One year old at nursery

[WinkyWinkola]

Just dropped off DS (aged 3) at nursery. His sister (aged 13 months) was really happy in the room with the other children. I was chatting to DS's key worker. When I went to get her, she was absolutely furious at being taken away.

Does this mean that she would like to be with other children more and I should consider putting her in nursery for a few hours too? Or is it too early and I'm being silly? I'm just curious as to others opinions.

I'm a student SAHM btw.

[francagoestohollywood]

Maybe she was just curious of the new environment, toys, little persons like her etc. I don't think it proves that she is "ready", although, there are children who settle more quickly than others.

My dc started nursery (twice a week) when they were around your dd's age, mainly because I wanted them to learn English asap (both me and dh are italian so didn't speak English in the house) and I could take some translating job. It took them a little while to settle.

[francagoestohollywood]

ps: I think that if you need a few hrs to study on your own, you like the nursery, they offer a good settling in period for your dd, etc, you find the general environment cheerful etc etc, you can consider an afternoon a week perhaps?

[JennyWren]

My dd (now almost 3) started nursery at 12 months and loves it! She only goes one day each week, and is with my PIL for the other two days I work, but she settled straight away and is still always excited when 'nursery day' comes around. I think it depends on the individual child, but if you are happy with the nursery and can afford it, I would say to give it a try. If she doesn't settle, just take her out again - no big deal. My dd has certainly gained confidence in interacting with other adults and children, gets some 'peer group' time (she is an only child) and gets to play with toys/activities that we don't do at home.

[witchandchips]

but some nurseries don't like to take them for only a day a week as they tend not to settle- there is too long a gap between sessions. Better is two afternoons or mornings a week (tuesdays and thursdays for example)