THINGS TO BRING
To help you prepare for your child’s first day, here’s a list of 10 things you need to bring to my Home Sweet Home.
- 1. Bag
Your child will need to bring a bag to store all of their belongings. You can take this bag home every night, or you can feel free to leave it in their assigned cubby.
- 2. Nappies, Creams & Wipes
If your child is not yet toilet trained, it’s important that I have a stock of any items you use at home. I am happy for you to bring whole packs of nappies and wipes, eliminating the need to bring in extras each day. I label your child’s packs of nappies and wipes with their name and store them in the nappy changing areas. It is also helpful to provide me with any creams that you would like your child to have applied. These can be applied as and when required.
- 3. Coat
All children, including babies, access the outdoors every day. Whilst time outdoors may be reduced due to inclement weather, they will still go out in the rain. Therefore, it is important that children have the appropriate clothing to do so.
- 4. Outdoor Velcro Shoes/Wellies
It is important that all children, including those who may not yet be walking, have a pair of outdoor Velcro shoes (no laces). These will be used when the children go out into the garden. Wellies are great for use in wet weather and can be removed or changed when the children come indoors.
- 5. Spare Sets of Clothes
You may have thought that your child went through so many clothes changes when at home; however, our commitment to fun and engaging activities often results in ‘mess’. Please ensure that you bring at least 3 spare changes of clothes in their bag, as I cannot promise they will return home in the clothes they arrived in!
For those children who have just started toilet training, more spares will need to be provided.
- 6. Sun Cream & Sun Hat
Parents are asked to bring in their own sun cream for their child. This removes any issues that may occur with sensitive skin or allergic reactions. Please ensure that you keep some sun cream in your child’s bag, as the sun can sometimes make an unexpected appearance. In addition to this, please ensure that your child has a sun hat to protect them when outdoors in hot weather.
- 7. Extra Underwear
If your child is toilet training, it is likely that they may have accidents whilst in the setting. I will be happy to support any toilet training needs. Please ensure that there are sufficient spare changes of underwear or clothing if your child is going to be toilet training while with me.
- 8. Slippers
Some children may wear slippers when indoors at home. I am happy for children to wear slippers indoors if they find this more comfortable; however, for children who are walking, we advise slippers with a rubber sole to avoid any slips or accidents.
- 9. Comfort Item
Having a reminder from home can provide children with the much-needed reassurance they need when starting here. This may be a soft toy, dummy, blanket or other familiar items. To avoid losing or forgetting the item when collecting, some parents have purchased a separate like-for-like item that can remain in the home.
- 10. Any Necessary Medication
We understand that there may be times when children will require medication. Please ensure that if your child needs access to medication whilst in my care that this is made available. Please refer to my Medication Policy for more information.