Name labels for daycare — label your child’s clothes and belongings

The evening before the first day of daycare. A pile of clothes and belongings on the kitchen table, all needing a name. Jacket, snowsuit, mittens, indoor shoes, lunch box, water bottle — everything.

You already know what happens without name labels. Your child’s clothes disappear into the daycare’s shared lost-and-found, and you’re buying a new hat for the third time this term.

With name labels from Lappu, you avoid that stress. Our personalized name labels are self-adhesive, withstand both washing machines and dishwashers (up to 60°C), and take just seconds to apply. No sewing. No ironing. Just peel and stick.

Why label your child’s clothes with name labels?

At daycare, clothes and belongings get mixed up every day. Jackets, mittens, hats, and spare clothes end up in the same bins. Without name labels, it’s almost impossible for staff to keep track of what belongs to whom.

With personalized name labels, staff can easily make sure your child’s belongings find their way back. It saves time, money — and the frustration of searching for missing items.

Replacing a lost winter snowsuit can quickly cost 50–100 EUR. Name labels for daycare start from 12.95 EUR. Think of it as inexpensive insurance for your child’s wardrobe. Read our complete guide to labeling clothes for more tips.

What should be labeled for daycare?

The daycare checklist can feel long — but with name labels, it’s quick to label everything. Here’s what you need to label:

Clothes and outerwear

Jacket and snowsuit — the most commonly lost items. Hats, mittens, and scarves — every season. Sweaters, pants, socks, and underwear in the spare clothes bag. Label all clothing, even items you think will never leave the shelf.

Shoes

Outdoor shoes, boots, and indoor shoes. Place a name label on the insole or heel — protected but easy to find.

Lunch boxes and bottles

Water bottles, lunch boxes, baby bottles, and pacifiers. Our name labels are dishwasher-safe, so they stay on items that are cleaned daily.

Backpack and other items

Backpack, stuffed toys, and any items brought to daycare. Anything that leaves home should be labeled.

Rule of thumb: if it can get mixed up with someone else’s, label it.

Which name labels are best for daycare?

Lappu offers three types of personalized name labels. All withstand washing machines and dishwashers up to 60°C.

Name labels (standard)

Our most popular option. Perfect for labeling clothes, backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles. Choose your name, color, and icon.

Large enough to read easily, yet discreet enough to stay hidden inside clothing.

Small name labels

Perfect for labeling shoes, pacifiers, pens, and other small items. Same durable quality as our standard name labels, but in a smaller size.

Large name labels

Our mixed pack with multiple sizes. Many parents choose large name labels as a complement to standard name labels — especially for bigger items.

We recommend starting with a set of name labels. If you need extra labels for shoes or pacifiers, add a pack of small name labels.

Self-adhesive labels, iron-on labels, or sew-in labels?

There are three ways to label your child’s belongings:

Self-adhesive name labels — stick directly onto clothes, shoes, lunch boxes, and bottles. Takes ~10 seconds. Withstands washing and dishwashing. Easy enough for kids to help.

Iron-on labels — requires an iron and 2–3 minutes per item. Works for fabrics but not plastic or metal.

Sew-in labels — needle and thread. 5+ minutes per item. Durable but time-consuming.

Self-adhesive name labels are one of the easiest solutions. When you have 15 items on the table, every minute counts — which is why most parents choose them for daycare.

How to apply name labels

Applying our name labels is simple:

Make sure the surface is clean and dry
Peel off the backing
Press firmly for 10 seconds
Wait 24 hours before washing

Name labels stick to fabric, plastic, metal, and leather. Place them on clothing care labels, water bottle lids, shoe insoles, or lunch box bottoms.

Tip: For items washed frequently (like lunch boxes and bottles), make sure the surface is completely clean and dry before applying.

What should you write on daycare name labels?

Most parents use their child’s first and last name. Some daycare centers require a group name — check with staff before ordering.

Since name labels last a long time, use the full name so they remain useful even if your child changes group or starts school.

How much do name labels cost?

Personalized name labels from Lappu start from 12.95 EUR. Choose your name, color, and icon. We deliver within 2–4 business days, with free shipping on orders over 19 EUR. See all our products here.

Frequently asked questions about daycare name labels

Do the labels withstand washing and dishwashing?
Yes. Our name labels withstand both washing machines and dishwashers up to 60°C and are designed to stay in place wash after wash.

Can they be used on snowsuits and rainwear?
Yes. They adhere to all materials, including water-resistant fabrics. Apply directly to the care label or a smooth inner surface.

How many name labels do you need?
A typical daycare setup requires 30–60 labels depending on clothing and belongings. One pack is usually enough — but many parents order extra for future items.

What should you write on name labels?
Your child’s first and last name. Some daycare centers may require additional info — check before ordering.

Can name labels be removed?
Yes, but they are designed to stay on. To remove one, heat it with a hairdryer to loosen the adhesive.

Which name labels are best for children?
Look for labels that withstand at least 60°C washing. Self-adhesive labels are the easiest option — faster than iron-on and just as durable. Our name labels are printed in Sweden and meet EU standards.

Are the labels eco-friendly?
Our labels are made to last through repeated washing and use, helping reduce waste over time. We also donate part of our profits to children-related charities.

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We are parents ourselves — and we’ve searched for lost clothes too. That’s why we started Lappu: personalized name labels for the whole family that make everyday life easier.