves, and a scarf while outside.
If you are unsure how the weather might change as the day progresses, pack an additional option that can be worn if the temperature changes.
Prioritize Sturdy Footwear
Regardless of the weather outside, always provide sturdy footwear options for daycare. Your child will be on the go in an environment with potential dangers. A closed shoe will protect their feet and allow them to be as active outside as they desire.
If they cannot tie their laces, there are plenty of slip-on and velcro options from which to choose. Lastly, always put a pair of socks on with their sneakers to avoid rubbing from extended wear.
Always Pack a Jacket
A highly recommended tip for parents with children attending daycare is to purchase an inexpensive jacket that can be left in their kid’s cubby at school for ‘just-in-case’ moments. Weather is unpredictable, and you don’t want your child to be cold with unexpected changes.
A simple zip jacket with a built-in hood and your child’s name prominently marked is the perfect choice to throw in the bag in the morning on the way out the door or left at school for cooler days.
Remember a Change of Clothes
When buying your child a bag for school, look for spacious options that accommodate extra clothing for all seasons.
While your child may not need a different outfit every single day, there will be enough times it will be necessary to justify taking the time to pack the clothes.
Remember extra socks, underwear, and seasonally appropriate shirts and pants. Ensure you change the clothes you pack as the seasons change and immediately replace the pack should they be used.
Mark Everything with a Name
You never quite know what a day at nursery school or daycare will look like for your child. And with the chaos of home time and refreshing their bag for the next day, you might overlook missing clothing items or belongings that have been forgotten at school.
Kids take different clothing items off as they please and leave them without a second thought. Your best bet is to properly mark every item you send to school with your little one, as it is possible that multiple children can have the same items as your own.
A simple iron-on label or permanent marker will do the trick to avoid confusion.
If you’ve been wondering how to be adequately prepared for sending your kiddo to daycare, I hope these tips for how to dress your child for daycare help make it easier!
