What to pack for your first day at Little Jungle Early Learning
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
A simple, practical guide for new and existing Little Jungle families in Dundas, Parramatta, Rydalmere and surrounding areas.
Starting at Little Jungle Early Learning is an exciting milestone for your family. And one of the first questions almost every parent asks us is: what do I actually need to bring?
The good news is, not much. Because at Little Jungle we take care of a lot more than most centres do. Here is everything you need to know.
What Little Jungle provides — so you do not have to.
All meals and snacks are freshly prepared every day as part of our inclusive care. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all covered. No lunchbox needed.
Nappies and wipes are provided for all children who need them. You do not need to pack these.
Sunscreen is applied by our team before every outdoor session. We have it covered.
We cater for all dietary requirements and allergies. Simply let us know at enrolment and we will take care of the rest.
We want mornings to feel easy. The less you have to pack, the better the start to your day.
What to bring every day
A labelled water bottle
Your child's own water bottle, clearly labelled with their full name. We encourage water throughout the day and will make sure it is topped up and accessible.
A broad-brimmed or bucket hat
Sun safety is a legal requirement at all childcare centres in Australia. Children must have a hat to go outside. Please label it with your child's name.
Two to three sets of spare clothes
Messy play is a big part of every day at Little Jungle. Pack at least two full changes of clothing including underwear and socks, all clearly labelled with your child's name. For SunSmart outdoor play, please ensure children’s clothing covers their shoulders to help protect them from the sun.
A light jacket or warm layer
Dundas mornings can be cool, especially in autumn and winter. A labelled jacket means your child stays comfortable during outdoor play whatever the weather.
Personal creams if needed
If your child needs a personal cream, such as eczema cream, barrier cream or a prescribed topical product, please provide it in its original packaging, clearly labelled with your child’s name and written instructions for use.
For prescribed creams, the pharmacy label should include your child’s name and dosage/application directions.
For over-the-counter creams, please ensure the item is clearly labelled with your child’s name. Written parent authorisation and application instructions are required.
A comfort item if needed
A small blanket, soft toy, or dummy can make settling much smoother, especially in the early weeks. Let your educator know what it is and what it means to your child.
For babies and younger children in our Cuddle Cubs room
A sleep bag
If your baby has a specific sleep bag they use at home, please bring it in. Familiar sleep associations help babies settle at rest time and keep their routine consistent between home and Little Jungle.
Breast milk or formula
If your baby is still on breast milk or formula, please bring enough for the day in clearly labelled bottles or a sealed container. Share your baby's feeding schedule with us and we will follow it as closely as possible.
Please label everything
Every item your child brings to Little Jungle should be clearly labelled with their first and last name. This includes clothing, shoes, hats, water bottles, bags, comfort items, jackets, sleep bags, and any personal creams or bottles.
Iron-on labels, stick-on name labels, and permanent markers all work well. It makes a real difference at the end of a busy day when our team is helping children pack up and head home.
What not to bring
Toys from home
Unless it is a comfort item, please keep toys at home. They can cause distress if lost or become a source of conflict during the day.
Jewellery or accessories
Small items can be a safety risk during active play. Please keep these at home on childcare days.
Screens or electronic devices
These are not needed at Little Jungle and can make the transition into the day harder for your child.
A special note for your first day
On your child's very first day at Little Jungle Early Learning in Dundas, we recommend tucking a small family photo into their bag. A picture of mum, dad, or the whole family can be a quiet source of comfort during those first settling-in moments. It also gives our educators a beautiful way to connect with your child and start building a relationship from day one.
The bag is just the beginning. What really matters is that your child feels known, safe, and ready to explore.
If you have any questions about what to bring, please call us on (02) 9099 4418 or email info@littlejungle.com.au. We are always happy to help.
