How to Label Clothing Items For Daycare (Shirts, Pants, Onesies, Socks & More)

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If you think you will never lose one of your children’s items at daycare, think again.

It is virtually impossible not to lose clothing, toys, and pacifiers during the day if they aren’t properly labeled.

Anything you hope to see again needs a label that won’t come off at daycare.

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How to Label Clothing Items for Daycare

Materials Needed

• Baby Clothes
• Thin Cloth (if using the iron-on method)
• Iron and Ironing Board (if using the iron-on method)
• Iron-On Labels
• Custom Clothing Stamp or Machine Washable Label Stickers

There are three primary products you can choose from when labeling clothing: iron-on labels, stamps, and stickers. There are pros and cons to each.

Iron On Labels

Iron-on labels require ironing. If you like to iron, this might be the best choice for you. I personally hate ironing. In fact, I refuse to iron.

All ironing done in my home is done by my husband, but I digress. Iron-on labels are easy to read, unlikely to accidentally come off and will adhere to any fabric.

If you choose to sell or donate your baby’s clothing, they can be removed by heating the label with an iron and pulling away. On the downside, some kids might be irritated by the label and it does require ironing.

Stamp On Clothes

Stamps are great. They are easy, they are fast and they take virtually no prep time.

The downside is that once clothing items are stamped, they are stamped forever. There is no way to remove the ink. There is also no easy way to stamp darker clothes.

Label Stickers

Stickers are just as easy as stamps. You can place a sticker anywhere you like on your child’s clothing. Washable stickers should not come off in the washer or the dryer.

Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Washable stickers can wear away over time. They may also be uncomfortable if placed in an area where your baby’s skin is sensitive.

Getting Started with Labeling Baby Clothes

Before you get started, you need to choose which method you prefer. You might even choose a combination of all three. Next, you will get your supplies in order and pull out the clothing.

Step 1. Lay Out All Your Child’s Clothing

Baby shirts, pants, onesies, socks, pajamas, diaper covers, dresses, coats, jackets and even bibs need to be labeled. Don’t try to decide which specific items you’ll be sending to daycare. Instead, plan to label everything.

Using Iron-On Labels

Step 2. Cut the Labels to Size

These labels are held on a roll so you can cut them to be the size you need for your clothing. For small items, you can even only cut out initials if needed.

Step 3: Set Up the Ironing Board

Lay clothing out flat on the ironing board with no bunching.

Step 4: Place Label on Clothing

Put the label on the piece of clothing. Cover it with a fine cloth to protect the label as it is being ironed.

Step 5: Iron the Label

Place the iron on top of the cloth with the label and item of clothing underneath. Let the iron sit in place, without moving, for 20 seconds.

Step 6: Wait

Give the clothing and the label one full day to rest before wearing or washing.

Using Stamps

Step 2: Prepare Clothing

Lay clothing out flat with no bunch in the area that you wish to stamp.

Step 2: Remove Cover

The stamp will have a cover or seal that needs to be removed prior to stamping the article of clothing.

Step 3: Stamp

Put firm pressure on the stamp but be careful not to move it or you may risk a blurred or smudged image.

Step 4: Wait

All clothing items should be allowed to dry for 24 hours in order to let the ink set. After this time, clothing may be worn or laundered.

Using Washable Stickers

Step 2: Choose Your Spot

Stickers are best when used on existing clothing tags but any spot will work. Choose a spot that is easy to find where the stick will adhere well.

Step 3: Peel and Place

Peel the sticker from its backing and place where you have chosen on your clothing. You can now wear and wash as needed.

Other Methods of Labeling

These three methods are the easiest options but they aren’t the only ones. You can also sew labels onto clothing or use embroidery for a lovely, personalized touch.

Labeling baby clothing for daycare is not difficult but it is necessary. This is the only way to ensure clothing is returned to you day after day. What method of labeling clothing for daycare will you choose? Tell us in the comments!

Have You Read These Yet?

• Do Babies Have to Wear Shoes to Daycare?
• Important Questions to Ask Daycare Providers
• How to Pump Enough Milk For Daycare
• What Do Babies Wear To Daycare?
• How to Label Pacifiers For Daycare