It's almost time for camp to start! My 19 month old is starting camp in a few short weeks, and in order to make the transition as easy as possible, I've been buying all the things I can now so I don't get overwhelmed or feel underprepared the week before camp starts. Here are my top 10 must have items for sending your toddler to day camp.
Now of course, this will only apply for those who are still using diapers. It may seem obvious, but if you are not already enrolled in Daycare it may go right over your head that you need to supply your own diapers, wipes, and diapering ointment. If you are currently using cotton/reusable diapers double check with your provider that these will be allowed. It is possible that they will require disposable diapers. My daughter has very sensitive skin, and even ecszema flare ups. These are the products we use daily to keep her from having any type of rash or issues. We love pampers and have found that they offer the best protection with minimal to no blowouts. Honest wipes are by far my favorite. They are gentle on sensitive skin (sometimes I even use these on my own face and I’ve never had an issue).
They are also huge in comparison to most other brands. After using these, I couldn’t possibly switch to a different brand that makes a smaller size wipe. A&D ointment is an absolute must for my kids. We have been using A&D ointment for every diaper change since my daughter was born. She is 19 months old and has never once had a diaper rash. We especially load up at night since diapers tend to get overloaded with urine during that long stretch of time. This gives the skin a nice barrier to protect it.
If your child will be napping at their camp this is a must have. Our provider has cots, and requires a crib sheet, pillow, and blanket. This is all 3 in one and it is easy to clean (machine washable and super easy to spot clean). It folds up and has a strap so it’s easy to transport, and they even have an option to personalize with your child’s name. This can act alone as a cot and be used directly on the floor, or can be used on top of a provided cot. At the end of every week we take it home for washing (most daycare providers will have a similar protocol. Many require 2 crib sheets in case of accidents during naps.)
It is common for toddlers to want a comfort object while away from their home and family. Many children will sleep with a comfort object like a stuffed animal, or a lovie at home, and so it is important to provide one for camp as well. My daughter has become so attached to her lovie she now drags it around all day and it gets pretty dirty. So, now we have a secret drawer with 5 of them just to make sure she always has a clean one for nap time and bed time. If you child is dependent on a comfort object like this, make sure to leave one at daycare so they always have one near, especially for nap time.
Something that a lot of people may not realize, is that all of your children’s items will need to be labeled with their name. This will include their shoes, water bottle, back pack, sheets, pillows, diapers, lunch box, etc. and even clothing. This stamp is easy to use and is fully permanent. It is washable and won’t fade. I love this specific listing because it also includes 50 name tags and iron-on labels for dark clothing. Some people prefer to use stickers for clothing so they can be used for another child, or donated. Make sure to do whatever is best for you and your child. There are many different brands which sell machine washable labels for clothing, and other items, so if the stamp isn’t a good fit just give it a search online and you’ll find plenty of options.
Most likely you will need to pack meals and snacks for your child. For example, we have to pack 2 snacks and a lunch. Sometimes depending on drop off and pick up, you may also be packing a breakfast. I highly recommend getting this full Bentgo brand lunch set (items 6-9). The company has excellent customer service, and the products are top notch. The coolest part about this lunch box is the built-in removable ice pack. This way the ice pack is directly on the meal and will keep it cool all day. This means leftovers (if your kid has any...) wont' spoil!
How cute is this print? I went with a space theme for my daughter because secretly I want her to become an astronaut! No seriously, I'm not kidding, wouldn't that be so cool? anyway it's a super cute print and I love that its a mix of pink, blue, and purple. Sometimes the girly stuff is a little much for my taste and I so love that this has those feminine touches in the coloring without being over the top. This insulated water-resistant lunch bag has a mesh pouch for your water bottle and a carrying strap so it's easy to carry, or can be stored in a backpack.
These are so great because they come in a little carrying case so they will stay clean and not get the inside of the lunch box sticky or dirty. I ended up buying 2 because I wanted to be able to just swap them out and not think about it!
These little snack boxes are too cute and have the perfect amount of room for so many great options like fruit & veggies, yogurt, oatmeal, the options are endless! And they are adorable! I love them
#9 Bentgo® Kids Chill Extra Trays for meal prepping
These are additional lunch box containers so that you can meal prep! Otherwise, you’d have to pay full price for multiple lunch boxes. These additional lunch box containers have a lid but be careful they are not leak proof. They are just meant for meal prepping and leaving in the fridge. You remove the lid and add the insert to the lunch box each new day. These are made to help with meal prepping, and to avoid having to wash and dry out the lunch box tray on a daily basis -- who has time for that! If this does not seem like a must have to you, I can't relate ;) I hate doing dishes although inevitably I have to run the dishwasher daily either way. At least for me, it makes life a lot easier if you can prep 2-3 meals in advance and save a little time and sanity.
Of course, possibly the most important would be a water bottle. Some camps will want you to provide 2 water bottles one for milk, and one for water, so always check with them. These water bottles are awesome. They are leak proof and easy to use. And it makes life simple because it also has the updated twist and pop style straw for easy cleaning. These are dishwasher safe and have a spill proof lid that actually works.
Okay so there you have it, these are my Toddler Must Haves for Summer Camp! What am I missing? Let me know in the comments section!!
Don't forget to check out the Toddler Must Haves section of my blog, for more suggestions!
DISCLAIMER: These are my personal opinions, and none of these products are sponsored.
Full Product name, and hyperlink:
Diapers Size 5, 132 Count - Pampers Swaddlers Disposable Baby Diapers (Packaging & Prints May Vary)
The Honest Company Clean Conscious Wipes 100% Plant-Based, 99% Water, Baby Wipes Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist Tested Geo Mood, 288 Count
A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment, Healing Skin Ointment for Dry and Cracked Skin, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Urban Infant Personalized Tot Cot Kids Nap Mat - Toddler Preschool Daycare Bedding Cover with Blanket and Pillow - Poppies
Carter's Bunny Plush Stuffed Animal Snuggler Lovey Security Blanket
Name Stamp for Clothing Kids, Customized Personalized Labels for Kids. Non-Fading School Uniform Custom Stamp. Clothing Labels for Daycare and Nursing Homes. Free Name Stickers.
Bentgo® Kids Chill Lunch Box - Bento-Style Lunch Solution with 4 Compartments and Removable Ice Pack for Meals and Snacks On-the-Go - Leak-Proof, Dishwasher Safe, Patented Design (Purple)
Bentgo® Kids Prints Lunch Bag - Double Insulated, Durable, Water-Resistant Fabric with Interior and Exterior Zippered Pockets and External Bottle Holder- Ideal for Children 3+ (Lavender Galaxy)
Bentgo® Kids Utensil Set - Reusable Plastic Fork, Spoon & Storage Case Made From BPA-Free Materials, Dishwasher Safe - Ideal for School Lunch, Travel, Outdoor Use (Lavender Galaxy)
Bentgo Kids Snack - 2 Compartment Leak-Proof Bento-Style Food Storage for Snacks and Small Meals, Easy-Open Latch, Dishwasher Safe, and BPA-Free - Ideal for Ages 3+ (Purple)
Bentgo® Kids Chill Tray with Transparent Cover - Reusable, BPA-Free, 4-Compartment Meal Prep Container with Built-In Portion Control for Healthy On-the-Go Lunches (Purple)
Contigo Aubrey Kids Cleanable Water Bottle with Silicone Straw and Spill-Proof Lid, Dishwasher Safe, 14oz, Cotton Candy
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