What should a child bring to school for the first day? A complete checklist for the first day of class.

What should your child bring to school for a smooth first day? Check out this complete checklist of essential items to prepare, giving your child peace of mind and giving parents confidence as their child starts preschool.

The first day of school is an important milestone not only for children but also for parents. Preparing all the necessary items for a child who is starting school helps them feel more secure and comfortable, while also easing parents’ worries during the first days of adapting to a preschool environment.
So what should a child bring on their first days at school? Below is a detailed checklist that parents can refer to.

Spare clothes for your child

For preschool children, changing clothes during the day is very common. Parents should prepare:

• 1–2 sets of spare clothes
• Underwear and socks
• A small personal towel

Clothes should be made of soft, breathable, and absorbent materials and be easy to change, helping children stay comfortable during daily activities and playtime.

Personal water bottle

A water bottle is an essential item for children who are new to school:

• Moderate capacity and easy for children to hold
• A tight lid to prevent spills
• Clearly labeled with the child’s name to avoid mix-ups

Having a personal water bottle helps children develop the habit of drinking water regularly and maintaining personal hygiene.

Personal hygiene items

Depending on each school’s regulations, parents may prepare:

• A personal face towel
• A toothbrush and toothpaste (if there is a personal hygiene routine)
• Wet wipes or baby wipes

These items should be neatly stored in a separate bag or in the child’s own backpack.

Shoes, hats, and outdoor items

Preschool children often participate in physical activities and outdoor play, so parents should prepare:

• Shoes or sandals that fit well and are easy to wear
• A sun hat
• A light jacket (if needed)

Items should be simple and easy to use so children can learn to take care of themselves.

Diapers and personal items (if the child has not stopped using diapers)

For younger children or those who are new to school and not yet used to group routines, parents should:

• Prepare enough diapers for the whole day
• Extra pants and changing pads
• Clearly communicate the child’s daily habits with teachers

This helps teachers take better care of children during the first days at school.

Items you should NOT bring when your child starts school

To ensure safety and avoid distractions, parents should not let children bring:

• Small toys that can be easily swallowed
• Valuable items
• Personal electronic devices

If your child has a habit of holding onto a familiar object, parents should discuss this with teachers in advance to find an appropriate solution.

Preparing your child psychologically before the first day of school

Besides preparing supplies, a child’s emotional readiness is extremely important:

• Talk positively with your child about school
• Gradually help your child get used to being away from parents
• Avoid scolding or putting pressure on the child

When children feel loved and safe, going to school becomes a much smoother experience.

Working together with teachers during the first days of school

On the first days of school, parents should:

• Clearly share the child’s eating and daily routines
• Provide information about health conditions or allergies (if any)
• Stay in regular contact with teachers

This cooperation helps children quickly adapt to their new environment.

The first day of school – Make it a positive experience for your child

Preparing all the necessary items will help your child’s first days at school go smoothly and gently. Most importantly, parents’ companionship, understanding, and patience play a key role while children adjust to school life.
At ICANDY Preschool – Binh Thanh Preschool, we always focus on creating a safe, friendly, and nurturing environment, helping children who are new to school quickly integrate, feel happy, and gain confidence every day.