by De Ann Sicard 

Childcare Apparel? You mean we're supposed to have a certain kind of outfits for our kids to wear to daycare? My answer to that is you bettcha. There is no color coding or length requirements, no standardized uniform or style to worry about. Just your basic list of everyday wear will work.

No daycare worth their salts would ask a parent to bring their kids in crisp, frilly dresses or a slack and shirt outfit complete with one of those little ties, at least not for every day wear. Nor would they want your kids to wear shoes that can't get scuffed, muddied or stained.

So what's left you ask, anything that will enable your child to participate in planned or spontaneous play and educational games. Art, science, and physical activities are usually an everyday event in one form or another during any given day. And just for the fun of it your provider may suggest a day of crawling in the grass looking for bugs or laying down on the ground to watch clouds drift by. None of those activities require clothes that are better suited for a day with grandma, or even church.

Why not just dress you little one in clothing that will be comfortable and easy to manage? Shorts or pants easily pulled up or down as well as easy removal, if soiled, is a must.

Potty training creates a whole new type of clothing issues. No one piece outfits, this could be a training disaster waiting to happen. The whole process of potty training should be done with as little stress or worry as possible. Make sure your child's clothing at this time is free of belt, snaps and zippers. You want to help him avoid accidents not insure one. Providers need your help at this time to make certain your child finds the training experience enjoyable and has a little fun learning.

Your provider spends an average of ten minutes to half an hour, sometimes more or less, changing diapers and soiled clothing many times a day. Your willingness to help her in this area will be appreciated. Avoid dressing your infants in tights, which are hard to pull on. Watch out for those back, side or shoulder closer outfits as well.

Avoid outfits that are difficult to remove or undo while your baby is being changed. If you find yourself spending extra time snapping, undoing and redoing an outfit then rethink dressing your child in it for daycare. Remember your provider is most likely caring for more than one child that needs to be changed every few hours.

As for hair adornments, place only the ones you are willing to loose in your little girls hair. Just like kids these hair objects rarely stay where they're put. If your provider is lucky enough to find the misplaced hair clips or bands, she will have to put them back in your child hair, sometimes repeatedly. Chances are you will find that cute pony tail or braid totally undone at the end of the day. Don't be surprised if the pretty little barrette or ribbon is lost. They could be anywhere: in the yard, under toys or hidden in any number of fascinating places, only to be found again days, weeks or even months down the road.

Don't  forget the cold weather clothing, sweaters, jackets and coats to name a few. If it's possible leave an extra sweater with your provider for those days that the temperature changes without warning. Here in Kansas that's almost an everyday occurrence. If your provider has room it might be a good idea to leave both long and short sleeve tops as well as a pair of shorts and long pants. Hey you'll have the benefit of knowing that no matter what happens outside your angel will be dressed appropriately. Don't forget if the weatherman says it will be cold then you need to put a coat on your child before leaving home.

Last but not least are shoes. Easy on, easy off type work great here too. In my opinion Velcro was invited by a super genius. Not only is it great on kids clothes and bibs but it makes life so much easier when it comes to placing six, ten, twelve or more little feet in shoes each day after nap time or water play.

Avoid shoes that fall off easily though, like sandals or shoes with no backs to them. These types of shoes aren't very good for running or kicking balls and ups the chances of them being lost somewhere in the great beyond. If you decide to go with the shoes that use shoe strings then double knot them this will eliminate any tripping or broken laces.

As you can see childcare apparel is nothing more then everyday play clothes easily modified for the needs of your growing child as he spends his day playing and learning in the childcare setting.