8 articles incontournables à mettre dans le sac de garderie à l'automne et en hiver

8 must-have items to put in your child’s daycare bag for fall and winter

When temperatures drop, getting the daycare bag ready becomes a real workout. Between cold mornings, warmer afternoons, wet clothes, and last-minute forgotten items, many parents wonder: what is really essential?

When an educator has to dress 6 to 8 children before going outside to play, some clothing choices can save several precious minutes, while others really make their job harder.

To answer the question, I consulted more than 150 educators, daycare workers, and parents. Their assessment is unanimous: it's not necessarily the most expensive clothes that make the days easier, but rather the right items, in the right place, in sufficient quantities.

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Your answers were incredible, so much so that I wanted to create a series of three articles on the subject. 

  • 8 must-have items to put in the daycare bag for fall and winter
  • The accessories that make educators sigh (coming soon)
  • Educators' tips for making it easier to dress children (coming soon)

In this article, we discuss the must-have items to have in the daycare bag during the fall and winter season. 

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1. Two pairs of mittens (minimum)

Survey finding: it's by far the most mentioned item.

A pair of mittens can get wet after just one trip outside. And when a group goes out a second time during the day, wet mittens quickly become uncomfortable for the child.

Almost all educators recommend:
  • waterproof mittens;
  • easy-to-put-on styles;
  • a wide opening or a long zipper;
  • at least one spare pair.

 

Educator tip - Choose mittens over gloves.

As one educator put it: "8 children × 10 fingers = 80 fingers to put on." It's easy to see why mittens are the top choice for educators

 

2. Socks: the essential item we often forget

Extra socks are among the most mentioned items in the survey. 

Because of:

  • snow;
  • puddles;
  • wet boots;
  • little accidents.
Spare socks are used much more often than we think.

The ideal?
Plan for at least two spare pairs in the cubby.


3. The neck warmer: the big winner for fall and winter

If there is one thing almost all educators agree on, it's this. The neck warmer is one of the most recommended items by educators, yet it is often forgotten by parents. Scarves are definitely out.

The neck warmer is:
  • safer;
  • easier to put on;
  • harder to lose;
  • better suited to children's independence.

Many daycares actually ban scarves completely for safety reasons.

4. Change of clothes

A complete change of clothes should always stay in the cubby.

This usually includes:


And above all, this kit must be suited to the season and the child's size. Don't hesitate to check every two or three weeks to make sure the clothes still fit your child.

Oops - Several educators mention receiving bags in the fall that still contain shorts or summer clothes. 


5. Nylon pants

Nylon pants or waterproof pants are probably one of the best buys for fall. They allow your child to play in the leaves and enjoy chilly mornings without getting cold.

They protect against:

  • rain;
  • puddles;
  • dampness;
  • the cold of fall mornings.

There are great options in stores. Some pants have a soft little lining inside.


6. A hat that ties and really covers the ears

Some knit hats are really pretty. However, educators repeat that many styles quickly end up at the very top of the head.

Educators recommend styles that:
  • have ear flaps to cover the ears properly;
  • are the right size for the child.
  • tie with Velcro or a small cord.

7. A waterproof bag for wet clothes

The famous "wet bag" is one of the favorites mentioned by many respondents.

It allows you to bring home:
  • damp clothes;
  • wet socks;
  • soaked mittens.

 

It must be said that a plastic bag does the job very well. Don't hesitate to slip one into the change of clothes bag or, if you prefer a more eco-friendly washable option, choose a canvas bag that can be washed in the washing machine.

 

8. An extra sweater or jacket

Because it can be 2°C in the morning and 14°C in the sun in the afternoon.
This simple extra layer gives educators a lot of flexibility. Choose a sweater that can be worn under the coat. The educator will have the option to put it on or not.

The recommendation that is unanimous

IDENTIFY EVERYTHING!

If you think your children put all their outerwear in their cubby, you don't know them well enough.

Educators often have the colossal task of untangling the little clothes lying on the floor. 

Did you know?

According to several educators, black mittens and black neck warmers are among the most purchased accessories by parents. Imagine having to untangle all that without knowing who they belong to.

The Canadian company Colle à moi offers very nice personalized options for identifying clothes. Whether you prefer stickers or stamps, there are many choices.

 

Table: To leave permanently in the cubby

Item Recommended quantity
Waterproof mittens 2 pairs
Socks 2 to 3 pairs
Neck warmer 1
Beanie 1 main + 1 spare
Warm sweater 1
Complete change of clothes set 1
Waterproof bag 1
Nylon pants 1
Season-appropriate boots 1 pair


Educator tip - Keep a spare pair of winter boots in the cubby.

If the first pair is damp, their feet will stay dry for the next outing.

 

Ultimately, the educators agree on one thing: the best daycare bag isn't the one that contains the most accessories, but the one that allows the child to be comfortable, independent, and ready to enjoy their days outdoors.

If you were to take away only one thing from all the answers collected, it would probably be this:

Pack extras, label everything, and always prioritize items that are easy to put on rather than just pretty to look at.

Your child will become more independent, outings will be more pleasant, and the educators will thank you. 

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