The Daycare Dress Code: What Parents Need to Know 

There is nothing cuter than children’s clothes-tiny bathing suits, sassy t-shirts, beautiful bows, or snappy suspenders. But when it comes to daycare, parents can feel unsure about what’s appropriate. Snaps, buttons, overalls, and jackets, dressing for daycare can be trickier than expected. Here’s what to consider for a perfect daycare wardrobe.  

Label…Label….Label… 

Before we even get into clothing choices, let’s start with the golden rule: label everything. Those adorable (and affordable) sneakers at Target-your child may not be the only one wearing them. They may not even be the only size four.   

Clothes get misplaced easily: a onesie set aside during a quick diaper change, a toddler-led “shoe and sock removal” party, or jackets piled on a playground bench when the temperature jumps. Labels prevent mix-ups, reduce the chance of items going home with the wrong family, and even avoid little disputes when two children own the same outfit. 

Label everything. Your child’s teacher will thank you. 

How Many? 

Different teachers will have their own preferences, but the general rule is at least one extra set of everything: shirt, pants, onesie, socks, underwear, and shoes. Shoes are often overlooked and incredibly important. Typically, if we need to change shoes, it’s because we need to. Shoes that are easy to wash and sanitize can be a lifesaver, especially during potty training. Clothes need to be seasonally appropriate and sized accordingly. An easy routine is to check your child’s cubby at the first of each month to make sure they’re ready to go.  

For children who may be messy eaters, prone to spit up, or potty training, more clothing may be necessary. Always check with your child’s teacher about the classroom storage, which can sometimes be limited.  

“You will get wet.” 

Children are naturally messy. They are wild with markers, miss their mouths regularly, and can find mud from over ten feet away. Please send clothes that are ready for action. While teachers will do their best to inform you of potentially messy projects, the truth is that any project with a child is potentially messy.  

For special days like picture day or class parties, let the teacher know and pack play clothes for afterward. If your child wants to show off a special outfit or accessory, have them wear it in and change before playtime so it can go home clean. 

Snaps, Buttons, and Zippers….oh my! 

Infants 

Teachers change diapers multiple times a day, so opt for easy zippers. If outfits do have snaps, please be mindful of how many snaps are involved. A wiggly infant and a full-body suit of snaps is a troubling mix. Layers are fine, but keep them simple, and remember safe sleep rules may require removing extra layers at nap time. 

Toddlers and Twos 

Toddlers crave independence. Stretchy pants and t-shirts with pictures on the front help them dress themselves. Be on the lookout for overly tight shoes. They can be hard to spot, but they can slow down a toddler’s whole day. For girls, shorts under dresses prevent mulch scratches and slide rashes. 

Preschoolers 

Preschoolers should be able to manage their own clothing. Practicing zippers, snaps, and buttons using busy boards can be a great at-home activity. As your child develops their own sense of style and fashion, balance encouraging that sense of self with boundaries about what is appropriate for school. Early lessons in dress codes can help children for life beyond Celebree’s doors. If your child has an item they want to share, but it is not school-appropriate, apply problem-solving skills like bringing in a picture of the item.   

The Most Important Questions? 

Is this irreplaceable? 

Is it okay if this gets dirty? 

Is this frustrating for me or my child to put on? 

Those are the three big questions of dressing for daycare. If it is an outfit that every baby in your family has worn for the last twenty years, maybe it’s better for the weekend.  If a sweater was a struggle to get over your child’s head in the morning, it will be hard to wrestle off a tired child before nap. Practical clothing choices and labels are one of the best ways to help your child and their teacher have a successful day at school! 

Written by Abby Knight, Assistant School Director