If you have young children in daycare or preschool, it is important to label their personal belongings. It is a common scenario for one child to pick-up a sippy cup or pacifier that does not belong to him and place it in his mouth. Labeling the items can reduce the likelihood of this happening, especially if the labeled item bears the name of someone other than the child drinking out of the sippy cup.
Step 1
Visit an office supply store and choose a set of non-toxic, waterproof labels and a non-toxic, lead-free permanent marker. Non-toxic, waterproof labels and markers will not rub-off when wet and are dishwasher safe. Also, for pacifiers, if you cannot find a small enough label, there are tiny, waterproof labels that can be found online (see Resources).
Step 2
Wash the sippy cups and pacifiers in warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Rinse away soap residue and allow the sippy cups and pacifiers to air-dry in a dish rack before labeling.
Step 3
Open the packaging that contains the labels and select several labels for the sippy cups and pacifiers. Decide where you would like to adhere the labels on the sippy cups and pacifiers, and choose your label sizes accordingly.
Step 4
Write your child's name on the selected labels using the permanent marker. If you choose, you may also include a phone number and address. Allow the permanent marker to air-dry, completely, before proceeding.
Step 5
Remove each label from its protective backing, by lifting one corner and pulling-up and away. Attach the waterproof labels to the sippy cups and pacifiers.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have a dishwasher, run the sippy cups and pacifiers through a wash cycle, instead of hand washing before applying the labels. A heated-dry will ensure that the items are thoroughly dry.
- Do not apply the waterproof labels without first washing the sippy cups and pacifiers. Remnants of foods, liquids or saliva can prevent the labels from adhering properly. Ensure that the sippy cups and pacifiers are completely dry before adhering the labels.
Things You'll Need
- Waterproof labels
- Permanent marker
- Dish soap
- Dish rack
