Starting daycare at a Surrey BC licensed childcare centre comes with a packing checklist. Every centre has slightly different requirements — but this guide covers the universal essentials and the common extras, organized by age group. Bring this list to your first-day orientation to confirm what Mini Minds Childcare (or your chosen centre) specifically requires.
Universal Daycare Packing List — All Ages
- Complete change of clothes — at least 2 full outfits (shirt, pants, underwear/socks) for toddlers and preschoolers; 3 full outfits for infants. Label every piece with your child’s name.
- Weather-appropriate gear — rain jacket, rain pants, and rubber boots for BC’s rainy season; sun hat and sunscreen for summer. MCFD-licensed centres take children outside daily regardless of weather.
- Labelled water bottle — leak-proof, easy for your child’s age to open independently. Stainless steel recommended. No juice — most quality centres are water-only or milk-only.
- Comfort object (transition period) — a small stuffed toy or blanket for the first weeks. Confirm the centre’s comfort-object policy.
- Completed emergency forms — allergy information, emergency contacts, pickup authorization, and any medical action plans on Day 1.
Infant-Specific Packing List (0–12 months)
- Formula or expressed breast milk — labelled with child’s name and date; confirmed feeding schedule written and provided to educators.
- Bottles and nipples — labelled, in sufficient quantity for the day’s feedings plus one spare.
- Diapers — a full day’s supply plus extras. Most centres ask for 6–8 for infants.
- Diaper cream — labelled, with a signed medication administration form if required.
- Wipes — labelled package.
- Sleep sack or swaddle — confirm the centre’s safe-sleep policy for sleep positioning and bedding.
- 4–5 change of clothes — infants go through more outfits than any other age group.
Toddler-Specific Packing List (1–3 years)
- Diapers or pull-ups and wipes — labelled, if not yet toilet-trained.
- Spare underwear (if toilet-training) — 3–4 pairs minimum. Toilet training accidents are normal and frequent.
- Easy-close shoes — velcro or slip-ons; children should be able to manage shoes themselves as much as possible by 2.5.
- Lunch and snacks (if not provided) — confirm whether your centre provides meals or requires you to pack. If packing: a thermos for warm food, labelled containers, nut-free meals (most BC childcare centres are nut-free for allergy safety).
Preschool-Specific Packing List (3–5 years)
- Backpack — labelled; large enough for a change of clothes, lunch bag, and daily communication from educators.
- Lunch bag and water bottle — clearly labelled, appropriately sized for their backpack.
- Indoor shoes — some centres require separate indoor and outdoor footwear; confirm at enrollment.
What Not to Bring
- Juice boxes or sugary drinks — most MCFD-licensed centres restrict to water and milk.
- Food containing nuts — nut-free environments are standard at virtually all Surrey BC licensed childcare centres.
- Toys from home (except during transition) — toys brought from home cause conflict and distraction; most centres discourage them after the initial adjustment period.
- Money or valuables — childcare centres should not be handling cash or high-value items.
Contact Mini Minds Childcare for our specific enrollment packing list and Day 1 checklist →