Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in knowledge. These books address the business, regulatory, and developmental sides of running a childcare operation. They’ll help you make smarter decisions about what you actually need and how to use it effectively.
The Childcare Entrepreneur by Michelle LaRowe
This book cuts through the complexity of starting and running a childcare business with practical advice on licensing, staffing, and operations. LaRowe covers budgeting and equipment selection specifically, helping you understand what’s essential versus what’s nice-to-have. It’s written for people building a real business, not a hobby.
Shop The Childcare Entrepreneur on Amazon →
Intentional Teaching by Deborah J. Wells and Katherine C. Krepps
Understanding child development and learning outcomes informs what equipment and materials actually support growth. This resource helps you design spaces and select tools that align with developmental stages rather than just filling a room with toys. Better equipment choices mean better outcomes and happier parents.
Shop Intentional Teaching resources on Amazon →
Starting and Operating a Childcare Business by Patricia C. Pullen
Pullen addresses the financial and operational foundation you need, including facility setup, safety compliance, and equipment budgeting. This is practical, regulatory-focused guidance that prevents costly mistakes during startup. The equipment section alone will save you money on unnecessary purchases.
Shop Starting and Operating a Childcare Business on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment list depends on your childcare model—home-based, small group, or center-based—and your target age group. The items below cover the essentials for a small group home childcare serving infants through preschoolers. You don’t need everything at once, but you do need safety-critical items from day one.
Safety and Health Equipment
- Safety gates: Prevent access to stairs, kitchens, and restricted areas. Non-negotiable for any home or facility with multiple age groups.
- First aid and CPR kit: Bandages, gauze, thermometer, and supplies. You’re legally required to have this and training to match.
- Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies: High-touch surfaces require frequent sanitizing, especially post-pandemic expectations.
- Thermometer (digital): For health screening and illness monitoring.
- Humidifier: Helps with congestion and respiratory comfort, especially useful during winter months.
- Outlet covers and corner guards: Standard childproofing to meet safety codes.
Sleep and Rest Equipment
- Cots or rest mats: Required for nap time. Most regulations require individual cots or mats per child, not shared sleeping surfaces.
- Fitted sheets and blankets: Multiple sets to handle washing and accidents.
- White noise machine: Helps establish consistent nap routines and reduces noise between rooms.
Shop childcare cots and mats on Amazon →
Feeding and Meal Preparation
- High chairs: For infants and young toddlers. Ensure they meet safety standards and are easy to clean.
- Booster seats or feeding chairs: For older toddlers at the table.
- Bibs and feeding supplies: Waterproof bibs, spill mats, washable feeding utensils.
- Food storage containers: Clear, labeled containers for prepared foods and snacks.
- Bottle warmer: If serving infants, you’ll need this for safe temperature management.
- Sink organizer with drying rack: Childcare involves constant bottle and utensil washing.
Shop high chairs and feeding equipment on Amazon →
Diapering and Bathroom
- Changing table: Height-appropriate, with safety strap. Consider a wall-mounted or compact option if space is limited.
- Diaper pail and liners: Contain odor and keep soiled diapers separate until disposal.
- Wipe warmer: Provides comfort for infants, minor but appreciated by parents.
- Step stool for bathroom: Helps toddlers reach sinks safely.
- Toilet seat reducer and seat: Makes adult toilets functional for small children.
Shop changing tables on Amazon →
Learning and Play Materials
- Age-appropriate toys and blocks: Developmental toys for sensory play, fine motor, and gross motor skills.
- Books: Board books for infants, picture books for toddlers, story books for preschoolers.
- Art supplies: Washable markers, crayons, paper, playdough, paint.
- Sensory play items: Texture boards, rattles, cause-and-effect toys.
- Music and movement tools: Scarves, ribbons, simple instruments, play parachute.
- Dramatic play props: Kitchen items, dress-up clothes, dolls, play food.
Shop developmental toys on Amazon →
Outdoor Equipment
- Play structures or climbers: Age-appropriate outdoor play builds gross motor skills.
- Sand table and sandbox: Sensory play that develops coordination.
- Ride-on toys: Tricycles, balance bikes, push toys for different developmental stages.
- Ball pit and balls: Safe, enclosed play for active children.
- Sidewalk chalk, buckets, and shovels: Simple tools for outdoor exploration.
Shop outdoor play equipment on Amazon →
Administrative and Documentation
- Parent communication notebook or app subscription: Track daily activities, meals, sleep, and developmental notes for each child.
- Incident report forms and health records system: Required by most licensing bodies.
- Sign-in/sign-out sheets and attendance tracking: Legal requirement for childcare facilities.
- Storage cubbies or shelves: Organized space for children’s belongings and parent communication.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start with safety and health essentials before growth-focused items. Your first purchases should support basic care and legal compliance.
- First (before opening): Safety gates, first aid kit, changing table, cots/mats, high chairs, cleaning supplies, thermometer, outlet covers, initial toy selection
- First month: Books, basic art supplies, sensory toys, hand sanitizer, bibs, feeding supplies
- Month 2-3: Outdoor equipment, dramatic play items, music tools, storage solutions
- Month 4+: Expand toy rotation, add specialized learning materials based on age groups served, upgrade comfort items based on actual use patterns
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new for items that directly contact children or require safety certification: cots, high chairs, changing tables, gates, and toys. Used items can carry hidden safety issues, missing components, or recalled models you won’t know about. Regulations often specify that sleep and feeding equipment meet current safety standards.
Buy used or surplus for storage, shelving, outdoor equipment frames (if inspected), and classroom furniture. Toys can be purchased used if thoroughly cleaned and checked for recalls, choking hazards, and broken pieces. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission database for recalls before bringing any used item into your space. Many childcare suppliers, Facebook Marketplace groups for childcare providers, and estate sales offer quality used items at significant discounts—just verify condition and safety first.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Wide selection, fast shipping, easy returns. Use the links above for specific items.
- Buy Buy Baby: Specialized childcare and nursery equipment; staff understand safety requirements.
- Wayfair: Good for furniture and storage solutions; frequent sales.
- The Container Store: Organization systems designed specifically for busy spaces.
- Target and Walmart: Affordable basics; good for toys, cleaning supplies, and feeding items.
- Local childcare supply companies: Search “[your state] childcare equipment supplier” for businesses that specialize in licensing-compliant furniture.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used items, but inspect carefully and verify safety.
- Goodwill and thrift stores: Toys and books at low cost; inspect before purchase.
- Childcare provider forums and local networks: Providers often sell surplus equipment or share supplier recommendations.