Taking your child to daycare center is always a transition for parents and the children as well. One general problem which has to be solved is the problem of distinguishing your child’s things, particularly clothes. It is very important that kids’ clothing be appropriately tagged so as not get lost and so that the caregiver managing the center can tell who belongs to whom. In this article, you will learn the right approach, tools, and tricks to use when putting labels on kids’ clothes for daycare.
Why It’s Important to Label Kids’ Clothes
Daycare centers deal with many children every day, which they may have to dress in similar or same garments. Without labels, some of the clothes can end up being washed and taken away, some may be accidentally exchanged, and even lost or misplaced. Labeling:
1. Prevents loss of clothing.
2. Saves time for caregivers.
3. Reduces stress for parents
4. Assists in keeping hygiene by cutting possible mix ups.
Items used to put labels on clothes of kids
Here are some popular materials you can use to label your child’s clothes:
1. Iron-On Labels
Permanent and made for use in a washing machine, the application of these labels is through the application of heat.
It can be also bought in distinguishable versions with names or simple symbols.
2. Stick-On Labels
Ideal for use on clothes’ labels, these labels are easy to use as they’re also very flexible.
They are not permanent and they can fade away after several washings.
3. Fabric Markers
A great product to label directly into the fabric/ tags or on the fabrics themselves at a low cost.
Make sure that the marker is permanent and is harmless to both the health of the person using it and the health of the children those toys will be used by.
4. Sew-On Labels
Traditional and effective for a long time. There is some sewing involved but once it is made it is very durable for wear and washing.
5. Label Makers
Let you add your own labels within a short span of time. Suitable for clothes without labels and other items needed in Daycare facilities.
How to Label Your Clothes
1. Gather All Clothes
Organise all the items your child will need to pull on or take along to daycare.
Add coats, vests, jackets, caps, gloves, socks and scarves to the list as most of the times people have a tendency to misplace them.
2. Choose a Labeling Method
Make your choice depending on the sturdiness, your pocket, and what you want.
In casual situations, the use of sticky labels or fabric markers might be enough.
3. Label Every Item
Make sure that all garments and the accessories such as socks and undershirts have a label.
Most of the toys have a surface where you can write the full name of the child or the initials in case you lose it.
4. Test for Durability
Wear one or two clothes with the labelled instructions and wash them to test the durability of the label.
Any label, which begins to peel or fade, should be removed and new ones placed appropriately so as to last longer.
5. Regularly Check Labels
The usefulness of labels can reduce over a certain period of time because of washing and handling.
As much as possible, use a clear protective layer so that no more recoating is needed to maintain label visibility.
Where to Place Labels
Inside Tags: Ideal and unobtrusive position.
Collar or Waistbands: Ideal for tagless clothing.
Outerwear: Get as an issue a place that will offer an easier way of identifying the attached items.
Other Labeling Techniques
1. Choose Waterproof and Washable Products
Make sure labels can endure washing, drying as well as other uses it will be put to in the day or at any given time.
2. Opt for Customization
It is advisable to include an attractive or additional symbol or design that your child would understand and identify. This is particularly effective when dealing with kids who are not yet able to read – or who may not be learning to read – on their own.
3. Double Check Spelling
An improper naming of a certain object can cause confusion. Be precise.
4. Label Backup Items
Do not forget to write additional clothes, additional items, and other related stuff sent to the daycare center.
5. Involve Your Child
Allow your child to choose the labels or colors for his things by himself or herself to ensure it is more like a game for your child.
Traditional Labels
If you don’t have access to labels, here are some quick and effective alternatives:
Masking Tape: On the mask make sure to write the name and stick it around the tags.
Clothespins: Place a clothespin with your child’s name on smaller objects like socks.
Initials on Hems: To avoid writing names on the outside of the garments, write their initials on the inner side of the bottom part of the garments.
Advantages of Labeling
The overall idea of systematically labelling your child’s clothes means you will have no worries. The caregivers can return items that little ones put back in an incorrect location, while your child does not have to stress about where the toy, crayon, or snack is, and thus, can learn and play.
Final Thoughts
Washing, packing, and putting labels on kids’ clothes for daycare doesn’t really have to be a rigorous process. It really doesn’t take much effort to bring some organization in carrying things for your child and at the same time, depicting certain items with easy markings.
Select any of them that will work best for you and it’s also fun to devise ways through which labeling can be made fun for both you and the child. The last thing you want is to use or sell an unlabeled item, only to later regret your decision because you wasted your time, money, and energy in doing so.
Leave a Reply