Don’t want to send my son to nursery. Are my fears irrational?

[Mamaducksays]

I’m a first time mum my son is 9 months old.

I’m due back to work in March when he will be just over a year old.

I’m getting myself so worked up about sending my son to a nursery 3 days a week.

I’m so anxious that he’s going to get ill.
Bugs, germs or more serious diseases.

I’m losing sleep over the thought of something happening to him.

I keep telling myself all parents feel this way, but do they? Is what I’m feeling normal?

Hi OP

Can completely relate to you! My DS is 3 and starting nursery in the new year. I want him to learn to mix with people and get used to being away from me before he starts reception in September.

I am terrified of the illnesses that I know he will get. High temperatures make me panic, coughing makes me panic, sickness bugs make me panic. I really hate him being Ill but.... I've decided that it's going to happen in September anyway so whats is the point in delaying him further.

I dont know what the answer is but i just want you to know that your not alone with these worries. (I also worry about choking and mine is 3!!!)

I’m so anxious that he’s going to get ill.
Bugs, germs or more serious diseases.

Yes, they will, all children do, you forget nits!

My son started nursery in February.

He's had two cases of conjunctivitis & a number of colds since starting.

Do not regret it at all. His social skills & development have benefited so much. He has so much fun there & also has learnt to be a bit more independent & less clingy. He's started to form friendships which is so lovely to see.

It's normal and healthy for kids to get sick and catch little bugs.

Re. Childminder v nursery it's totally personal and will depend what you have near you but our CM was like family. Age genuinely loved my kids and that was really important to me. I wanted them in a home environment with mixed ages and one adult to form one bond with. It seemed more natural to me and I saw one sad nursery with bored looking girls and babies it seemed unnatural.

But. There are amazing nurseries and it might be what you prefer. You will have to go with instinct.

It’s normal to feel anxious
You appear beyond that tbh ( in the kindest possible way)
He will pick up bugs and germs - this us a good thing as it build immunity
He will get used to being away from you - this us a good thing
Start to see nursery in a more positive light
He’ll settle in and be fine

I felt exactly the same when dd started nursery in September. She was a year old but it has been amazing for her and she loves it. She does 3 days a week and always comes back exhausted as they do so much. She has had a few colds but she got more sick when attending baby classes pre nursery.
Your son will be fine :)

He will get sick, he’ll get every cold going and he’ll bring it home for you. Same with tummy bugs. He’ll get them all. And so will you. But...it’s good for him and his immune system needs it.

Also, he could choke anywhere. Everyone in the nursery will have paediatric first aid and will be able to help him very calmly and effectively, were he to choke.

It’s normal to worry but don’t let that worry deny him valuable experiences.

Totally normal.
I felt the same. DS is now 3 and we are upping his days he loves it so much.
You’ll get through it