Essential Kindergarten Backpack Checklist: What Every Child Needs!

As the school year approaches, here’s a handy guide to make sure your child’s backpack has everything required for a successful day at school. Starting from the very first day of kindergarten, children often need personal items like a comfort toy to feel secure or an extra set of clothes in case they get dirty during crafts or have an accident. But what exactly should you pack inside? Here’s a brief list of essentials for those first days of school.

• A clean change of clothes appropriate for the season,
• A comfort toy, if allowed at the school.
• A box of tissues for runny noses.
• A pair of soft, easy-to-slip-on slippers that stay on the feet for motor activities.
• A snack for the morning and daycare, packed in a box unless provided by the school.
• A plastic cup and a napkin labeled with their name for meal times.

Depending on the school, parents might also be asked to include a painting smock for art sessions, and an elastic folder or binder to store various child’s works. A small notebook may also be required for communication with parents, along with a pack of wipes for cleaning up any messes. In the later years of kindergarten, additional supplies might be requested.

If your child struggles with adjusting during the initial days, consider slipping in their favorite toy or a small family photo they can look at whenever they miss home.

Tip: Remember to label your child’s bag and clothes with their full name. If you’re short on time or prefer not to sew, consider using stick-on or iron-on labels, available from websites like Ludilabel, Etikol, or C-Monetiquette. These labels are attractive, personalized, and practical, and they can be applied quickly to all items (pens, notebooks, backpacks, clothing…).