Daycare Essentials Checklist for NZ Parents (2025 Guide)
A complete, parent-friendly checklist of what your child needs for daycare, preschool, Kindy, Montessori, and home-based care in New Zealand.
Last updated 20 November 2025
Starting daycare or Kindy in Aotearoa is a big milestone – and it often comes with a lot of “What do I actually pack?” questions. This guide is designed for NZ parents with children in daycare, preschool, Kindy, Montessori, Playcentre, and home-based ECE.
Below you’ll find a quick checklist, detailed breakdowns by item, and answers to common NZ-specific questions, so you can pack confidently without overloading your child’s bag.
Quick Checklist (Everything You’ll Need)
- 🏷️ Name labels (clothes, bottles, lunchboxes)
- 🥤 Drink bottle (leak-proof, water only unless your centre says otherwise)
- 🍱 Lunchbox (easy-open for small hands)
- 🎒 Small backpack
- 👕 2–3 spare outfits
- 🧼 Wet bag for dirty/wet clothes
- 🧴 Sunscreen & sunhat (summer and sunny days)
- 🧸 Comfort item (if allowed)
- 🍼 Nappies & wipes (if required)
These items cover 95% of what NZ daycare centres expect, whether you’re at daycare, preschool, Kindy, Montessori, Playcentre, or home-based ECE. Always check your enrolment pack too – some centres provide extras like meals, nappies, sunscreen, or bedding.
1. Name Labels (Clothing, Bottles, Lunchboxes)
Every NZ daycare will ask you to label everything. In a room full of kids, there are often five of the same blue drink bottle and three identical sunhats. Labels make it much easier for teachers to return items and save you from constantly replacing lost gear.
Choose labels that are:
- Waterproof (for drink bottles and wet bags)
- Dishwasher-safe (for bottles & lunchboxes)
- Laundry-safe (for clothing, hats, bedding)
- Easy to apply (stick-on or iron-on are ideal)
- High contrast and easy to read at a glance
Practical tips:
- Clothing: place labels on the care tag or inside neckline/waistband.
- Lunchboxes & bottles: stick labels on flat, smooth surfaces so they don’t peel.
- Shoes & gumboots: put labels on the inside where they won’t rub.
Our favourites:
Shop durable name labels
2. Drink Bottle (Leak-Proof & Easy for Kids)
Your child will use their drink bottle all day, so it needs to be simple, sturdy, and easy for them to use independently. Most NZ centres prefer water only, so children can sip freely whenever they’re thirsty.
Look for bottles that are:
- Leak-proof (no dripping all over spare clothes)
- Flip-top or straw lid for easy sipping
- Dishwasher-safe for quick cleaning
- Durable enough to survive drops and being tossed in a cubby
- 300–500ml in size depending on age
Best sizes by age:
- Under 2: 300–350ml, straw-top or soft spout
- 2–4 years: 350–450ml, push-button lid they can open alone
- 4–5 years: 400–500ml, sturdy plastic or stainless steel
Our favourites:
See toddler & preschool drink bottles
3. Lunchbox (Easy-Open for Small Hands)
Most daycares encourage children to open their own lunchboxes. This supports independence and makes mealtimes smoother for teachers. A simple, reliable lunchbox beats a fancy one your child can’t manage.
Look for:
- Simple, easy-open latches (test them with your child)
- Internal dividers for snacks, lunch, and fruit
- Leak-resistant compartments for yoghurt or dips
- Dishwasher-safe for easier end-of-day clean-up
- BPA-free materials
Good daycare-friendly styles:
- Bento-style boxes (great for variety)
- Single-latch containers (minimal fuss)
- Multi-compartment trays that fit inside an insulated lunch bag
NZ food safety note: Many centres are nut-free and avoid certain choking-risk foods (e.g. whole nuts, whole grapes, raw carrot rounds). Always check your centre’s food policy when planning lunches.
Our favourites:
Browse daycare-ready lunchboxes
4. Backpack (Small, Lightweight, Practical)
A backpack needs to fit spare clothes, a lunchbox, artwork, and sometimes a drink bottle or hat – without being bigger than your child. The goal is a bag they can carry themselves from car to classroom.
Look for:
- Padded, adjustable straps for comfort
- Easy zippers that don’t jam
- Side pockets for drink bottles (if your centre stores bottles in bags)
- Lightweight material that dries quickly if wet
- Small–medium size (around 10–15L for daycare/preschool)
Ask your centre if bags go on hooks, in cubbies, or in lockers – this can help you choose a size that fits their storage system.
Our favourites:
See kids’ backpacks
5. Spare Clothes (2–3 Full Sets)
Spills, water play, sand, paint, toilet training, mud… daycare life is gloriously messy. Spare outfits are non-negotiable.
Pack:
- 2–3 tops (t-shirts or long-sleeve depending on season)
- 2–3 bottoms (shorts, leggings, or track pants)
- 2 pairs of socks
- 1 warm layer (hoodie or jumper)
- Seasonal extras (sunhat in summer, beanie in winter)
Choose older, comfy clothing you don’t mind getting stained. Daycare is not the place for precious outfits.
Store spares in a wet bag or zip pouch inside the backpack, and ask teachers to put dirty or wet clothes straight into the bag so they don’t soak everything else.
6. Sunscreen & Sunhat (Summer Requirements)
NZ sun is intense, and most centres follow strict sunsafe policies. Hats are usually required outside, and sunscreen is often reapplied during the day.
You may need:
- SPF50+ broad spectrum sunscreen
- Roll-on or pump styles kids tolerate well
- Wide-brim or legionnaire-style sunhat that won’t blow off easily
Check with your centre:
- Do they provide sunscreen, or do you need to bring your own?
- Do they ask you to apply it at home in the morning?
- Can you supply a specific brand for sensitive skin?
Our favourites:
Skinnies sunscreens
Banz sunhats
7. Wet Bag (For Wet or Dirty Clothes)
A wet bag is one of the most-used items at many centres. It keeps dirty, wet, or messy clothes contained so the rest of the backpack stays clean and dry.
Look for:
- Waterproof or water-resistant lining
- Zip closure to keep smells and moisture in
- Machine washable fabric
- A hanging loop or handle for hooks
One wet bag is usually enough, but if your child is toilet-training or loves water play, a second bag can be handy.
Our favourites:
Browse wet bags
8. Nappies & Wipes
Most under-twos – and some older children – will need a regular supply of nappies and wipes. Some centres include these in their fees, while others ask parents to provide them.
Check with your centre:
- Do they provide nappies and wipes, or do you bring your own?
- Do they prefer a bulk pack kept on site?
- Are there any brand or eco-friendly preferences?
If you need to pack your own:
- 6–8 nappies per day (more if your child is younger or stays long hours)
- A full pack of wipes
- Barrier cream (if allowed, clearly labelled with your child’s name)
Most centres will let you know when you’re running low so you can top up.
9. Comfort Items
Comfort items can make a big difference, especially during the first few weeks of settling. They help your child feel safe in a new environment.
Common options:
- Small soft toy or “cuddly”
- Light blanket
- Dummy/pacifier (in a labelled container)
- Sleep sack for under-twos if your centre doesn’t provide one
Check your centre’s policy on toys and dummies. Many allow comfort items for naps and settling, but prefer other toys to stay at home so they aren’t lost or fought over.
10. Weather Extras (Seasonal Needs)
Most NZ centres go outside in all but the wildest weather. Being well-prepared for seasons means your child can join in comfortably.
For winter:
- Rain jacket
- Warm hat or beanie
- Gumboots
For summer:
- Sunhat (often compulsory)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Extra water, especially on very hot days
Label raincoats, hats, and gumboots too – they’re some of the easiest items to mix up in cubbies.
What Your Centre Might Provide (So You Don’t Overpack)
Before you buy everything new, check your enrolment pack or ask your centre what’s already included. This can save money and keep bags lighter.
Often provided by NZ centres:
- Meals and snacks (some are fully catered, others are lunchbox-only)
- Sunscreen (applied before outdoor play)
- Bedding for naps (cots, sheets, or stretchers)
Sometimes provided, sometimes not:
- Nappies and wipes
- Spare clothing for emergencies
If your child has sensitive skin or allergies, you may still choose to send your preferred nappies, wipes, or sunscreen even if the centre provides a standard option.
What NOT to Pack (Common Mistakes)
- Very large backpacks (most centres prefer smaller sizes that fit on hooks or in cubbies)
- Heavy metal bottles for toddlers (can be hard to carry and manage)
- Lots of toys from home (most centres don’t allow personal toys beyond comfort items)
- Fancy lunchboxes with tricky latches your child can’t open
- Glass food containers (breakage risk)
- Unlabeled items (high chance they’ll go missing)
- Food your centre specifically restricts (e.g. nuts in a nut-free centre)
Keeping the bag light and simple helps both your child and their teachers – and makes drop-off and pick-up much easier.
Quick Essentials Summary
- 🏷️ Name labels for all clothing & gear
- 🥤 Leak-proof drink bottle (usually water only)
- 🍱 Easy-open lunchbox your child can manage
- 👕 2–3 full sets of spare clothes in a wet bag
- 🎒 Small backpack your child can carry
FAQs
Do NZ daycares require name labels?
Almost all do, especially for clothing, bottles, lunchboxes, and hats. Labels help staff quickly return items to the right child and reduce lost property.
How many spare outfits should I pack?
Most parents pack 2–3 full sets of spare clothes. If your child is toilet-training, loves water play, or tends to get very messy, you might add an extra set.
What size drink bottle is best for daycare?
For most children, 350–500ml works well. Under-twos often prefer 300–350ml straw bottles that are lighter and easier to handle.
Do I need a special lunchbox for daycare?
You don’t need anything fancy, but an easy-open lunchbox with compartments can really help kids eat more independently. Always test the latch with your child before their first day.
Can my child bring toys?
Most centres prefer toys to stay at home to avoid loss and arguments. Comfort items (like a small cuddly or blanket) are usually allowed, especially for naps and settling. Check your centre’s specific policy.
What do NZ daycares usually provide?
It varies. Some provide all meals, sunscreen, bedding, and even nappies; others ask parents to supply most things. Your enrolment pack or orientation visit should clearly outline what’s included and what you need to bring.
What should I pack on the very first day?
Pack your usual daily essentials (drink bottle, lunchbox if required, spare clothes, wet bag, hat, nappies/wipes if needed), plus any requested paperwork, emergency contacts, medication with forms, and a comfort item if allowed.