Preschool essentials checklist
3–5 years. What to think about at this age, with links to our picks.
Preschool checklist
A starting point, not a rule. Every family and every child is different. Follow each product's instructions and age limits, and check with your doctor on health questions.
Feeding
- A reusable water bottle and an insulated lunch bag for preschool or outingsPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Bentgo Kids insulated lunch bag, Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw
- Leak-proof snack containers and a spill-resistant cupPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Finorder snack containers (6-pack), Munchkin Splash training cups (4-pack)
- Child-size cutlery and a plate or bowl they can handle themselvesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Elk and Friends toddler utensils
- A step stool so they can help in the kitchen, with an adult nearbyPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Dreambaby 2-up step stool
Sleep
- A bed they can get in and out of safely (a toddler bed or a low bed with guardrails, if the bed is high)Popular pick on Amazon.ca: Dream On Me toddler bed
- A night light and a short, steady bedtime routinePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Auxmir rechargeable night light
- Two sets of sheets and pajamas that fit and are flame-resistant or snug-fittingPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Viviland kids twin sheet set, Simple Joys snug-fit pajamas
- A comfort toy or small blanket if they have one
Hygiene & potty
- A step stool at the sink for hand washing and brushing teethPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Dreambaby 2-up step stool
- A child-size toothbrush and a rice-grain to pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, as your dentist advisesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: GUM Monsterz kids toothbrushes
- Pull-ups or training pants for naps and nights while they are learningPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Pull-Ups night-time training pants
- A change of clothes and wipes in the bag for accidents
Clothing
- Comfortable play clothes that are easy to take on and off
- Shoes with hook-and-loop closures they can fasten themselves
- Several spare outfits for the school or daycare cubby
- Rain gear and warm layers for the seasonPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids hooded rain jacket
Travel & gear
- The right car seat for their size: keep them in a harness as long as the seat allows, then move to a booster as the manual saysPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster
- A small backpack for preschool, with a labeled water bottlePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Skip Hop Zoo backpack, Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw
- A stroller or wagon for long outings if they still tire easilyPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Radio Flyer 3-in-1 folding wagon, Ingenuity 3Dquickclose compact stroller
Play & learning
- Art supplies: crayons, washable markers, safe scissors, paper, play doughPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Crayola washable markers, Crayola crayons (24-ct, 2-pack), Play-Doh Stamp & Saw tool bench set
- Building blocks or magnetic tiles, puzzles and simple board gamesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Melissa & Doug wooden blocks (100), Magnetic tiles (110 pcs), Melissa & Doug vehicle puzzles
- Picture books for daily reading togetherPopular pick on Amazon.ca: First 100 Words (padded board book)
- Pretend play: a doctor kit, kitchen set, dress-upPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Fisher-Price doctor kit, Tiny Land play kitchen, Dress-up costume trunk (11 pcs)
Safety & childproofing
- A certified helmet for scooter, bike or balance bike, worn every timePopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids bike helmet (CPSC)
- Medicines, cleaners and small batteries locked awayPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Medicine lock box
- Supervision around water, even shallow water, and a life jacket on boats
- Know your child’s allergies, and have a plan with caregivers
Ready to shop?
See what we recommend: Preschool gift ideas. For toys and gifts see our Christmas and birthday guides.