New Year has come and gone, a few trips to the beach, lazing at home, a couple of drive and suddenly it is a week before the end of January when the realisation sets in that your first born is going to be starting preschool next week.
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Through all the anxiety, stress, tears and possible excitement (from the parents, not just the child..maybe more from the parents), frantically trying to find the preschool checklist you were sent last year (which has mysteriously disappeared) you realise that you have no idea what on earth to pack this child for school.
Memories flood back to when they were tiny babies and you had to literally pack everything (I swear at times even the kitchen sink), onesies- at least 5, in every colour, style, long sleeve, short sleeve.
Then the tights (incase a cold front hits, even in summer), making sure each of these tights matched the onesies perfectly.
5 pairs of socks (again matching the onesies and tights) extras just incase the socks roll out of the bag and go on adventures (which they often do, not sure exactly where they go).
Beanies, shorts, nappies, nappies and more nappies and don’t get me started on the bags of baby wipes one pack for each bag you take (snack bag, nappy bag, baby bag, your personal bag, shopping bag) and the list goes on and on and on.
Fast forward a few years and now after much practice of what to pack in bags, you have come to see that half of the stuff is probably not needed for a preschool bag. So what is really essential, what is needed to be packed in those giant preschool bags without weighing an absolute tonne?
A preschool checklist is definitely needed right about now! So the preschool checklist I have compiled below also includes some items from mums who have preschool aged kids and some things they find essential in packing for preschool.
Preschool Checklist
- Spill proof water bottle (large)
- Spare clothing (uniform if in Prep) and socks
- Hat
- Spare undies/underwear
- Nappies
- Blanket
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Rest Mat
- A comfort toy (like a stuffed animal)
- Sunscreen
- Medication (epipen)
- Jumper
- Lunch and snacks (if food is not provided)
- Fruit
- Plastic bag
- Ice pack
- Lunchbox (here are some cute ones)
- Lunch bag (checkout these ones here)
- Library bag (if preschool has a library)
- School art supplies (if preschool doesn’t provide this) pencils, colouring pencils, glue, eraser, paint brush, ruler, scissors, pencil case etc)
- Hand sanitiser
- Tissue Box
- Baby Wipes
- Notebooks
Keep in mind that this preschool checklist may have items that your child’s preschool already supplies (like school art supplies) or some preschools also supply food and lunches. Most preschools will offer or send you a preschool checklist prior to starting.
If not, ask if they have suggestions or a preschool checklist you can be referred to. Sometimes there are some online groups on social media like parenting groups or parent lead groups of parents who have children who go to the same school that can offer advice on essential items you can put in your child’s school bag. I’ll also be updating and adding new items to this list.
I also asked around for some advice from a range of mums who send their child/children to preschool. I wanted to make sure I covered as many bases as possible and what they recommend to be a good preschool checklist. Here are a few of their comments,
Parents Preschool Checklist Essentials
“I find that it is essential that they have the appropriate clothing for the weather that day and ALWAYS have spares. So usually I would pack 2-3 shirts, a couple of shorts, 2-3 undies in case of accidents, which doesn’t happen often but it’s better to be safe. A pair of leggings and a jumper” – Jen
“Socks, undies, clothes and shoes for incase of accidents! Most of the other things she needed was supplied by the preschool, hats, aprons, smocks, etc” – Tania
“Most of the supplies we needed was on the preschool checklist we got given from the preschool, but I always liked to put a small bag of baby wipes in the bag. Not much for my kid but more for me when I go pick them up from school and use them to clean up any spills of food scraps that may have stuck or fallen on their bag. That way not to get any mess in my car!” – Abbie
“One thing which I would say is definitely needed is a snack for the drive home! Obviously don’t leave it in your child’s bag or they will eat it! But it will make the drive home a lot more tolerable than hearing constantly, “Mum I’m hungry!” every second of the drive trip home.” – Davina
So there you have it, a comprehensive list preschool checklist that hopefully gives some insight as to some of the items that would be essential for your child to take to preschool. As I mentioned, this list is not the be all and end all, always check in with the preschool as to what items are needed to take to class. You probably will find that as they start preschool that there are extra items you find convenient for your child to take as well.
All the best with your child starting preschool! It is an exciting phase in their lives! And as much as it may be a sad time for many parents, just see it as your child flourishing! Look forward to the conversations of what they learnt in preschool today, the smiles on their faces because of how much they have had and learning from them about all the friends they have made.
Note: The links added to this blog are based on our suggestions, we are not paid by the companies to mention them.
Are there any other items you see as essential for your child to take to preschool? How did your child go on their first day of preschool? How did you handle having your child going to preschool? Let us know by commenting below!
Want to read more of our blogs? Check this one out – The Importance of Resilience for Kids – 10 Eye-Opening ways to Teach Resilience to your Children
