With many children in Norway beginning kindergarten or barnehage this month, knowing what to expect, what to pack, and how a typical day looks can help you and your child overcome any beginner's nerves.
The first step
The first day at kindergarten can feel exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. For international families, the adjustment also involves learning a new cultural approach to early childhood education.
Most preschools send a welcome letter or information packet before term starts. Read it carefully, especially if Norwegian isn’t your first language.
In diverse cities like Oslo, where over 200 nationalities are represented, staff are experienced in welcoming children who don’t yet speak Norwegian. While Norwegian is the main language, employees are trained to provide extra care and support as children settle into a new environment.
Every child has a dedicated storage space such as a shelf, box, or hanger, marked with their name or photo. Parents are responsible for keeping this space tidy and ensuring items are washed and replaced as needed. Labelling clothing and shoes with a textile pen or name stickers (navnelapper) helps both staff and parents keep track.
Kindergartens will often send out a list of items they'd like children to keep in their storage space. This will change according to season, but is likely to include two full changes of clothing, indoor shoes with soft soles (innesko), a water bottle (vannflaske), warm clothes (wool and fleece) for layering, rain clothes such as a rain suit, boots, and gloves (regndress, gummistøvler, regnvotter), winter gear such as a snowsuit (vinterdress) or jacket and pants, plus hat, buff, or balaclava, outdoor play clothes that are water- and windproof, diapers, wipes, and creams (bleier, våtservietter og kremer), a pacifier (smokk), and a stroller for naps (barnevogn) if necessary.
If you are worried about kids' winter clothes, the Oslo municipality also provides an illustrated guide in multiple languages.
Keep in mind that outdoor gear often needs washing, so expect a daily rotation of clothes going back and forth.
A typical day at barnehage
Kindergartens typically open between 7:30am and 8am. Parents accompany children inside, help them remove outerwear, and change into indoor shoes. Breakfast follows within a set time—some kindergartens provide cereal, milk, and fruit, while others ask parents to send food from home.
Morning play & activities
Play is central in Norwegian kindergartens. It’s seen as an important arena for learning—helping children develop language, social skills, and creativity. Many kindergartens also have a weekly excursion day (tur), which could mean a local playground, library, or museum.
Lunch
Served around 11am, lunch routines vary. Some kindergartens serve bread, milk, and fruit; others offer hot meals; and some require a packed lunch from home. Packed lunches often include open-faced sandwiches (pålegg), fruit, and vegetables—sweets are not allowed.
Nap time
Many children sleep outdoors in their strollers, regardless of the season. Staff help children settle, supervise them, and record their sleep times. If you’re unfamiliar with outdoor naps, staff are happy to explain (is one of the biggest surprises for international parents) and may offer alternatives.
Afternoon
After naps, there’s usually a planned activity such as painting, singing, building, or ball games, plus a fruit or snack break. Pick-up time is often lively—children may be deep in play and reluctant to leave. Staff provide a short summary of the day, including sleep, meals, and activities.
Why do most children go to barnehage?
Norwegian kindergartens are considered part of the national education system, though attendance isn’t compulsory. Still, 93 percent of children aged 1–5 attend, and the figure is even higher for those aged 3–5, at 97 percent, figures from the Norwegian Directorate for Education show.
Children spend a lot of time outdoors, even in cold weather. Outdoor play often means climbing trees, getting muddy, and exploring independently. Teachers ensure children are dressed appropriately and bring them indoors if it gets too cold (around -10° Celsius, depending on age).
Be prepared for your child to fall ill more frequently during their first term at barnehage due to increased exposure to germs. The rule is to stay home for 24 hours if the baby or child has a fever. Norway's Institute of Public Health provides an official list of information for parents regarding diseases and when the child should stay at home.
How to apply
Parents apply for kindergarten spots through their local municipality. The main admission deadline is usually March 1st, with places starting in August or September.
Applications can be submitted year-round, but availability outside the main intake is limited. It’s possible to visit kindergartens before applying and many host open days in winter. Contact the kindergarten to arrange a visit.
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