The Ultimate Checklist for Starting Nursery
Starting nursery is a big milestone – for both children and parents. Whether it’s your little one’s very first day or they’re moving up from a toddler room, having everything prepared can make those early weeks much smoother.
To help you feel organised (and a little less frazzled!), we’ve put together the ultimate starting nursery checklist.
At My Ohana, we know how important it is to make the transition feel calm and positive. That’s why we’ve also created a free printable PDF template you can download and tick off as you go.
What to Pack for Your Child
Every nursery is different, but these are the essentials most families find helpful:
Spare clothes – including underwear and socks.
Weather-appropriate gear – sunhat and sunscreen in summer, warm coat, hat, and gloves in winter.
Nappies, wipes, and cream (if your child is still in nappies).
Comfort items – such as a favourite teddy, blanket, or dummy.
Water bottle – clearly labelled with your child’s name.
Packed lunch or snacks (if not provided by nursery).
Wellies and waterproofs – for outdoor play, whatever the weather!
Milk - Breastmilk or formula and sterilised bottles if required
Tip: Always label everything – it makes life much easier for you and the staff.
What My Ohana Nurseries Provide
At My Ohana, we work in partnership with parents to make sure every child’s individual needs are met. Here’s how we support your little one during their time with us:
Milk Feeds: We know every family has different preferences, so we ask parents to provide breast milk already prepared in bottles, or formula milk in either cartons or a pre-measured container. Our team will make up feeds when required, serving them cold or at the right temperature for your baby. Please ensure you provide enough sterilised bottles for each feed due. Some of our settings have refrigeration available; where this isn’t possible, we ask that milk is provided in a suitable insulated carrier.
Meals & Snacks: All of our nursery settings provide a full menu which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and rolling snacks should your child need them. We work closely with our catering suppliers to ensure every child receives a balanced diet and can accommodate all diets and special requirements.
Nappies & Changing: If you prefer a particular brand of nappies, wipes, or creams, please bring them in a small labelled bag. Otherwise, nappies are to be purchased at the setting. We ask that your child arrives in a clean, dry nappy, and if they are toilet training, we recommend sending plenty of spare clothes.
Sun Safety: During warmer months, children should arrive with sun cream already applied. If they’ll be with us long enough to need another application, please provide a labelled bottle of sun cream and ensure you’ve given consent on the registration form. We also ask that children bring a sun hat and wear comfortable, cool clothing.
Our nurseries are here to make sure children feel safe, happy, and cared for, while giving parents peace of mind that all the little details are taken care of.
Things to Sort Before the First Day
It’s not just about the backpack – a smooth nursery start also means a bit of admin prep:
Complete all forms from your nursery (medical, emergency contacts, permissions).
Confirm settling-in sessions and timings.
Check childcare funding options (you can read our blog on 30 hours free childcare for the latest updates).
Talk to your child about nursery in a positive, reassuring way.
Visit the nursery together before the first day if possible.
Helping Your Child Settle In
The first few weeks can feel like a big adjustment, but little things help:
Start building a goodbye routine (a hug, kiss, and a cheerful “see you later!”).
Encourage independence at home (e.g. practising putting on shoes or washing hands).
Keep your own emotions calm – children pick up on how you’re feeling.
Read books together about starting nursery to make it familiar.
For more advice, check out these top tips for your child’s first day at nursery.
Free Download: Starting Nursery Checklist PDF
We’ve created a handy printable so you can keep everything in one place. Stick it on the fridge, tick it off as you go, and feel confident you’ve covered all the essentials.
Preparing for nursery can feel overwhelming, but with the right checklist in hand, you’ll feel ready for this exciting new stage. The starting nursery checklist above covers all the essentials, plus a few extra tips to make the transition smoother for both you and your little one.
Remember, every child is different, so don’t worry if it takes time for them to settle. With patience, routine, and support, nursery quickly becomes a place of fun, learning, and new friendships.
Ready to find the perfect nursery for your little one?
Explore our My Ohana nurseries and discover a caring, supportive environment where your child can grow, learn, and thrive.
