Almost every parent with a child in daycare has dropped them off with something that never made it home.You can help eliminate wasted materials and lost clothes by properly labeling your child's belongings.
Step 1: A system for labeling your child's clothes will keep you organized.
When you begin, pull out all the clothing your child will wear to daycare, including gloves, boots, coats, sunglasses, swimsuits, and shorts.
Step 2: It is a good idea to label everything at once.
This will help keep track of what has been done.As your child gets older, label each item in the closet.
Step 3: The label should be placed on each item of clothing.
Make sure everything is labeled before you drop him off.The rear tag or seam is a good place for labels because it is out of reach from the child.When the clothes come out of the laundry, make sure they are still labeled.
Step 4: Write what you want on the label.
The clothes can be labeled with your child's first name or initials.If you use initials or just your child's first name, make sure there aren't other children with the same name or initials.If you plan to use the clothing on future children, label it with your last name.
Step 5: There is a permanent marker.
The most basic way to label a child's clothes is with permanent marker, which is safe and works on most types of fabric.Pick a dark color marker, like black, brown, or blue, and label the clothing in a discreet location, such as a clothing tag or along the back inside neck seam.Permanent markers are the least intrusive method in regards to daycare activity, and will stay in place no matter what activity your child pursues.
Step 6: It is possible to use a laundry pen for tougher fabrics.
A laundry pen is the same as a regular marker and can be used for an even more permanent label.Before putting your child's clothes on, let the marker dry for a few minutes.
Step 7: The marker label should be maintained.
You may have to re-label your clothes every few months because permanent marker fades after a lot of washes.The least expensive option for labeling is permanent markers and laundry pens at any office supply store or big box distributor.
Step 8: Tape is a less expensive stick on label.
A basic version of stick-on labels is to use masking tape or painters tape and label it with a permanent marker.Attach the labeled tape to your child's clothes by cutting a piece of it.
Step 9: As the tape begins to fall off, replace it.
You need to put a new label on every day if you want stronger tapes to last through a few washes.
Step 10: Purchase professional sticker labels.
You can buy sticker labels from online retailers.Many companies make labels for children's clothing.These labels are not as durable as fabric labels.They are easy to apply, but don't show up on other parts of clothing.
Step 11: If your child is going to peel the label, consider a different method.
If your child will pick at the label or other children will pull at it, stick-on labels may not be the best option.One of the less expensive options, they are easy to apply for.
Step 12: You can either buy fabric labels or make them yourself.
If you want to make your own sew labels, you can either purchase them from online companies like It's Mine Labels or Label Land or use a permanent marker, laundry pen, or hand stitching to label each square.
Step 13: Attach a label to your child's clothing.
To attach the label to the clothing, you can either use a sewing machine or hand sew it.The sewn labels are so firmly put on your child's clothes that they don't have the risk of getting lost.They do not leave as permanent a mark as writing straight on the fabric with a laundry pen.They are difficult to remove and will show a visible stitch on the other side.
Step 14: Use an iron on fabric label.
The approach to fabric labels is to use an iron-on version.You can find these labels at a sewing or baby store.To apply clothing, follow the directions on the package and use an iron to cover the label for a few minutes.
Step 15: Make your own iron-on label.
You can make your own iron-on labels by cutting fabric squares and placing a piece of iron on material between the label and the clothing.Attach the iron-on material package to the clothing by following the instructions.Iron-on labels are still sturdy and durable, but don't show the seam that comes with sewing on the fabric labels.Even during the most active activities, fabric labels perform well at daycare because they are so sturdy.