Your child’s
first day.

• A: Custom name labels, an adult-applied clothing name stamp or iron-on name labels, plus separate daily bottle labels.
• B: Durable handwritten name labels using a marker you already own.

Labels suited to the item and its cleaning routine; enough writing space for every required detail.

• A: Carter’s two-way-zip cotton Sleep & Play multipacks for infants.
• B: Carter’s cotton tees and easy pull-on pants for toddlers and preschoolers.
• C: Include both, grouped by age. Show a range of colors and patterns.

Carter’s basics with a range of color options, a comfortable fit and easy changes. Clothes you already own are a good place to start.

• A: Compare Stride Rite hook-and-loop sneakers, including the Taye 2.0 line.
• B: A simpler, lower-cost hook-and-loop sneaker if its exact listing meets the rating cutoff.
• Fit and the correct size come first. Compare a range of colors.

Everyday sneakers with a range of color options, in the right size with comfortable movement and Velcro straps.

• If your family uses reusable cloth diapers, confirm the classroom routine with your teacher before sending them.
• Choose your child’s correct size and a familiar reusable diaper system. Send clean, ready-to-use diapers and enough changes for the day; ask the teacher about the quantity.
• Label supplies with your child’s name. Provide a sealed, labeled bag or container for soiled cloth diapers to take home, as required by the handbook.
• Reusable diapers are an alternative to disposable diapers. Exact product, photo and qualifying rating are pending review.

Your child’s correct size and familiar supplies. Verify the side-opening style on the exact pull-up listing.

• A: A washable zippered wet bag in a simple neutral color.
• B: A securely closing, labeled container approved by your teacher.
• Confirm the classroom accepts the bag or container for cloth diapers before buying.

A securely closing bag or container that your teacher confirms works for the classroom routine.

• A: A simple repeating-name print in pink, blue, sage or cream.
• B: A woodland-animal design with your child’s name.
• Start with a lightweight 30 × 40-inch size and check that it folds fully inside the book bag. Exact listings and ratings remain pending.

Prioritize a custom printed or embroidered name that staff can read easily. Choose a small, lightweight, washable blanket with a range of colors and patterns, including simple woodland designs. A 30 × 40-inch option is a starting point; check folded bulk against your actual bag. Avoid oversized throws. Blankets are not permitted in infant cribs.

• A: CamelBak Eddy+ Kids in a cheerful animal, rainbow or other pattern, if its age label and design suit your child.
• B: Keep the familiar cup or bottle your child already uses.
• For school, buy only after teacher confirmation. Exact listing and 4.8–5.0 rating check are pending.

Your child can open and use it comfortably, the parts come apart for cleaning, and the name stays readable. Choose by color or pattern, not gender.

• A: An insulated, easy-clean lunch bag with room for a compact food thermos, food containers and two reusable ice packs.
• B: Use a lunch bag and suitable containers you already own, if everything fits and works for the approved food plan.
• Names on every separate piece, including lids. Exact products and ratings are pending.

An insulated lunch bag large enough for your thermos, food containers and two cold sources. Check the bag’s usable inside dimensions against your actual thermos, and label the bag, containers and lids. Confirm portions and the classroom’s serving routine before ordering.

• For winter snow play: snow pants, snow boots, a warm hat and waterproof gloves.
• Choose sizes your child can move in comfortably, with easy fastenings for dressing. Check that boots fit with winter socks.
• Put your child’s name inside snow pants, boots and hats, and label both gloves individually so staff can return them to the correct child.
• Keep wet snow-play gear separate from clean clothes and take it home to dry. Confirm with your teacher when to send the winter set.
• For milder weather: a named rain jacket or light everyday jacket.

A comfortable jacket or rain layer that your child can practice putting on. Ask about hats, mittens and seasonal extras rather than buying a large outdoor kit.

• A: Send the familiar diaper cream your family already uses.
• B: Choose a separate, clearly named container to keep at school, if the classroom allows it.
• Generic option: Target up&up diaper rash ointment, 4 oz, with 40% zinc oxide. Choose only a cream your family agrees to use; follow its label and confirm school permission. Qualifying rating remains unverified.

A clearly labeled container with the original product directions. Ask the office whether a medication or topical-product permission form is required; the exact cream is pending review.

• ATTITUDE Sunly Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Unscented, SPF 30: a non-aerosol zinc-oxide lotion listed by EWG as EWG VERIFIED.
• The manufacturer lists this kids product for ages 3+. It is not water-resistant; choose an appropriately labeled water-resistant option for water play.
• EWG VERIFIED is an independent ingredient/transparency standard, not government approval or a guarantee that a product suits every child. Match the exact formula and check the current package.
• Label with your child’s name and complete the handbook’s medication form before school use. Amazon’s 4.8–5.0 rating check remains pending.

An age-appropriate, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher lotion or cream. Our preferred shopping filter is the EWG VERIFIED® mark on the exact formulation. Follow the product’s directions and check water resistance for water play.

These three titles appear in Teaching Strategies’ 2014 Beginning the Year collection. Borrowing from the library is welcome.

• A: Age-appropriate washable crayons plus plain paper.
• B: Age-appropriate washable markers plus plain paper.
• Check age and ASTM D-4236 labeling. The previously checked Crayola large-crayon pack is held at 4.7 stars; another exact listing must meet your cutoff.

Age-labeled, washable art materials your child can use comfortably with an adult nearby.

• A: A modest set of plain natural-wood building blocks.
• B: Compare Melissa & Doug’s 100-piece colored wooden block set.
• Check the exact age label and piece sizes. Brand choice, Amazon rating and price remain unverified.

Blocks labeled for your child’s age, with pieces sized for their stage of development.

• A: A simple chunky animal or vehicle puzzle.
• B: A small floor puzzle for a child ready for more pieces.
• Pick by the exact age label and your child’s interests. Brand choice and qualifying ratings are pending.

A puzzle labeled for your child’s age, with sturdy pieces they can handle. Start with a simple chunky puzzle; compare a small floor puzzle when your child is ready.

• A: A washable doll or soft animal with a few simple care accessories.
• B: A small pretend-food set.
• C: Use suitable household items and skip buying a set.
• Exact age labels, product selections and ratings are pending.

A small, age-appropriate set without small detachable pieces for younger children. Choose dolls, animals or pretend food your child enjoys; no large play kitchen is needed.