Daycare supplies checklist and equipment list
Pick a list for your room, tap what you need to buy, and add your own items. Download a clean checklist for the supply closet, or a supply list to send to parents.
- Fill in your detailsYour center, room and dates.
- Make it yoursEdit, add or remove anything. Turn parts on or off.
- Check the previewIt updates as you type.
- Download PDFOr get a blank copy to fill in by hand.
Pick a list, then tap the box next to anything you need to buy. Edit items, add your own, or turn a section off.
Daycare supplies by room
Each age group needs different things. Use the lists in the tool above for infant, toddler and preschool rooms, plus equipment, kitchen, cleaning, first aid and a list to send to parents.
Infant room
Diapering and feeding supplies, safe cribs with firm sheets, sleep sacks, board books, soft toys, tummy-time mats and spare clothes for each baby.
Toddler room
Diapers and pull-ups, potty chairs, cots or mats, sippy cups, chunky puzzles, big blocks, play dough, washable paint and ride-on toys.
Preschool room
Art supplies, books and writing materials, counting and science tools, blocks, dramatic play, balls and hoops, cots and labeled cubbies.
Daycare equipment list
Before you open, plan for child-size furniture, cribs or cots, learning center furniture, a safe outdoor play area, first aid kits, fire safety equipment and a way to check children in and out. Your state licensing office will have its own required list, so check it before you buy.
How to keep supplies stocked
- Do a quick count every Friday and order on Monday.
- Keep a "low stock" list on the wall in each room so teachers can add to it.
- Buy diapers, wipes, gloves and paper towels in bulk.
- Ask families to send labeled spare clothes, diapers and wipes, using the parent supply list.
- Store cleaning products locked and away from children.
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Common questions
What supplies does a daycare need?
Every room needs furniture sized for children, sleeping equipment, diapering or toileting supplies, meal supplies, toys and books for the age group, art supplies, cleaning and sanitizing products, first aid kits and spare clothes. Our checklist has lists for infant, toddler and preschool rooms.
What equipment do I need to open a daycare?
Child-size tables and chairs, cribs or cots, shelves and cubbies, learning center furniture, a safe outdoor play area, high chairs for infants, first aid kits, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and a way to sign children in and out. Check your state licensing list too.
What should parents send to daycare?
Two labeled sets of spare clothes, weather clothing, a water bottle, a family photo, and for younger children diapers, wipes, bottles and a sleep sack. Preschoolers often need a crib sheet and blanket for rest time. Pick 'Supply list for parents' in the tool to print one.
How often should I check daycare supplies?
A quick weekly count works for most centers. Check first aid kits monthly and after any use, and check fire extinguishers as your local fire code requires.
Is this daycare supplies checklist free?
Yes. It is free and runs in your browser. Pick a list, mark what you need, and download a printable checklist or a blank one.