Co-parenting handover checklist: what goes in the bag
A handover bag carries the things a child needs that only one home has. Pack school things for the days ahead, any medicines with written instructions, a comfort item, clothes for activities, and chargers. Agree a short list both homes use, and keep the rest of each child's everyday basics in both homes.
What should always go in a handover bag?
- School bag, reading book, homework and anything due back
- PE kit and clothes for clubs on the days ahead
- Any medicines, with written instructions and when the last dose was given
- Glasses, retainers or other daily items
- A comfort item, if your child has one
- Phone, tablet and chargers
- Any letters from school or other paperwork the other parent needs
What should each home keep, so the bag stays small?
- Everyday clothes, pyjamas and underwear
- Toothbrush and toiletries
- A spare school uniform if you can
- Any everyday medicines your child uses, kept in each home
- Favourite snacks and a few toys and books
Having the basics in both homes means children are not carrying their whole life back and forth.
How do you stop things getting left behind?
Use the same checklist in both homes and go through it the evening before a handover, not five minutes before. Older children can tick it off themselves. Note anything left behind straight away, so it can come back at the next handover rather than turning into a special trip.
How do you keep handovers calm?
Keep handovers short and at a set time and place, such as the school gate, so children do not wait around. Save conversations about money or plans for messages later, not in front of the children. If a handover changes, agree it in writing.
How does Haevn help with handovers?
In Haevn's Co-Parenting space:
- A custody handover log records each handover
- A shared calendar for two homes shows whose night it is and when the next handover is
- Child View gives children a read-only calendar, so they know where they are staying
- Messages cannot be edited or deleted, so changes to plans stay on record
- One subscription covers both parents
To see how handovers fall in different patterns, read co-parenting schedules explained, or try the free co-parenting schedule planner and custody time calculator. See also how Haevn works for co-parents and how UK co-parenting apps compare.
Where can you get help with arrangements?
If you are agreeing arrangements more widely, GOV.UK's guide to making child arrangements explains the options, including family mediation. Cafcass's Our Child's Plan is an online tool that helps parents write down what they agree.
Frequently asked questions
What should a child take between two homes?
Pack what only one home has: school things for the days ahead, PE and club kit, any medicines with written instructions, a comfort item and chargers. Keep everyday clothes, toiletries and basics in both homes so the bag stays small.
How do you stop children forgetting things at the other parent's house?
Use the same handover checklist in both homes and go through it the evening before. Note anything left behind straight away so it comes back at the next handover.
Where is the best place for a co-parenting handover?
Many families use a set time and a neutral, familiar place, such as the school gate or a regular drop-off point, so handovers are short and predictable. Agree any change in writing.
How do co-parents keep track of handovers?
A shared calendar shows when each handover is due, and a handover log records when each one happened. Haevn has both, plus messages that cannot be edited or deleted.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Making child arrangements if you divorce or separate (read 3 November 2026)
- Cafcass, How an Our Child's Plan can help (read 3 November 2026)
Spotted something wrong? Email support@haevn.co.uk.
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