Starting Nursery Checklist: Everything Your Child Needs for Nursery (Free PDF)
Looking for a complete nursery checklist? 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 Does My Child Need for Nursery?
If you're wondering what your child needs for nursery, the essentials include labelled spare clothes, nappies (if needed), wipes, a comforter, a water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and any milk or medication agreed with your nursery. Most nurseries will provide meals and activities, but every setting is slightly different, so it's always worth checking their individual requirements.
Nursery Checklist
Every nursery is different, but these are the essentials most families find helpful:
✓ Spare Clothes
Children can get messy during painting, water play, outdoor adventures and mealtimes, so it's always a good idea to pack at least two complete spare outfits. Include socks and underwear (if appropriate), along with any extra layers your child might need. Labelling every item makes it much easier for nursery staff to return clothing if it gets mixed up.
✓ Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Nursery children spend lots of time outdoors throughout the year, so it's important to dress them for the weather. In summer, pack a sun hat and ensure sun cream has been applied before arrival (and provide a labelled bottle if your nursery requires one for reapplication). During colder months, include a warm coat, hat, gloves and a scarf if needed so your child can enjoy outdoor play comfortably.
For more advice on keeping little ones safe in the sunshine, take a look at our guide to sun safety for children.
✓ Nappies, Wipes and Nappy Cream
If your child is still in nappies, make sure you pack enough nappies, wipes and any nappy cream they regularly use. Some nurseries ask parents to provide these, while others include them as part of their daily fees, so it's always worth checking beforehand. If your child is toilet training, it's also helpful to include several spare pairs of underwear and clothing.
✓ Comfort Item
Starting nursery is a big change, and a familiar comfort item can help your child feel safe and secure during the settling-in period. A favourite teddy, blanket or dummy (if they use one) can provide reassurance, particularly at sleep times or when they're feeling tired. Speak to your nursery about their comfort item policy, as each setting may be slightly different.
✓ Water Bottle
A clearly labelled water bottle helps keep your child hydrated throughout the day. Many nurseries encourage children to have access to water whenever they need it, so choose a bottle that's easy for little hands to use and make sure your child's name is clearly written on it.
✓ Packed Lunch or Snacks
Some nurseries provide all meals and snacks, while others ask parents to send a packed lunch. If you're providing food, check whether your nursery has any allergy policies or restrictions on certain foods, such as nuts. Using a labelled lunchbox and including healthy, balanced options will help keep your child fuelled throughout the day.
✓ Wellies and Waterproofs
Outdoor play is an important part of early years learning, whatever the weather. A pair of labelled wellies and a waterproof coat or puddle suit means your child can enjoy muddy puddles, nature walks and outdoor adventures without worrying about getting wet. Many nurseries encourage outdoor play every day, even when it's raining.
✓ Milk and Bottles
If your baby still has breast milk or formula feeds during the day, make sure you provide enough milk for each feed, along with sterilised bottles where required. Speak to your nursery about how they prepare and store milk, as procedures can vary between settings. Clearly labelling bottles and containers will help staff ensure your baby receives the correct feeds throughout the day.
Here is our complete nursery bag checklist to help make those first few weeks that little bit easier.
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.
