Since the kids are all used to bringing their blankies what I would likely do is send a note home. Note that as of April 15th you will no longer allow blankies from home. Note that they have become a problem during indoor play and they are an added hassle when going to the park.

Let the parents know that in order to prepare the children you will limit the blankies to nap time as of today until April 7th (or whenever), at that time you will begin taking the blankies and placing them in a bag at drop off until home time.

As of April 15th you expect the blankies to either stay at home or stay at the car, parents will be responsible for removing them form the child should the child bring them into the daycare. Put this in writing so they don't just let the child bring it in for you to rip away and hand back to the parent. The parent takes the blankie away or takes the child away!!

This makes the parents feel you are taking it on yourself to 'untrain' the child from having the blankies all day, which you have allowed thus far. Theoretically it makes it easier on the parents to no longer allow the blankies as you have untrained the children.

While it is completely up to the parent to actually leave the blankies at home...I can see some being worried about taking their child's lovie away in the morning hustle when they have been allowed to bring it for so long. This letter will break the news that have to step up and stop allowing it but makes it appear you are taking steps to help them which will hopefully lead to cooperation on the parents part.

I am biased though...my daughter (24months) is a complete blankie girl. She uses it all day...it's a cape, a doll bed, a dog blankie and very much part of her play. That said...when we realized she was attached to it we went out and bought 2 more so she has 3 in total. She knows there are 3 but we would be leaving a separate one at daycare an would be expecting it only stays in her bed at daycare. It is unreasonable to expect someone watching 5 children to keep a treasured blankie safe and clean! I would be so weary of sending a homemade knit blankie as they so easily get worn and unravel.

My nephew (2.5yrs) is inseparable with his blankie but my brother and sister-in-law (and most likely his home daycare provider) knew from the start not to allow that habit. He happily adjusted to daycare life with no blankie.

It does take not only the daycare providers but the PARENTS to make this happen though. A simple 'Blankies stay at home" is all it takes.