Ultimate Back-to-School Prep Checklist for a Stress-Free Start

The summer holiday seems to always fly by, and before we know it, it’s time to get the kids and ourselves ready for the new school year. A little more prep now can save a lot of stress later. To help, we’ve put together a handy checklist for back-to-school jobs plus some inspiration for free-from lunchboxes and breakfast ideas to make your mornings a little easier.  

Back-to-School Checklist: Important Jobs 

We know that every child is unique, with their own routines and sensory needs. That’s why a little preparation can go a long way in making the transition back to school smoother. 

Before diving into all the back-to-school prep, it helps to create a checklist, so nothing gets overlooked. To get you started, we’ve put together one of our own. You can use it as is or adapt it to suit your family’s needs. 

• Uniform check: Make sure everything fits! Label all the clothing and shoes. Don’t forget to refresh and was uniforms and PE kits, we recommend using the Ecoegg Laundry Detergent Egg.  

• School supplies: Stock up on pens, pencils. Glue sticks, exercise books and any special items like calculators and art supplies.  

• Bag and water bottle: Check zips, straps and lids. Better to replace now than discover leaks on the first day of school. 

• Lunch kit refresh: Wash and check lunchboxes, ice packs and snack pots.  

• Routine reset: Start easing into earlier bedtimes and wakeups about a week before starts. 

• After-school plan: Confirm clubs, childcare or pick-up arrangements.  

• Medical info: Update the school on any allergies, medications or emergency contacts.  

• Transport check: If your child walks, cycles or takes the bus, go through the route together. 

Free—From Lunchbox Inspiration  

Finding allergy-friendly or free-from options that are still tasty and filling doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are a few quick ideas to add to your lunchbox rotation: 

• Wraps: Gluten-free wraps filled with chicken, hummus and salad, or dairy-free cheese and veggies 

• Snack pots: Rice cakes with little tubs of dairy-free cream cheese or guac for dipping 

• Fruit and protein: Apple slices with sunflower seed butter 

• Homemade treats: Oat bars made with dairy-free spread and safe-for-all ingredients 

• Leftover love: Mini portions of last night’s pasta or roasted veg with pesto 

Free-From Breakfast Boosters  

A good breakfast sets the tone for the school day. Here are some quick, allergy-friendly options: 

• Overnight oats with dairy-free milk, chia seeds and berries  

• Gluten-free toast with smashed avocado or dairy-free spread and jam  

• Banana pancakes  

• Smoothie on the go with frozen fruit, oat milk and a spoonful of protein powder  

• Breakfast muffins made in advance with grated carrot, courgette or apple 

Get the Kids Involved  

Get your children involved in choosing and prepping lunches. It not only saves you time but also helps them feel excited about eating what’s in their box. A little Sunday batch prep (chopping veg sticks, baking muffins, portioning snacks) can make the weekday mornings so much smoother. 

With this back-to-school prep checklist and a few free-from breakfast and lunchbox ideas, you’ll be ahead of the game. A little planning makes mornings smoother, keeps kids fuelled, and helps everyone start the new school year with less stress. 

Here’s to a happy, healthy and stress-free start to the new school year! ✏️📚🥪