Preschool Essentials: Checklist For Parents

The first day of preschool is a huge milestone for your little one. You’ve spent time learning how to prepare your toddler for preschool. Now, you are ready to start gathering their supplies and packing their backpack! From extra clothing to a healthy lunch and paperwork - there’s a lot to remember.

A good place to start is to create a good old-fashioned checklist. By visualizing all your child’s preschool essentials in one place, you can plan ahead and make sure their first day is as easy-breezy as possible. A checklist is especially helpful for new parents. Still, even if this isn't your first preschool rodeo, it's a good idea to give yourself a little refresher rather than overlook crucial supplies.

Not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top must-have items for learning, play, and comfort. Read on for insider tips and tricks on what to pack for preschool.

The first order of business is getting your toddler dressed for preschool. As children get older, they start to express clothing preferences and begin to embrace their own sense of style.

While still allowing for their personal taste, there are a few factors to keep in mind when going back-to-school clothes shopping.

See related: Picture Day Tips

You know just how hard kids can be on their clothes. From rips and tears to food stains and potty accidents, kids put their outfits to the test. That’s why it’s important to choose clothes made from high-quality, long-lasting materials, like viscose from bamboo. This fabric is super soft for all-day comfort yet strong enough to hold up against everyday adventures.

In fact, viscose from bamboo is one of the best fabrics for comfy, breathable toddler clothes. That’s because this amazing material is:

• Lightweight

• Stretchy

• Gentle

• Moisture-wicking

• Hypoallergenic

• Anti-bacterial

• Irritant-free¹

At Posh Peanut, our toddler clothes are crafted with Päpook^® viscose from bamboo, our custom-made fabric that’s as soft as baby skin and so stretchy it practically grows with your little one. In other words, your child will be able to wear it longer than traditional cotton, and it’ll hold up for the long haul. 

Any preschool schedule is sure to include time on the playground, in the recess yard, or the gymnasium, so your toddler will need shoes that can keep up with them and their friends. When buying toddler shoes, look for the following features:²

• Flexible soles – Flexible soles allow children to run and play freely and also aid their walking development.

• Tread – Shoes with a grippy pattern on the bottom or soles made from a high-traction material like rubber will help prevent children from slipping and falling. 

• Lightweight material – Toddlers are very active, so their shoes should be made from a breathable fabric that encourages airflow and minimizes sweat buildup.

• Easy fastenings – Most toddlers struggle to tie shoelaces, so you’ll want to prioritize footwear with simple fastenings such as Velcro, buckles, or straps.

• Wiggle room –Toddler's feet develop at a rapid rate, and they may grow out of their shoes a few times a year. You can account for this expected growth by purchasing shoes a half size up. Avoid shoes that are too tight, as they can prevent children's bones from growing properly. 

Here’s another tip to keep in mind: Hand-me-downs can be a great resource for toddler clothes. However, it’s best to avoid second-hand shoes. If your toddler wears shoes that have already been molded by another child’s foot, it could hinder their natural development process.

If your little one is ready for preschool, it also means they’re ready for their first backpack! While they won’t have textbooks to fill it with just yet, a backpack is a must-have for carrying other essential items back and forth from school.

First, you’ll need to shop for backpacks that are made with preschoolers in mind. What may fit perfectly on an elementary schooler, for instance, may be too large and clunky for your toddler. Look for adjustable straps that provide a custom fit and allow a backpack to grow with your child.

Additionally, make sure that the backpack is big enough to hold typical school supplies—tall enough for notebooks and folders and wide enough for a lunch bag. Preschool teachers may also send home notices or artwork, and you don’t want these to wind up crumpled or folded.

Lastly, have fun with it! Let your toddler pick a design that makes them excited about their first big-kid backpack. If you’re not sure where to start, check out all the fun colors and prints of our kids backpacks , featuring padded shoulder straps, water bottle side pouches, exterior straps, and a front zip pocket. 

If your toddler eats lunch at preschool, you’ll need an insulated lunch box to keep their food fresh and cold. Let your preschooler pick out a fun kids lunch box that features a spacious interior, water-resistant lining, and a name tag holder.

Even if your child doesn’t have lunch at school, they’ll likely still need snacks and water throughout the day. Reduce waste with reusable snack containers and a refillable bottle, all easily tucked away in their lunch bag or backpack.

As a side note, make sure to check their school’s allergen policies to keep everyone happy and healthy.

Your child’s preschool will likely send you a list of required preschool classroom supplies. Some schools will provide more materials than others, but let’s go through some common supplies preschoolers need below.

Basic school supplies include paper, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners. Your child may also be encouraged to bring additional learning materials like blocks, puzzles, or books. These resources offer fun playtime with other classmates or an enriching activity during individual quiet time.

Coloring, painting, drawing, paper mache—preschool is a wondrous world of arts and crafts for preschoolers. You can spark your toddler’s creativity with the following supplies:

• Markers

• Crayons

• Colored pencils

• Play dough

• Scissors

• Glue sticks

• Construction paper

Many schools will provide these arts and crafts supplies for all kids to share, but others may encourage a monetary amount to be put towards these supplies. 

“Wash your hands!” is a common command in any preschool - and for good reason! Because your child is exposed to germs at preschool, it’s important to start teaching your little one about germs, healthy habits, and cleanliness so they can stay safe and happy.

Ask your preschool teacher or consider these hygiene items to pack for preschool:

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunscreen

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Lotion

• Lip balm

• Comb or brush

Introducing children to healthy habits from a young age can help them establish effective hygiene and self-care routines as they grow up.

As a parent, you know that accidents happen. That’s why it’s always a smart idea to add a change of clothes to your first day of preschool checklist, including extra underwear and socks. This spare outfit can be stored hassle-free at school. From bathroom accidents to spilled juice, anything can soil your toddler’s clothes throughout the day, so it’s best to be proactive and have a change of clothes on hand.

If your child will take naps at preschool, you can also pack cozy naptime essentials. Your child's preschool may ask that you provide your own nap mat and sheet set while others have these stocked in the classroom. We also recommend packing your child’s favorite stuffed animal or small blankie to help your preschooler feel safe and settle down for a nap.

Toddlers who struggle to communicate, whether because of a speech disorder or language delay, may benefit from AACs, or alternative communication systems. There are a range of low- and high-tech AAC devices available depending on your child’s needs, including:

• Communication boards

• Speaking buttons

• Digital tablets

If you are concerned about your child’s speech or language development, ask for an evaluation from a local speech-language pathologist. They will be able to determine if an AAC system could benefit your child.³

Your preschool should always have at least one, and preferably two, emergency contacts on file. Additionally, make sure to provide the phone number where you’re most reachable (meaning, don’t give the home landline if you’re at the office all day). Your second emergency contact should be a trusted relative or friend who doesn’t live too far away.

We also recommend keeping emergency contact information in your child’s backpack. You can print out a free card template and even laminate it to protect against wear and tear.

If your child has any chronic conditions or medication needs, it’s likewise a good idea to have this information clearly written out on an emergency information card.

Ready, set, preschool! Send your little one off to their first classroom with clothing, accessories, and more from Posh Peanut.

All of our clothing options are made from our signature Päpook® viscose from bamboo fabric, providing all-day comfort, softness, and stretchiness as your toddler plays and learns. Browse dresses, tops, bottoms, bodysuits, and other toddler clothes to send your child to school in style. And don’t forget to explore our kid’s backpacks and lunch boxes, too!

Shop classic favorites and new arrivals today to start crossing items off your preschool essentials checklist.

Sources: 

¹ National Eczema Society. Clothing and eczema.

https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/clothing-and-eczema

² The National Childbirth Trust. When and how to select toddler shoes.

https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/your-childs-development/12-18-months/when-and-how-select-toddler-shoes

³ Speech and Language Kids. What are AAC Devices?

https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/teach-your-child-to-use-an-aac-device