Written by

Tara Farmer

July 24, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

What supplies do you need for a daycare?

Starting or maintaining a daycare requires careful planning, especially when it comes to supplies. Whether you're opening your first child care center or updating your current inventory, having a comprehensive daycare supplies list ensures you're prepared for everything from daily activities to unexpected situations.

This complete guide covers all the essential supplies every daycare provider needs, organized by category to make shopping and organization easier.

Safety and health supplies

Safety should always come first in any child care setting. These essential health and safety supplies protect both children and staff while meeting licensing requirements in most states.

Basic safety essentials

These fundamental safety items form the backbone of your emergency preparedness and accident prevention strategy.

• First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and thermometer

• Emergency contact forms and medical information sheets

• Safety gates for stairs and restricted areas

• Outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner guards

• Non-slip mats for bathrooms and play areas

• Fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors

Health and hygiene items

Daily hygiene maintenance protects everyone's health and prevents the spread of illness throughout your facility.

• Hand sanitizer stations (child-safe formulas)

• Disposable gloves for diaper changes and cleaning

• Tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper

• Disinfectant wipes and sprays

• Individual cots or mats for nap time

• Disposable cups for water and medication

Don't forget to check your state's licensing requirements, as some safety supplies may be mandatory. Keep emergency numbers posted visibly, and ensure all staff know where safety supplies are located.

Child care supplies

Caring for children of different ages requires specialized supplies that support their daily needs and developmental stages. These essential supplies ensure comfort and proper care throughout the day.

Diaper and changing supplies

Maintaining proper hygiene during diaper changes protects children's health and keeps them comfortable throughout the day.

• Disposable diapers in various sizes

• Baby wipes and diaper rash cream

• Changing table covers and liners

• Diaper disposal system or diaper pail

• Hand sanitizer for caregivers

• Extra clothes for accidents

Infant and toddler care

The youngest children require specialized equipment and supplies to meet their unique developmental and nutritional needs.

• Bottles and sippy cups with different flow nipples

• Burp cloths and bibs

• Baby blankets

• Pacifiers (individual, labeled for each child)

• Baby monitors for nap areas

• Infant carriers and strollers for outings

• Potty training supplies

Comfort and transition items

Familiar objects help children feel secure and ease the transition from home to daycare environment.

• Soft stuffed animals or comfort objects

• Individual blankets for nap time

• Photos of family members for homesick children

• Calm-down corner supplies like soft pillows

• Sensory tools for children with special needs

Label all personal items with each child's name to prevent mix-ups. Maintain separate supplies for each child when possible to reduce the spread of illness.

Learning and educational materials

Educational supplies transform your daycare into a stimulating learning environment. Age-appropriate materials support development while keeping children engaged throughout the day.

Books and educational items

A diverse library encourages language development and creates cozy reading experiences for children of all ages.

• Board books for infants and toddlers

• Picture books for story time

• Educational books about numbers, letters, and colors

• Magazines and newspapers for craft projects

• White boards and markers

Art and craft supplies

Creative expression through art builds fine motor skills while allowing children to explore their imagination freely.

• Washable crayons, markers, and colored pencils

• Construction paper in various colors

• Child-safe scissors (blunt-tip)

• Glue sticks and washable glue

• Paint brushes and washable tempera paints

• Play dough and modeling clay

Educational toys and games

Hands-on learning tools make abstract concepts concrete while encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

• Building blocks and LEGO sets

• Puzzles appropriate for different age groups

• Counting toys and math manipulatives

• Alphabet cards and number charts

• Musical instruments like shakers and tambourines

Rotate toys and materials regularly to maintain children's interest. If you're following a curriculum, make sure to update decorations and charts around the room to match what they're learning. Store supplies in labeled bins to encourage independence and easy cleanup.

Furniture and equipment essentials

The right furniture creates a functional, comfortable environment for learning and play. Invest in durable, child-sized pieces that will withstand daily use.

Seating and tables

Child-appropriate furniture promotes independence and proper posture while creating inviting spaces for meals and activities.

• Child-sized tables and chairs

• High chairs for infants

• Comfortable reading corner with cushions

• Rocking chairs

• Diaper changing table

• Playpens

• Step stools

Storage solutions

Organized storage systems teach children responsibility while keeping your space tidy and functional throughout busy days.

• Toy bins and organizers

• Shelving units at child height

• Lockers or hooks for coats and backpacks

• File cabinets for administrative paperwork

• Storage cubbies for personal belongings

Sleep and rest equipment

Quality rest is essential for growing children, and proper sleep equipment ensures their safety and comfort during nap time.

• Cribs for infants (following current safety standards)

• Cots or sleeping mats for older children

• Blankets and sheets (labeled for each child)

• Room-darkening curtains for nap areas

Choose furniture that's easy to clean and sanitize. Consider multi-functional pieces that provide both storage and seating to maximize your space efficiently.

Kitchen and meal supplies

Proper nutrition is crucial for growing children. Whether you prepare meals on-site or serve snacks, having the right kitchen supplies ensures food safety and convenience.

Food preparation and mealtime items

Safe food handling starts with the right equipment designed specifically for serving children's meals and snacks.

• Child-friendly plates, bowls, and cups

• Plastic utensils and spoons

• Sippy cups and bottles for younger children

• Water pitcher

• Cutting boards designated for child food only

• Pots, pans, and cooking utensils (if cooking in-house)

• Food storage containers with tight-fitting lids

• Microwave

• Refrigerator

• Formula, food, and condiments

Cleaning and sanitation

Kitchen cleanliness prevents foodborne illness and maintains the high standards parents expect from your facility.

• Dish soap and sanitizer

• Paper towels and cloth towels

• Disposable wipes for highchairs and tables

• Refrigerator and freezer thermometers

• Hand soap and soap dispensers

Always follow local health department guidelines for food handling and storage. Label everything with dates and maintain proper temperatures for both hot and cold foods.

Outdoor play equipment

Outdoor time is essential for physical development and burning energy. Equip your outdoor space with safe, engaging equipment that encourages active play.

Active play equipment

Physical activity equipment helps children develop gross motor skills while providing healthy outlets for energy and excitement.

• Age-appropriate slides and climbing structures

• Swings with appropriate safety harnesses

• Tricycles and ride-on toys

• Balls of various sizes

• Jump ropes and hula hoops

Outdoor learning materials

Nature-based learning extends education beyond the classroom and connects children with the world around them.

• Sidewalk chalk for creative expression

• Gardening tools and seeds for nature activities

• Magnifying glasses for exploration

• Outdoor easels for art projects

• Water tables for sensory play

• Sand boxes and sand toys

Safety and comfort

Outdoor safety equipment protects children while ensuring they can enjoy fresh air and sunshine comfortably.

• First aid kit for outdoor use

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Shade structures or umbrellas

• Helmets

• Outdoor storage containers

• Hose for cleanup and water play

Inspect outdoor equipment regularly for wear and safety issues. Establish clear rules for outdoor play to prevent accidents and ensure everyone has fun.

Cleaning and maintenance supplies

Maintaining a clean environment protects children's health and creates a positive impression for parents. Stock up on cleaning supplies that are both effective and safe for use around children.

Daily cleaning essentials

Regular cleaning prevents the spread of germs and maintains a professional appearance that builds parent confidence.

• All-purpose cleaners (child-safe formulas)

• Disinfectant for toys and surfaces

• Floor cleaner and mop

• Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter

• Microfiber cloths for dusting

Specialized cleaning items

Deep cleaning supplies handle unexpected messes and maintain sanitary conditions in all areas of your facility.

• Carpet cleaner for accidents

• Window cleaner for glass surfaces

• Toilet bowl cleaner and bathroom supplies

• Laundry detergent for washing toys and linens

• Trash bags, trash bins, and recycling containers

Create a cleaning schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Train all staff on proper cleaning procedures to maintain consistent standards throughout your facility.

Administrative and office supplies

Behind every successful daycare is efficient communication and organized paperwork. These administrative supplies keep your business running smoothly.

Essential office items

Modern office equipment streamlines daily operations and helps you maintain professional communication with parents and staff.

• Computer or tablet for record-keeping

• Printer and paper supplies

• File folders for child records

• Calendar for scheduling and planning

• Phone system for parent communication

Documentation materials

Proper documentation protects your business while ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements and maintain clear parent communication.

• Attendance sheets and sign-in logs

• Incident report forms

• Parent communication forms

• Emergency contact cards

• Licensing documentation folders

Keep confidential information secure and easily accessible. Digital record-keeping can streamline many processes while reducing paper waste.

Creating your personalized daycare supplies list

Every daycare is unique, so customize these supply lists based on your specific needs, age groups, and space requirements.

• Assess your current inventory and identify gaps.

• Consider the ages of children you serve, as infant supplies differ significantly from preschooler needs.

• Factor in your available storage space and budget constraints.

• Create separate lists for immediate needs versus future purchases.

This approach helps you prioritize essential items while planning for gradual improvements to your facility.

Smart shopping tips for daycare supplies

Building your daycare supplies list doesn't have to break the budget. Strategic shopping and planning help you get quality items while controlling costs. Consider these money-saving strategies:

• Buy in bulk for frequently used items like paper towels and sanitizer.

• Shop end-of-season sales for outdoor equipment.

• Join wholesale clubs for better pricing on large quantities.

• Accept donated items after thorough cleaning and safety inspection.

• Partner with other daycares for group purchasing power.

• Stock up during back-to-school sales in late summer.

• Buy holiday-themed supplies after the holidays when prices drop.

• Plan major purchases during your slow seasons.

• Keep a running inventory to avoid emergency buying at full price.

• Invest in durable furniture that will last for years.

• Choose washable, easy-to-clean materials whenever possible.

• Read reviews before purchasing educational toys and equipment.

Setting your daycare up for success

This daycare supplies list provides the foundation for running a child care center that parents trust and children love. However, supplies are only one essential component of building a thriving child care center. Check out these in-depth guides to get all the important details on how to start a daycare:

• In-Home Daycare Requirements

• How to Create a Winning Daycare Business Plan

• Creating the Perfect Daycare Schedule

• Daycare Menu Ideas: Building Healthy Habits, One Meal at a Time

• What You Should Know About Home Daycare Insurance

• How to Make Your Daycare More Profitable

• 110 Preschool and Daycare Name Ideas

With proper planning and the right supplies, you'll create a nurturing environment that supports every child's development while maintaining the high standards parents expect from quality child care providers.