Kindergarten Start 2026 – The Ultimate Checklist for Parents
Guide for Parents
Kindergarten Start 2026: Well Prepared for the New Daily Routine
The first day at daycare or kindergarten is a major milestone – for children as well as for their parents. A new daily routine begins, familiar caregivers are not always there, and many small tasks are suddenly mastered independently.
At the same time, many practical questions arise: Which kindergarten backpack is suitable? Which water bottle is leak-proof? What belongs in the lunchbox and what should be brought every day?
In this guide you will find a detailed checklist for the kindergarten start 2026, helpful tips for the settling-in period as well as recommendations for practical and personalized companions in everyday kindergarten life.
New chapter of life
Why the kindergarten start is a major milestone
For many children, kindergarten is the first place outside the family where they spend several hours regularly without their parents. They make new friends, learn rules and gradually take on more responsibility for their own belongings.
The family routine also changes. Drop-off and pick-up times, breakfast breaks, excursions, change of clothes and different weather conditions are now part of the daily organization. Well-thought-out equipment can help make the start significantly more relaxed.
Items that children can recognize and sort out independently are particularly practical. A kindergarten backpack with a name , a personalized water bottle and a lunchbox with a name help avoid mix-ups and promote independence in everyday kindergarten life.
Many facilities therefore recommend clearly marking personal items with the child's name. Especially with similar backpacks, bottles or lunchboxes, personalization can be very helpful in everyday life.
Short answer: What does a child need for the kindergarten start?
For the kindergarten start, a child usually needs a well-fitting kindergarten backpack, a leak-proof water bottle, a suitable lunchbox, a change of clothes and, if necessary, slippers, rainwear or a sleep companion. The exact requirements vary depending on the facility.
Practical tip from Schmatzepuffer
Children recognize personal items particularly easily when the name, color and design are familiar. Therefore, let your child help choose the backpack or lunchbox. This often increases their enthusiasm for the new kindergarten routine.
Suitable themed worlds for the kindergarten start
Kindergarten Start Checklist
The complete kindergarten start checklist 2026
The better the preparation, the more relaxed the first day of kindergarten will be. With this checklist you can check off item by item and be sure that nothing is forgotten.
✓ Basic equipment
- ☐ Kindergarten backpack with a name
- ☐ Personalized water bottle
- ☐ Lunchbox with a name
- ☐ Slippers
- ☐ Change of clothes
- ☐ Rain jacket
- ☐ Mud pants (depending on the kindergarten)
- ☐ Wellington boots
- ☐ Sun hat or cap
- ☐ Stuffed animal or comforter (if allowed)
✓ For everyday use
- ☐ Seasonal change of clothes
- ☐ Sunscreen
- ☐ Wet wipes
- ☐ Clean the water bottle daily
- ☐ Prepare a healthy lunchbox
- ☐ Check names on all items
- ☐ Read the kindergarten information
- ☐ Store emergency numbers
💡 Tip for parents
Pack the kindergarten backpack together with your child the evening before. This creates a little routine and leaves significantly more time in the morning for a relaxed start.
Our recommendation for the kindergarten start
A lightweight, ergonomic kindergarten backpack with a name ensures that children can quickly find their own belongings again while comfortably carrying everything important.
👉 Insert a large product image of a personalized Trixie kindergarten backpack here.
Selection guide for parents
Which kindergarten backpack is the right one?
A kindergarten backpack should above all fit the child's age, body size and daily routine. For the daily commute to daycare, it does not need to hold large quantities. What is important is that the water bottle, lunchbox, a small stuffed animal and personal little things fit neatly inside.
A backpack that is too large can be unwieldy for small children. A very small backpack, on the other hand, may not offer enough space for the items the facility expects daily. Therefore, check before purchasing what equipment is actually required to be brought to kindergarten.
HERE BACKPACK !!!!
Short answer: What makes a good kindergarten backpack?
A good kindergarten backpack is lightweight, easy for children to open and fits the body size. It should have adjustable shoulder straps, enough space for the lunchbox and water bottle, as well as a clear interior layout. A name on the backpack can additionally help avoid mix-ups at kindergarten.
What to look for when buying
Right size
The backpack should sit compactly on the back and not protrude significantly over the shoulders or lower back.
Low self-weight
Since small children should only carry a little, a lightweight backpack is particularly practical for everyday use.
Adjustable straps
Adjustable shoulder straps make it possible to adapt the backpack to the child's size and clothing.
Easy handling
Fasteners and zippers should be as easy as possible for children's hands to operate independently.
Practical everyday layout
Lunchboxes and water bottles should be stored securely without their contents getting unnecessarily mixed up.
Easy to recognize
A familiar color, a favorite animal, or their own name makes it easier for children to identify their belongings.
Practical tip: Test the backpack before the first day
Let your child wear, open, and close the packed backpack several times before starting kindergarten. This will help you notice early on if the straps are adjusted correctly and if your child can easily manage the closure.
Designed with a custom name
Discover personalized kindergarten backpacks
Discover lovingly designed kindergarten backpacks with names in a variety of animal motifs and designs. This way, your child can find a personal companion that suits their taste and daily kindergarten routine.
Kindergarten backpacks with namesA backpack as a gift for starting kindergarten
A personalized backpack also makes a practical gift for starting kindergarten . The gift becomes even more personal when the design and color are chosen to suit the child's preferences.
Daily packing list
What should be packed in the kindergarten backpack every day?
Many parents pack much more than necessary on the first day of kindergarten. In fact, a well-organized set of essentials is usually enough. Everything else depends on the requirements of the respective facility.
An organized kindergarten backpack helps children find their belongings independently and pack them away again after breakfast or an outing.
💡 Our tip
Check the contents of the kindergarten backpack together with your child every evening. This helps establish routines and ensures that missing items are noticed in time.
Drinking at kindergarten
Which water bottle is suitable for kindergarten?
Children drink several times a day at kindergarten – at breakfast, after playing outside, or during an outing. That is why a good water bottle is one of the most important essentials for starting kindergarten.
In addition to a suitable size, a water bottle should be easy to open and easy for children to hold. At the same time, many parents want a bottle that can be clearly identified as their child's. Personalization with a name makes this much easier in everyday life.
Short answer: Which water bottle is suitable for kindergarten?
A sturdy water bottle that children can open and close independently is suitable for kindergarten. It should fit well in small hands and offer enough capacity for daily kindergarten life. A personalized water bottle helps prevent mix-ups.
What to look for when buying
✔ The right size
The water bottle should hold enough drinks for the morning without becoming unnecessarily heavy.
✔ Easy to use
Children should ideally be able to open the bottle themselves and close it securely again.
✔ Easy to recognize
A water bottle with a name makes it easier to identify at kindergarten and reduces mix-ups.
✔ Easy to clean
Daily cleaning helps keep the bottle hygienically clean and prevents unpleasant odors.
Personalized water bottles for kindergarten
Our personalized water bottles reliably accompany children through daily kindergarten life. Together with a kindergarten backpack with a name and a lunchbox with a name , they form a harmonious set for everyday use.
Discover personalized water bottlesPractical Tip
Practice opening, drinking from, and securely closing the water bottle with your child in the days leading up to the start of kindergarten. This often makes the start of kindergarten easier and additionally helps your child build self-confidence.
Breakfast at kindergarten
Which lunchbox is suitable for kindergarten?
The lunchbox accompanies many children every day. It protects the breakfast, keeps the kindergarten backpack organized, and makes it easier to store food separately. At the same time, it should be designed so that children can open and close it as independently as possible.
A lunchbox with a name helps prevent mix-ups in the group room. This is especially practical if several children have similar lunchboxes.
Quick answer: Which lunchbox is suitable for kindergarten?
A lunchbox for kindergarten should be sturdy, offer enough space for breakfast, and be easy for children to open. Personalization with a name makes it easier to identify in the daily kindergarten routine.
Ideas for a varied kindergarten lunchbox
A balanced breakfast provides energy for the morning. Which foods are suitable also depends on the requirements of the respective facility and possible allergies. The following ideas are often useful for inspiration:
🥪 Bread & Rolls
- Wholegrain bread
- Cheese
- Cream cheese
- Turkey breast
🍎 Fruit
- Apple pieces
- Grapes
- Berries
- Pear
🥕 Vegetables
- Cucumbers
- Bell peppers
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
🥜 Small Extras*
- Rice cakes
- Corn cakes
- Crackers
- Fruit purée
*Please always follow the requirements of your facility, e.g. regarding nuts or certain foods.
Discover Personalized Lunchboxes
A lunchbox with a name is the perfect match for a kindergarten backpack and a personalized water bottle . Together, they form a practical set for everyday kindergarten life.
Discover Personalized LunchboxesGood to know
Many kindergartens inform parents before the first day about which foods can and cannot be brought. A quick look at the facility's documents helps to prepare the lunchbox accordingly.
Based on the experience of many parents
10 common mistakes when starting kindergarten – and how to avoid them
The first day of kindergarten does not have to be perfect. Many small difficulties are simply part of it. With a little preparation, however, some typical mistakes can be avoided, and the start will be much more relaxed for children and parents.
1. Packing too much
An overfilled backpack is heavy and disorganized. Only pack the things that are actually needed every day.
2. No name on the items
Backpacks, water bottles, and lunchboxes often look similar. Labeling them with a name makes them easier to identify.
3. New shoes without testing
Let your child wear new shoes or slippers several times before the first day of kindergarten.
4. Too little time in the morning
Plan to allow a little more time on the first day. A calm morning helps many children get off to a good start.
5. Too long a goodbye
A loving, clear goodbye gives many children more security than a long delay. Follow the recommendations of the educators.
6. Clothing without a change of clothes
Clothes quickly get dirty or wet during play. A set of spare clothes is often useful.
7. Fasteners not practiced
Children are happy when they can open their backpack, lunchbox, or water bottle independently. Practice this together before the start of kindergarten.
8. Overlooking the kindergarten's requirements
Every facility has its own rules, for example regarding slippers, rainwear, or food. A quick look at the documents is worth it.
9. Too high expectations
Some children feel comfortable immediately, while others need more time to settle in. Both are completely normal.
10. Not involving the child
When children are allowed to help choose their backpack, water bottle, or lunchbox, they are often more excited about starting kindergarten.
Our most important advice
Perfection is not the goal when starting kindergarten. Much more important is that your child feels safe, taken seriously, and well supported. With a little patience, routines usually develop after the first few days or weeks.
Everything for a successful start to kindergarten
Are you still looking for the right equipment? Discover our personalized companions for everyday kindergarten life.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ on starting kindergarten 2026
Here we answer frequently asked questions about starting kindergarten. Please note that individual procedures and requirements may vary depending on the kindergarten.
When should you buy a kindergarten backpack?
Many families buy the kindergarten backpack several weeks before the start. This leaves enough time for the child to get used to the new companion and practice using it.
What belongs in the backpack on the first day of kindergarten?
In many facilities, a lunchbox, water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and – depending on the requirements – slippers or a change of clothes are part of the basic equipment. It is best to find out about your kindergarten's requirements in advance.
Should the backpack, lunchbox, and water bottle be labeled with a name?
Yes, many kindergartens recommend clearly labeling personal items. This makes it easier to avoid mix-ups in everyday life.
How big should a kindergarten backpack be?
The backpack should fit the child's body size and offer enough space for the things needed daily, without being unnecessarily large or heavy.
What goes in a healthy kindergarten lunchbox?
Bread or rolls, fruit, and vegetables are often combined. Which foods are suitable also depends on the requirements of the respective facility as well as possible allergies or intolerances.
How do I prepare my child for the first day of kindergarten?
Talk together about kindergarten, visit the facility beforehand if possible, and practice small everyday steps at home, such as opening the backpack or lunchbox. A calm preparation can give many children confidence.
What clothing is suitable for kindergarten?
Practical clothing that can get dirty and is suited to the weather makes the kindergarten routine easier. Spare clothes are often recommended as well.
Is a personalized kindergarten backpack a good idea?
A personalized backpack can help children more easily find their own belongings. At the same time, labeling with a name makes it easier to identify them in the kindergarten routine.
Our Conclusion
With good preparation, well-organized equipment, and a little patience, the start of kindergarten will be much more relaxed for many families. The important thing is not that everything goes perfectly on the first day – but that your child feels safe and well supported.
Everything for a successful start to kindergarten
Discover our lovingly selected products for the kindergarten routine – from personalized kindergarten backpacks to water bottles and lunchboxes with names.
Practical parent guide
Kindergarten checklist by season
Depending on the season, the equipment at kindergarten changes significantly. While a sun hat and water bottle are particularly important in summer, rainwear, Wellington boots, or warm gloves are often part of the essentials in autumn and winter. With this overview, you will be well prepared all year round.
☀️ Summer
- ✓ Sun hat or cap
- ✓ Sufficient drinks
- ✓ Light spare clothes
- ✓ Sunscreen according to the kindergarten's guidelines
- ✓ Light raincoat for summer thunderstorms
🍂 Autumn
- ✓ Rain jacket
- ✓ Mud pants (if desired)
- ✓ Wellington boots
- ✓ Warm sweater
- ✓ Spare socks
❄️ Winter
- ✓ Winter jacket
- ✓ Beanie
- ✓ Gloves
- ✓ Scarf or neck warmer
- ✓ Lined boots
- ✓ Warm spare clothes
🌸 Spring
- ✓ Layered clothing
- ✓ Light rainwear
- ✓ Thin beanie for cool mornings
- ✓ Refill the water bottle daily
- ✓ Spare clothes
Good to know
Many kindergartens spend time outdoors every day – regardless of the weather. Clothing suited to the weather makes everyday life easier and ensures that children can play and explore carefree. You will find out what equipment is needed directly from your facility.
A new chapter in life
Settling in at kindergarten – How to make the start successful step by step
For many families, kindergarten marks the start of a new daily routine. While some children explore their surroundings curiously on the first day, others need more time to build confidence. Both are completely normal.
A successful settling-in period does not mean that no tears are shed. It is much more important that children are introduced to the new environment at their own pace and feel safe and supported during the process.
What helps children during the settling-in period?
❤️ Fixed routines
A similar morning routine gives many children orientation and confidence.
😊 Calm goodbye
A short, loving goodbye can help children embrace the day. Many facilities provide helpful recommendations on this.
🧸 Familiar companions
If the kindergarten allows it, a stuffed animal or comforter can provide additional confidence.
👏 Promoting independence
Children are happy when they can handle their backpack, lunchbox, or water bottle themselves.
Parent tip
Do not compare your child with others. Some children feel comfortable after just a few days, while others need several weeks. Both developments can be completely normal.
Preparing together for kindergarten
Prepare the kindergarten backpack together with your child, let them choose their water bottle, and pack the lunchbox together. Small tasks build self-confidence and make the upcoming start of kindergarten more tangible.
This way, many children develop a positive relationship with their new companions even before the first day and look forward to using them at kindergarten.
Well prepared
These questions you should ask the kindergarten before the first day
Every kindergarten has its own routines and rules. A short conversation before the start helps to avoid uncertainties and make the daily routine as pleasant as possible for your child.
Checklist for the admission interview
- ✓ What clothing is needed daily?
- ✓ Are spare clothes stored at the kindergarten?
- ✓ Which lunchboxes or water bottles are recommended?
- ✓ Are there rules about sweets or certain foods?
- ✓ Are slippers required?
- ✓ How exactly does the settling-in period work?
- ✓ What drop-off and pick-up times apply?
- ✓ Who informs parents about excursions?
- ✓ Which items are allowed to stay in the backpack?
- ✓ Are there special wishes regarding the labeling of personal items?
Our tip
Write down all important information directly after the conversation. This way, you can prepare the kindergarten backpack, lunchbox, and water bottle accordingly, and your child will start the new daily routine relaxed.
Ready for the start of kindergarten?
With good preparation, the right equipment, and a little composure, nothing stands in the way of a successful start to kindergarten. Discover our lovingly personalized products that accompany children day after day.
Well planned instead of stressed
Timeline for the start of kindergarten – When should you do what?
Preparing for the start of kindergarten does not have to be done in a single weekend. By spreading the most important tasks over several weeks, you can organize many things calmly and give your child enough time to get used to the new daily routine.
4 to 6 weeks beforehand
- ✓ Check admission documents
- ✓ Get required equipment
- ✓ Choose a kindergarten backpack
- ✓ Choose a water bottle and lunchbox
- ✓ Check clothing
- ✓ Put names on all important items
About 2 weeks beforehand
- ✓ Try out the backpack together
- ✓ Test the lunchbox and water bottle
- ✓ Walk the way to kindergarten together
- ✓ Talk about the new daily routine
- ✓ Practice the first morning routine
The day before the start of kindergarten
- ✓ Prepare the lunchbox
- ✓ Fill the water bottle
- ✓ Pack spare clothes
- ✓ Check the weather forecast
- ✓ Go to bed early
On the first day of kindergarten
- ✓ Allow plenty of time
- ✓ Have a calm breakfast
- ✓ Check the backpack together
- ✓ Say goodbye lovingly
- ✓ Show your child confidence
Our advice
Children pick up on their parents' mood. A calm preparation, established routines and plenty of time in the morning help many families to make the start of kindergarten a relaxed experience. Not everything has to work perfectly on the first day – the important thing is that your child feels safe and welcome.
Development in kindergarten
What do children learn in kindergarten?
Kindergarten is much more than a place to play. Children gain new experiences every day, discover their strengths and learn to act independently step by step. Every child develops at their own pace.
The focus is not on academic achievement, but on holistic development. Playful learning, physical activity, creativity and interacting with other children shape everyday life.
🤝 Social skills
Children learn to play together, resolve conflicts, be considerate and build friendships.
🎨 Creativity
Through crafts, painting, music and role-playing, children develop their imagination and discover new ways to express themselves.
🗣 Language
Through conversations, stories, songs and joint activities, many children expand their vocabulary every day.
🏃 Physical activity
Climbing, running, balancing and playing outdoors promote coordination, motor skills and body awareness.
🧩 Independence
Children learn to put on their jacket, open their backpack, unpack their lunchbox and take responsibility for their personal belongings.
🌱 Everyday skills
Eating together, tidying up, being considerate and taking on small everyday tasks build self-confidence and a sense of responsibility.
Good to know
Not every child develops at the same speed. Some children speak a lot from an early age, while others are particularly active or creative. Kindergarten provides a wide range of opportunities for every child to discover and develop their own strengths.
Little companions for big developmental steps
A familiar kindergarten backpack, their own water bottle and a lunchbox with their name help children take responsibility for their personal belongings. These small everyday steps promote independence and give many children extra confidence.
