Labeling Your Toddlers Snow Gear for Daycare

Having a child in Daycare during the winter can be difficult as there are so many layers and accessories to keep warm. With many little ones running around, keeping track of multiple sets of hats and mitts can be a struggle at any daycare. This is why daycares ask you to label all of your child’s items.

Today we discuss all the ways you can label your child’s things for daycare, and which techniques work best for what items.

Iron-On Labels

You can either order Iron-on labels that you can write on yourself or it’s pretty affordable to order iron-on labels with your child’s name already printed on. You can order both types easily on Amazon or even from a big box store like Staples. These labels will typically come in a roll that you can cut to size and then iron onto the required clothing.

One of the benefits of iron-on labels is they have your child’s name very clearly and stay on in the washing machine. But one of the negatives is you can’t (shouldn’t) use heat on synthetic plastic fabrics like the exterior of a jacket or waterproof gloves.

How to Use Iron-On Labels

While each type of label will most likely come with its’ own instructions, they are fairly similar. You place the label on the fabric and then use an iron to warm up the glue on the label on top of the clothing item.

It’s important when putting labels on stretchy fabric to glue against the stretch. For example, a hat will stretch side-to-side and if the label follows that stretch it may come off. So instead you will want to glue the label vertically so the label doesn’t move as much when the hat is stretched. You can also stretch out the fabric while gluing the label down.

Best Items for Iron-On Labels

• Hats
• Scarves
• Inside Jackets (On fabric)
• Gloves (Inside)

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Permanent Marker / Name Stamps

The easiest option for most families. You can use a permanent marker or order a name stamp with your child’s name. You can order a personalized name stamp from Amazon or Staples for 15$ or less.

The biggest benefit of these options is they are the cheapest and easiest options for labeling. Unfortunately, you usually need an existing clothing label to write on or stamp, and some labels are too small or the labels are black so the ink doesn’t show up. It also doesn’t look as nice if you have to write by hand, so it can sometimes be illegible.

How to Use Permanent Markers or Name Stamps to Label

Make sure the item is dry and go ahead and stamp/write on the label or an exposed part of the clothing item. Allow the ink time to dry. Some items like coats/snow pants/Boots will have a label spot to be filled out.

Best Items for Name Stamps/Permanent Marker

• Anything with a prepared label:
  • Snow Pants
  • Snow Boots
  • Jacket
• Items with a white clothing label

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Sewn-In Labels

This option is similar to the iron-on labels but requires some skill in sewing. You can buy prepared customized labels from Amazon or Staples. If you want you can even use the iron on labels and sew them on directly.

Sewn-in labels are great as they are much stronger than glue. You can also sew the labels into smaller spaces, they are more flexible. Unfortunately, you need to know some sewing techniques to make these labels work and last a long time.

How to use Sew-In Labels

As the name hints, you will need to know some sewing techniques to attach the label. While we can’t go through all the ways to sew the labels, Mine4Sure has some great guides on how to sew in labels by hand.

Best Items for Sew-In Labels

• Boots
• Gloves
• Hats
• Coats

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Peel and Stick Labels (Stickers)

These stickers can be ordered from local companies like Mabels Labels, Etsy, or Staples. While they are very easy to use they don’t attach easily to every fabric/surface and don’t tend to last as long as the other options.

How to Use Peel and Stick Labels

Peel and Stick labels are the easiest to use as you just peel and stick like a regular sticker.

Best Items for Peel and Stick Labels

• Boots (on the souls)
• On clothing labels
• Snowsuit

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Daycare is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.