How to Dress Your Baby for Daycare: Tips & Ideas

As much as you may want to spend every moment with your little one, childcare provides a convenient and enriching option for when you need to go to work. You’ve finally decided when to start daycare for your baby. Now, you may be wondering, "How do I dress my baby for daycare?" That's where we come in.

If you’re a new parent with a baby going to daycare for the first time and you’re googling “how to dress baby for daycare?” you’re in the right place. With a little preparation and some easy-to-follow tips, dressing your baby for daycare can be a breeze. Keep reading for all the ins and outs on comfy daycare clothing, plus our recommendations for what to pack for daycare, seasonal items, footwear, and more.

There can be a bit of an adjustment period as both you and your little one get used to a new routine, so familiar, comfortable clothes can serve as a constant during this transition. Clothes that are comfy will help keep your baby cozy and relaxed while at daycare.

When it comes to daycare, practical baby clothing options are also key. You don’t need to dress your baby in an embellished romper or a lacey tutu. Not only will practical pieces keep your baby cozy throughout the day, but they’ll also make it easier to take accidents, spills, and other messes in stride.

When choosing daycare clothes for babies, a gentle, lightweight fabric is a must. Because infants can’t regulate their body temperatures yet, it’s important to dress them in breathable fabrics that allow for optimal airflow.

Increased airflow can also prevent moisture and bacteria buildup, which is especially important for babies and their still-developing sweat ducts. In fact, if sweat sits for too long on a baby’s sensitive skin, it can cause swelling or heat rashes.¹

Our favorite soft and breathable fabric is Päpook^® viscose from bamboo. Our custom-milled viscose from bamboo is the perfect fabric for infant daycare outfits because it’s:

• Silky smooth – It has a luxuriously soft feeling your child (and you!) will love. Seriously, it’s as soft as a baby’s butt.

• Stretchy – Thanks to the unique properties of viscose from bamboo, the fabric can stretch with your growing baby, so it’ll fit longer. In fact, it’s four times stretchier than cotton. This also allows your child to move freely and comfortably.

• Lightweight – Viscose from bamboo is a great all-year-round fabric because it’s breathable, helps promote airflow, wicks moisture, and naturally helps regulate body temperature.

• Gentle – A baby’s sensitive skin is particularly prone to irritation and rashes. Luckily, viscose from bamboo is anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, and irritant-free.²

Check out our baby clothes made with our custom-milled Päpook^® viscose from bamboo to send your child to daycare in comfort and style.

Anything can happen during the course of a day, from diaper leaks to spills and spit-ups. Your daycare provider needs to be able to quickly and easily slip a baby out of their clothes when the mess strikes.

So, send your child to daycare in easy-to-change outfits that will give you peace of mind no matter what the day brings. Dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers are cute and simple easy-on, easy-off choices.

You can also look for baby clothing that features:

• 2-way zippers

• Snap closures

• Front fasteners

Another piece of advice? Layers! As the temperature fluctuates throughout the day, removable layers make it easy to keep a baby comfortable.

So, exactly what do infants wear to daycare? It’s time to make your checklist, pack the daycare essentials, and get your little peanut ready to go.

Your baby should leave the house fully dressed in their daycare outfit. In general, you have two options:

• One-pieces – Rompers, bodysuits, dresses, and one-piece footies options are easy to slip on and off, making for a cute and hassle-free outfit.

• Two-piece sets – From a tank and shorts combo to leggings and a tee, two-piece sets are a great way to mix and match. Plus, if your child makes a mess on only one article of clothing, caretakers won’t have to change their whole outfit.

Speaking of messes, an extra change of clothes is a must-have in a daycare bag. Diaper leaks, juice spills, mud stains—there are countless reasons why your baby might need to change out of dirty clothes during the day. Depending on your daycare center, you’ll likely be able to leave spare clothes there so your child has them handy if necessary.

Don’t forget to pack several pairs of extra socks and extra layers in their diaper bag, too!

If your daycare includes naptime, consider packing a cozy set of pajamas for your child. A familiar pair of PJs can provide a sense of security and help your little one doze off faster. Plus, breathable, stretchy pajamas or convertible one-pieces can also be worn as loungewear during the day.

Convertible one-pieces are a great option for daycare because they can go from footie to footless with a simple foldover, making them a great versatile outfit.

As a parent, you know it’s important to keep your little one warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The seasonal clothing you choose for them plays a big role in keeping them comfy and safe. But how do you strike that perfect Goldilocks balance of not too warm and not too cold, especially if they will be playing inside and going outside multiple times a day?

While breathable fabrics are a great choice for year-round clothing, you should also consider the weather. To that end, here are some tips on planning daycare outfits by season.

Get your little one ready for some daycare fun in the sun with outfits designed to keep your baby cool. Rompers, bodysuits, and summer dresses are all ideal everyday options. They offer plenty of wiggle room plus easy access for diaper changes.

In addition to these easy-breezy options, you’ll also want to prioritize clothing that protects your baby’s skin from the sun. In fact, because babies have delicate, sensitive skin, they need extra protection from harmful UV rays.

To that end, don’t forget to send your child to daycare with:

• A light-weight, long-sleeved shirt

• A sun hat

• Sunscreen (if old enough to wear)

And remember: Lightweight fabrics like viscose from bamboo are a great way to regulate heat and reduce sweating.

Once you have your child’s clothing covered, you can complete your baby’s daycare outfit with shoes and accessories. Keep in mind that when it comes to these items, daycares may have different rules in place based on their playrooms, outdoor areas, floor type, and so on.

Research shows that going barefoot is best for children’s foot development as they learn how to walk. If your baby isn’t walking yet, they don’t need shoes, either. Booties, ankle socks, or grip socks are all great options.³

If your child will be walking around in daycare or out on the playground, they’ll need appropriate footwear to protect their feet. Without a sturdy shoe, they could get hurt by stubbing their toe, dropping something on their foot, or scraping the ground.

Generally speaking, children’s footwear should be lightweight and flexible, allowing for airflow and easy movement. It’s also best to choose a flat sole with adequate traction to help prevent falls. If your child can’t tie their own laces yet, consider a Velcro or slip-on shoe.

Our advice? Steer clear of open-toed shoes and sandals, as they don’t provide a lot of protection and could fall off, causing children to hurt themselves. In fact, many daycare centers don’t allow open-toed shoes for that very reason.

When it comes to accessories, you’re likely familiar with your baby’s basics—diapers, snacks, medications, etc. But here are a couple of other helpful baby products you might want to pack for daycare:

• Bibs – Bibs are especially essential for messy eaters and can prevent your baby from cycling through multiple outfits. Are you looking for super cute bibs that are also effective? Check out our 3-piece Picot Bib Set - you could even match them to your little one’s outfit!
  
  

• Pacifier – A pacifier may be ideal for helping your baby settle down between meals or for nap time.
  
  

• Stuffed animal – If your daycare allows children to bring toys from home, a well-loved stuffed animal or lovey can provide familiar comfort.
  
  

• Sunscreen – As mentioned earlier, sunscreen is a must-have accessory for playing outside in the sun.
  
  

• Lunch box – Store your baby’s snacks, water, and meals in an insulated kid’s lunch box.

Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, make sure to grab one of our colorful kid’s backpacks. They feature adjustable padded straps your baby can grow into, and you can even complete the set with a matching lunch bag!

So, your baby is ready for daycare. This can be a big change for many parents and their little ones, but with the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth transition. To that end, here are three final pieces of advice regarding daycare outfits:

• Prepare outfits in advance – Lay your baby’s clothes out the night before to save time and energy in the morning. You can lay out your own outfit, too!
  
  

• Pack the diaper bag in advance - Pack your little one’s diaper bag with extra outfits and outdoor gear the night before and set it by the door as well so it’s ready to go in the morning.
  
  

• Communicate with caregivers – Let the daycare staff know what you’ve packed in your child’s backpack, how many extra sets of clothes you have, and any other quirks or habits they should be aware of.

When it comes time to head to daycare, treat your baby to the cutest and comfiest styles of the season with Posh Peanut designs. Browse our wide selection of baby clothes, accessories, and more for kids big and small. Made with our signature Päpook^® viscose from bamboo, our clothing is super soft, super stretchy, and features adorable custom designs.

Shop our new arrivals today to get started. With new collections launching every Thursday, there’s something for everyone!

Sources: 

¹ Medical News Today. What to know about heat rash in babies.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324702

² National Eczema Society. Clothing and eczema.

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

³ American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. How Do I Choose Shoes For My Child?

https://www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/how-to-select-childrens-shoes