Labeling is not just for daycare. Every parent needs to make sure things like sippy cups, bottles, pacifiers, diaper bags, backpacks and jackets are labeled for your child. Even in church, the nursery, or a play group it is helpful to have these personal items labeled. It helps the workers keep track of whose cup is whose and slow down the spread of germs. I don't think anyone will disagree on the need. The question is, "What is the best way to do it?"
You can always use the old standby - the sharpie. My mom keeps one in her purse at all times. She is a veteran mom and knows that you never know when you will need to label something. She will write in big black letters your name wherever it is most visible. Thankfully that is not always the only solution. There are lots of great product available to help you label your children's things. Here are some suggestions.
Inchbug.com has reusable stretchy bands that you can slide onto your cups and bottles. They are dishwasher and microwave safe. They are called Bumpyname Orbit labels and they have a lot of great reviews. You can purchase them pre-printed with common names ($8.95 for 3) or have them custom made with your child's name, icons, phone number, allergy information and more ($12.95 for 4).
Olivers Labels is another great web site that has lots of great reviews. They have labels for everything including waterproof labels, clothing labels, bag tags and kitchen labels. There are even some made for shoes. The best part is they have a found-it system that puts a code on your label. If your item is lost the person who finds it can put in the code and get the item back to you. This is great if you want to label some of your more expensive items for your older kids. They have lots of designs to choose from and various packages you can purchase. A set of 40 waterproof labels is $19.99.
Magic Label from One Step Ahead - These labels are made of rice paper and wash off. They adhere to plastic and glass and are perfect for labeling and dating food containers, bottles, and breast milk. You don't have to worry about removing the label because it will wash off in the dishwasher. These are even great to label food items that you will freeze for yourself. They come in boxes of 50 for $6.95. Please note that they do have expiration dates so don't over order.
A note of caution: Labels are important ways of keeping track of our things and knowing when food is safe to eat. Please remember to use some caution when you label your children's clothing, bags and backpacks. Take into consideration their age and who will be able to see the label. Here is an example of why this is important. When we were at the beach this summer I needed my daughter's attention so I called out her name. About 10 seconds later a little girl about 5 years old that I had never met before was standing in front of me looking at me. I said hello but she wanted something else. It dawned on me that she must have the same name as my daughter. I asked her, "Is your name Ashley?" She said yes and so I explained to her that my daughter's name is Ashley and that was who I was calling. She was a sweet, innocent, and obedient child. She heard an adult call her and she came to find out why, even though I was a stranger. I met her mom later and told her the story so maybe she could talk to her about stranger safety. This is why you don't want to label your child's backpack with a tag that everyone can see. Label the bag on the inside. For infants it is not as much of an issue since they will always be with an adult and they are too young to go with a stranger.
