Spare outfits, sleep sacks, hats, mitts and sweaters: daycare clothes are a constant cycle of going in the bag, coming out for a change, and getting mixed into a pile with everyone else’s. A good clothing label is the difference between getting that sweater back and buying another one. The two most common options are iron-on labels and stick-on labels. Here’s how they compare, and how to choose the best clothing labels for daycare.
How iron-on clothing labels work
Iron-on labels have a heat-activated backing. You place the label on the fabric, press with a household iron, and the heat bonds it to the fibres. Once it’s on, it’s designed to stay on.
Where iron-on labels shine
- They’re permanent. Built for repeated washing and drying, which daycare clothes see a lot of.
- They work almost anywhere on fabric: care tags, inside collars, waistbands and seams.
- No sewing. Each label takes seconds with an iron.
- They suit clothes without care tags, like socks, which can be labelled directly on the fabric.
The trade-offs
- You need an iron and a few minutes per batch of clothes.
- Because they’re permanent, they’re harder to move to a different child’s clothes later.
- Not every fabric likes heat. Check the care label before ironing anything delicate or synthetic.
How stick-on clothing labels work
Stick-on clothing labels use a strong adhesive designed to grip the care tag. You peel and press, with no iron needed.
Where stick-on labels shine
- They’re fast. Label a whole drawer in minutes.
- No heat, so they suit fabrics you can’t iron.
- Easy for hand-me-downs or items you only need labelled for a short time.
The trade-offs
- They need a care tag to stick to, which socks, hats and many baby clothes don’t have.
- Adhesive labels generally aren’t as permanent as an iron-on bond, especially on items washed daily.
Iron-on vs stick-on at a glance
- Durability through the wash: iron-on wins.
- Speed of application: stick-on wins.
- Items without care tags: iron-on wins.
- Heat-sensitive fabrics: stick-on wins.
- Daily daycare laundry: iron-on is the safer bet.
Our recommendation for daycare
For most daycare clothes, iron-on labels are the better choice. Daycare outfits get washed constantly, and many baby and toddler clothes have tiny care tags or none at all. A permanent label that you apply once and forget about is worth the few minutes with the iron.
That’s why BunnyTagz makes iron-on clothing name labels for everyday clothes, and mini iron-on labels for small items like socks, onesies and mitts. Each one carries your child’s name and a fun icon, so toddlers can spot their own sweater before they can read.
What to label in the daycare bag
- Every spare outfit: tops, pants, socks and underwear
- Sleep sacks and nap blankets
- Hats, mitts and toques (they go missing the most)
- Jackets, snow pants and splash pants
- Bibs and burp cloths
Tips for iron-on labels that last
- Wash new clothes once before labelling to remove sizing and finishes.
- Follow the label instructions for heat and time, and press firmly without sliding the iron.
- Let the label cool completely before you wear or wash the item.
- Place labels on the care tag or an inside seam, so they don’t rub sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Do iron-on labels come off in the wash?
Iron-on labels are made to stay on through repeated washing and drying. For best results, follow the heat and time instructions and let the label cool completely before washing.
Where should I put labels on baby clothes?
On the care tag, or an inside seam or waistband, where the label won’t rub your baby’s skin. Mini iron-on labels are a good size for onesies and socks.
Can I iron labels onto any fabric?
Most cotton and cotton blends take iron-on labels well. Always check the garment’s care label first, and avoid ironing fabrics marked as heat-sensitive.
How many clothing labels do I need for daycare?
Count each spare outfit piece, plus hats, mitts, sleep sacks and outerwear. A daycare bag often needs 30 or more clothing labels once winter gear is included.
Label the rest of the daycare list too
Clothes are only part of it. Bottles, shoes, snack containers and soothers need labels too. Our daycare labels page has everything in one place, including the Preschool & Daycare Combo Pack with clothing, waterproof and shoe labels in one order. Browse all iron-on clothing labels, and enjoy free shipping across Canada.
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