Preparing for Daycare

Most Childcare Network locations provide the following amenities. Please confirm these items with your school's director. There is a printable version of this list here.

What Childcare Network provides

Crib Sheets & Blankets		Crib sheets and bedding are changed, washed and provided daily for your baby when they are in our care.
Formula		Most Childcare Network locations provide Similiac formula. If you wish to use a different formula, please see Formula below in the What To Pack list for the requirements.
Baby Food & Cereal		Our schools provide rice cereal, milk and baby food for children that have transitioned to eating food. You will not need to provide any additional food.
Bowl & Spoon		Age appropriate eating utensils are provided by our schools for children that are eating baby food and cereal.
Daily Sheet		Childcare Network will provide you with a Daily Activity Sheet telling you about your baby’s day. In addition to their temperament and schedule, we will also let you know when you are running low on items needed.

What to Pack for your Infant

Diapers		We request that you bring diapers in bulk at the beginning of each week. It is better to have too many than not enough, so we suggest 8-10 per day.
Wipes		Pack a full container initially and bring a refill package for the start of each week, or when they run out.
Pacifiers		If your child uses a pacifier, consider keeping a separate supply of three to four at Childcare Network. Pacifiers are easily misplaced and if your child needs comforting you'll want to make sure they have one. Label each pacifier with a non-toxic marker.
Clothing		Send two or three extra outfits each week. Pack each outfit in a labeled and sealed bag, so that any soiled or wet clothes can be sent back home in them. Include socks in addition to different weather appropriate clothing. Your child will be spending time both indoors and outdoors, so they'll need to be comfortable all day.
Bibs		You will want to bring 2-3 bibs for each day, both small (for drooling) and large (for meal time). Consider purchasing separate bibs just for your baby’s day at Childcare Network. They will need about 10-15 each week.
Bottles		Pack enough bottles for the time your child will be at Childcare Network and an extra in the event of an emergency or if you are running late. Each bottle must be labeled with the first and last name of your baby. If you are providing your own formula or breast milk, see below.
Formula & Breast Milk		If you are breast feeding or decide to use formula other than the Similac, you will need to make each bottle, label it with your child’s full name and date and place it in sealable bags so that it does not leak. Childcare Network staff cannot make any formula that they do not provide at the school.
Diaper Rash Cream & Ointment		If you are providing rash cream for your child, you must fill out a medication form provided by Childcare Network and store the labeled cream in a sealable bag. All medication must be taken home each day and returned as needed.
Photos		Providing your baby’s teacher with pictures of you and your family for their crib or classroom will help your baby feel at home. Having a familiar face to look at while you are at work helps ease the transition into their new environment.

Helpful Tips and Reminders

Label Everything		Permanent markers may work fine for labeling plastic bags, diaper boxes or wipe containers, however for items that will come in contact with your baby, purchase a non-toxic marker. Label makers, masking tape or painter’s tape are also useful for labeling bottles, while you may want to use iron on labels for clothes and bibs. Label bottles before you store them in the refrigerator; otherwise you will have difficulty writing on them.
Fill out Forms		You may have filled these out in advance, if not, the following forms are needed on the first day - Feeding Form, USDA Application, Shot Record and Medication Form (if applicable).
Education		Remember that your baby is not only here for care while you are at work, but also to develop their mind and skills. Here are some developmental milestones you can look forward to in their first year.