The Daycare Guide
No matter if you’re sending your baby, toddler, or preschooler to daycare or school, we have got you covered! All our favorites from the moms on the team so you and your little one are prepared for the day!
Silicone Divider Plates: These are great silicone divider plates for littles as they approach one year of age and beyond (and stop chucking their plates so much!). They also come with lids, so great for packing for daycare!
Olababy Bowl: One of my favorite bowls! Suctions to the high chair and has a little lip on the side to help baby scoop and keep the food on the spoon! Also comes with a lid, making it a good travel option, too.
Lansinoh Bottles: Bottles like this with a long, narrow slope are best for oral development and mimic breastfeeding most closely. They promote a deep breast-like latch and tongue cupping, so they are feeding specialist approved.
Travel Spoon & Fork w/Case: I love this little silicone set because the spoon and fork are nice and short- which makes it easy for baby and toddler to self-feed. Plus the little carrying case makes them easy to transport! Just wash it all when you get home!
OXO Tot Bibs: I love the strong Velcro on the neck of these! These bibs are my fave for on-the-go because they can roll up and fit in a diaper bag easily.
Breastmilk Storage Bags: A great option for storing breastmilk to freeze or sending it to daycare! At the top of every bag, there is a place to write your child’s name, the date, and amount of milk. Jenna used these when she exclusively pumped!
Thermos Funtainer: This is my favorite travel cup for littles 10 months and older since it’s very easy to open and shut and the straw is skinnier, so not as much liquid can be sucked through! It also comes in lots of sizes and colors so if your little one likes it, you have options for a long while! Great for water and milk!
Bumkins Smock Bib: This is my all time favorite. It is lightweight and has elastic around the wrists so no food ends up on the inside of the sleeves! It’s machine washable (don’t put in the dryer). I have found that adding a little bit of baking soda to the bibs in the washer helps get out any stains from foods as well!
Num Num Straw Cup: This cup has a free-flowing straw and is decently spill proof, making it a great choice from an oral motor perspective! Valveless straws are the best as they don’t restrict water flow and baby doesn’t have to put their jaw in an atypical position to drink (like biting or using excessive force). Love this one for travel, and the handles are great! Great for water and milk!
Dr. Brown’s Bottles: Jenna used these with both of her little ones. Bottles like this with a long, narrow slope are best for oral development and mimic breastfeeding most closely. They promote a deep breast-like latch and tongue cupping, so they are feeding specialist approved. There is a glass option we like, too!
Dr. Brown’s Baby Formula Dispenser: If using formula, this is great to measure formula ahead of time and mix into a bottle when you’re on-the-go! It makes it easy for childcare staff to know they’re mixing the right amount of powder to water.
Haakaa Reusable Pouches: Make your own pouches! Get the blender out and make your own concoction- then fill up these pouches and pop in the fridge or even the freezer! You can mix with breastmilk or formula, too, if you’d like. A sustainable option, too!
Silicone Divider Plates: These are great silicone divider plates for littles as they approach one year of age and beyond (and stop chucking their plates so much!). They also come with lids, so great for packing for daycare!
Munchkin Raise Utensils: This stainless steel set is ideal for 18 months or older, as spoon and fork use become independent. These wash and wear well, as I have had for 2+ years and use daily!
Olababy Bowl: One of my favorite bowls! Suctions to the high chair and has a little lip on the side to help baby scoop and keep the food on the spoon! Also comes with a lid, making it a good travel option, too.
BapronBaby Bib: The cutest little bib! I love the high neck to protect the entire front of baby’s clothes and the prints are adorable! I love giving these as a gift and using when baby wears short sleeves, too!
Bumkins Junior Bib: This is the junior bib and fits little ones ages 1-3. A great way to protect those clothes at daycare while eating, or even during craft time! I love this brand and the quality you get for the price is great!
NUK Suction Plate: Alicia uses these for her boys when she needs to pack meals on-the-go. The lid stays on really well and the plate can suction to a high chair or table.
Bentgo Stainless Steel Utensils: This is another great set for older toddlers who use stainless steel at home! The carrying case is also great and washable- so you can put dirty utensils back in after use and just wash when you get home!
Elk & Friends Stainless Steel Bowls: These stainless steel bowls have a colorful outside, a suction base, and lids! I’d call that a win all around. We love the Elk & Friends brand.
Bentgo Travel Utensils: The carrying case is washable and the set is compact and can fit in any bag or a lunch box. Let your little one pick their favorite color or pattern to take to daycare!
Bentgo Chill: Alicia’s boys use these all the time while on-the-go! This bento box seals really well when you close it, making it leak-proof and keeping foods totally separated. The boys have so much fun finding out what food is in their “box” when they open it. We also love the built-in ice pack!
Skip Hop Formula-to-Food: This handy food container has 3 containers that you can use separately or together. When your little one is younger, measure out formula - but as they get older, use it for dry snacks! Easily fits in a diaper bag or cupholder.
Thermos Funtainer Food Jar: You know I love the Thermos Funtainer for drinks, and this one is great for keeping food insulated when you’re on-the-go! Leakproof and comes with a cute folding spoon.
Weesprout Bento Box: This stainless steel bento box is adorable and great for your little one to pack their meal and snacks. The outer silicone makes them easy to hold, so these are perfect for daycare, a picnic, or even just for eating at home!
Weesprout Snack Containers: A great option to hold snacks & I love that it’s silicone! Easy to clean too as no little compartments that trap food.
Snack Spinner: This one is so much fun for travel and even for daily use! It’s a great way to offer choices for your toddler and take foods on the go. If your little one is in a food rut, try to spice it up with a snack spinner- a little change can really help!
LunchBot Stainless Sandwich Container: 100% stainless steel and the perfect size for a sandwich. Ditch the plastic bags and use this instead!
Weesprout Glass Storage: These are a good for packing snacks or applesauce/yogurt! They’re safe in the dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and freezer!
Stasher Bags: These are fun and functional for snacks and meals on-the-go. Made of silicone, they wash super well and are very durable.
Stainless Steel Snack Containers: A great little set of containers for smaller snacks like nuts, berries, or dips. Each holds one cup of food.
The Dr. Brown’s Milestones Cup: This is NOT my favorite cup for baby, but it’s a very cost effective option, so I like to include it. It has a valve under the lid, so making sure that the straw is not too tightly suctioned to the lid is key! If the lid is pulled through the top too tightly, it is very hard to suck from, so try to loosen if you’re noticing that it’s hard! It’s pretty spill-proof and for only $6 it’s a decent choice! I’d use for about 6 months and older.
The Grosmimi Cup: This cup is all the rage on social media. It DOES have a small valve at the top of the straw, but since the silicone is very thin and the valve is easily movable when you take a sip of water, it does NOT impact baby’s oral positioning. It doesn’t require a forceful suck or an atypical mouth posture to suck from. The cap makes it super spill proof in the diaper bag, and if your little one drops it, the thin valve helps liquid not seep out. The design is also decent for milk as there aren’t too many nooks and crannies to clean out! A good cup to transition to milk!
The Lollaland Weighted Straw Cup: This cup is my favorite weighted straw because it does not have a valve. A valve is a piece of material in the straw itself that is a spill proof feature BUT it requires babies to suck extremely hard to get liquid out, since a lot of force is needed to get the valve open. This cup is not 100% spill proof when the top is down, but when the top is pulled over and the straw is pinched down instead, it is.
The Thermos Funtainer: This is my favorite travel cup for littles 10 months and older since it’s very easy to open and shut and the straw is skinnier, so not as much liquid can be sucked through! It also comes in lots of sizes and colors so if your little one likes it, you have options for a long while! Great for water and milk!
The Num Num Spill Proof Cup: This cup has a free-flowing straw and is decently spill proof, making it a great choice from an oral motor perspective! Valveless straws are the best as they don’t restrict water flow and baby doesn’t have to put their jaw in an atypical position to drink (like biting or using excessive force). Love this one for travel, and the handles are great! Great for water and milk!
Owala Straw Cup: This stainless steel cup also has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 18 months- 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
The Klean Kanteen Straw Cup: My new favorite stainless steel and silicone cup for older toddlers! The cap twists to close making it spill proof and the design is easy to clean. It requires some good fine motor skills for littles to open and close by themselves so it’s best for about 2.5 years and older. It’s also 12 ounces so a good cup for toddlers and preschoolers who drink lots of water throughout the day! Sometimes the smaller bottles just aren’t enough.
Munchkin Cool Cat: This stainless steel cup has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
Simple Modern Water Bottle: I recommend this more for preschool age littles because of its hard straw. Hard straws are NOT recommended for little ones because of the mouth injury risk. Babies and toddlers are constantly walking around with cups and sometimes letting them hang from their mouths OR walking and running while drinking. They get distracted!
Zak Straw Cup: This stainless steel cup also has a pretty strong valve that requires biting to break the seal and suck liquid up. I don’t recommend for littles under 18 months- 2 years or so who are learning how to drink because we don’t want them to learn how to drink by biting! But once your little one can drink from a straw normally and is competent with drinking, using a valve is not a big issue!
The Tommee Tippee Straw Cup: I like this cup for toddlers especially because it has a short straw and when locked down is spill-proof! It is made of plastic and has a small valve, but drinking is not forceful. It’s a very cost-effective option!
Stride-Rite First Walker: A great shoe for the first walker with a wider toe base and a removable insole for more customization. Stride-Rite is a really good brand that makes good quality shoes. They’re also machine-washable!
Stride-Rite Soft Motion First Walker: This is another great option for a first walker and offer good breathability for warmer temps. There’s a large opening making them easy to get on and off of baby!
See Kai Run Baby Sneaker - boys and girls: If you’ve been following for awhile, you know I love See Kai Run sneakers for my littles! Great quality, wide toe base, comfortable and supportive. Penelope is rocking these.
See Kai Run Toddler Sneaker: Paul has See Kai Run sneakers and LOVES them! Great quality and the velcro makes it easy to take on and off. They do run a bit small compared to other brands!
WHITIN Barefoot Shoes: These are the latest shoes we bought Paul and he loves them. They are wide, barefoot shoes to encourage healthy foot development. The velcro straps make it easy for him to take them off, too. I’m so impressed by the quality for the price, and they come in great colors!
Oshkosh Martin Sandal - boys & girls: Jenna had this sandal for John and he wore them for over a year. They have a good grip on the bottom, stay on well, and wear well, too!
Nerteo Sneakers: These are the latest sneakers Jenna bought for her 3-year-old John and he is loving them! They’re comfortable, easy to get on and off, and an affordable price.
Keen Closed Toe Water Sandals: Alicia’s son Blake wears these, and the quality is great! They keep his feet cool but are also super durable and great for running around. Machine washable, too! Everyone we know who has this brand loves it.
Hobibear Sandals: Paul & John both have these sandals. We love the durability and support they provide! Really affordable, too.
Merrell Hiking Sneaker: These sneakers are designed for hiking so the grip is GREAT. If you walk trails or hike with littles, these would be awesome. They’re also great for climbing and jungle gyms.
Name Stamp: These come in fun styles and icons to personalize it with your child’s name and can be used to stamp the inside of clothing, paint smocks, etc.
Sharpie Fabric Marker: Uses a fine point, great for writing on fabric, and even things like hats!
Fabric Labels: Another option for labeling items to send to daycare, etc. These don’t require an iron and can be used on fabric or other smooth surfaces. All you need is a permanent marker!
Personalized Daycare Name Labels: You get 130 labels for under $10 to use on things like clothing, backpacks, water bottles, utensils, and even the tags on “comfort items” like loveys! Super cute, too!
Food Container Labels: These are great for labeling foods you pack with the item, date, and a name. Use rubbing alcohol to reuse the labels again and again.
Urban Infant Personalized Nap Mat: This small business has great reviews and these nap mats are so cute! These are made to be the size of a standard cot used in childcare settings and come in fun patterns!
Silicone Name Band for Bottles: Such a good idea - personalize a silicone band to stretch around your child’s baby bottle or water bottle. They can grow with your little one! A pack of 4 is under $20 and fits most standard bottles, cups, etc.
Personalized Blanket: We researched and found that some childcare facilities do allow children to bring blankets for nap time, so this is a fun item to personalize! Choose your color and font style - this would also make for a cute keepsake!
Urban Infant Toddler Backpack: This company has great reviews, and we love that this is made by a small business! It has a side compartment that fits rolled up artwork - genius.
Dibsies Personalized Backpack: Another backpack option with great reviews that also has matching lunchboxes to go with it!
Mission Meats Kids Beef Sticks: This small business makes grass-fed beef sticks for kids with mild seasoning! Because of the toughness of beef sticks, I recommend offering to littles 3+.
Cerebelly Pouches: Organic and recipients of the Clean Label Project’s Purity Award, these pouches are filled with fruits, vegetables, and brain-supporting ingredients like fish oils.
Plum Organics Pouches: Alicia’s boys eat these when on-the-go, and the kids love the taste. The pear, spinach & pea one specifically was a hit with both kids! They’re organic and have flavor profiles on the back (sweet, savory, sour, etc).
Serenity Kids Pouches: With a focus on protein and vegetables that pack a great nutrient punch, these pouches are great. If you want to introduce foods like chicken, beef, and fish in a puree texture- these are a great option!
Once Upon a Farm Pouches: These organic pouches have no added sugars, and only a few ingredients. They have great variety for those with allergies, as well! Jenna’s little ones LOVE these as a special treat with a meal.
Whole Foods Organic Applesauce Pouches: If you’re looking for an unsweetened organic applesauce- this one is my pick!
That’s It Fruit Bars: Made with ONLY fruit- just two ingredients- these bars are great to have on hand. For new chewers, offer small pieces for them to pinch and chew. The Mango Apple flavor is the squishiest!
Dino Bars: These bars are gluten-free and vegan with no added sugar. They are wrapped in a paper-like texture that’s made of potato starch and olive oil to keep all the soft ingredients together. These organic bars are great for toddlers!
Amara Smoothie Melts: You’ll eat an entire bag in one sitting. Made with coconut milk they are dairy free and gluten free too. They melt in baby’s mouth, so great for new chewers and new pinchers too!
Skout Bar - Fruit Variety Pack: These are a staple in pretty much every EPS team member’s home. Only 7 ingredients or less, gluten free, vegan, and sweetened with dates, these organic bars are soft, yummy and packed with nutrients.
Bare Baked Apples: A wholesome snack with one ingredient? Yes, please! Jenna’s 3-year old loves these. Alicia’s boys do, too! They’re really crunchy and sweet.
Nature’s Turn Freeze-Dried Fruit Snacks: Yummy freeze-dried snacks with only one ingredient! This variety pack is great for on-the-go. Freeze-dried fruits are great for a new chewer as they start to dissolve on contact with saliva!
PackIt Playtime Lunch Box: Pop the whole lunch box in the freezer because it has built-in ice packs that keep food cold for longer! Made with nontoxic materials, too. So cute!
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag: No ice packs needed, just flatten this lunch bag and pop it in the freezer. These are a game changer for keeping things colder for longer!
FlowFly Double Decker Lunch Box: This one has great reviews! We like that it has an upper and lower chamber, making it easier to keep some items cold and others more room temp. This can be helpful for some littles who have sensory sensitivities.
Skip Hop Backpack: This backpack available in two different sizes, allowing you to choose the right size for your kiddo’s needs!
Itzy Ritzy Toddler Backpack: This backpack is the perfect size for toddlers and features two side pockets for drinks and a front zipper pocket to quickly access items. Alicia owns lots of Itzy Ritzy products and love how they’ve held up over 3+ years!
Bentgo Backpack: This bag is good for older toddlers and also has a loop to hold a Bentgo lunchbox.
Urban Infant Lunch Box: This lunch box is bento-friendly and also has a clear pocket with allergy alert cards, making it perfect for daycare. This item also is from a small business and matches the Urban Infant backpacks in the Personalized section of this guide!
Simple Modern Toddler Backpack: Alicia owns other Simple Modern products, and the quality is always great for such a reasonable price point. They have the cutest patterns, and I love that you can get other items from them in matching patterns!
Bentgo Kids Lunch Bag: These come in lots of fun colors and prints for kids and can accommodate lunch and snacks! It’s the perfect size for bento boxes.
Simple Modern Lunch Box: These have excellent reviews and match the Simple Modern backpacks perfectly. Fun prints to choose from as well! Simple Modern also gives 10% of their profits to nonprofits which is awesome.
Burt’s Bees Sleep Sack: 100% organic cotton, this is a great wearable blanket option for nap time and comes in different sizes and TOG levels.
Owlivia Sleeping Bag w/Feet: Great for crawlers and walkers who want to be able to move but still like the feel of a sleep sack. Great quality and organic cotton.
Burt’s Bees Crib Sheet: Also 100% cotton, you may need this if you have an infant who will be sleeping in a crib at daycare. These wash and wear well!
KeaBabies Toddler Pillow: Alicia’s toddler uses this pillow and absolutely loves it! It’s 13”x18” which is the perfect size for a toddler.
KeaBabies Toddler Pillow Case: This is the pillow case that fits the toddler pillow. It’s 100% cotton and comes in different prints and colors - try letting your little one choose!
Urban Infant Kids Nap Mat: This nap mat has great reviews, comes in different prints, and can be personalized. It fits a standard cot and comes with a sheet, blanket and pillow (removable). Machine washable, too!
Wildkin Nap Mat - boys’ & girls’: This is another nap mat with great reviews. The blanket attached to it is lined with 100% cotton flannel, making it really cozy! Parents also say it washes well.
Burt’s Bees Blanket: Made with 100% cotton, this blanket has a great weight to it and it’s reversible.
Large Muslin Quilt: This is Alicia’s favorite blanket for her boys! It’s super soft, keeps your little one warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Washes well, too!
For more of my favorites for littles, check out my Amazon Storefront! I have favorite toys, books, feeding utensils, and more - all organized!
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