Give it some time or change?

[PrincessConsuela12]

Hello,

I posted this in the nursery topic but I've not had many responses so hoping if I post it here I will...

My DS started nursery almost a year ago at 11 months old, we've had no issues & he settled in really well until a few weeks ago when he went up to the toddler group. The first week he was fine & went in happily however when I picked him up I noticed he had a soiled nappy, I thought maybe it had happened just before I arrived & the nursery staff didn’t notice but the next time I picked him up his sleeve was soaking wet, it was a really cold day too so I would’ve expected them to have changed his vest & jumper. Since then he has been crying and clinging to me at drop off, it’s awful & so unlike him, handing him over & walking away from him shouting no mummy no is awful & I dread the days he goes.
He went up with 3 of his friends from the baby group & looks happy in the photos I get sent but this change in him worries me.
His behaviour at home has changed too, he’s skipped a few afternoon naps (very unlike him), has had some restless nights & is quicker to get upset / angry.
My instinct is saying change nurseries but am I rushing this decision? Is this typical toddler behaviour (he’ll be 2 in April)? Or do I give it some time to see if it gets better?

The soiled nappy and wet sleeve aren't ideal but these things do occasionally get over looked. It's not generally the sign of a bad nursery unless it's happening more and more.

Have there been any staff changes that might be unsettling him? At nearly 2 he's more aware that you're leaving him and that you're not there when he wants you and this could be causing him to feel unsettled at home as well as at nursery drop off. I'd chat to the nursery about how they manage drop off. A staff member could take him off to find a favourite activity or book or do a special picture for when mummy comes back. You could also try giving him something special of yours to 'look after' until you come back, a cuddly toy or a scarf etc.

This is tricky as he's getting to an age where he's more aware, and he's also had a change of surroundings and I guess people. Dropping naps isn't unusual at this age either so that could just be coincidental. The behaviour could be an age thing too, or it could be that now he's around older children and maybe learning some more 'assertive' behaviour.

So I wouldn't rush to move him straight away, however I would definitely monitor it. Can they give you a reassurance call after you've dropped him off to let you know he's settled down? That way you can judge how quick he's settling in. Sometimes they do put on a performance for parents benefit then are fine once the door is shut!
If the dirty nappy isn't a one off then I wouldn't be happy with that though.

Thank you both

I believe all the staff are new (to him) however for a month or so before moving up he had settling in sessions with the baby room staff.

I'm hoping it is coincidental & time will only tell but it's like it's happened overnight & so out of character for him.

I'm going to speak to them this evening but I have a feeling it'll be a bit rushed & they'll say he's fine once he's through the door.

@Blossomandbee I hadn't thought about that, it could well be that he's seeing it from some older children, he's started to use words that we don't at home (he said hi dude to us the other day, I don't think I've ever used the word dude so he could've picked it up from there 🤷🏽‍♀️)