to change DSs routine to suit nursery?

[griffaloschild]

DS is having a bit of trouble settling in at nursery (difficult to ascertain from the staff how much trouble - they say he is not distressed but cries a few times during the day). When he started I explained that he has a sleep mid morning (max 2 hours). They nodded politely and said they would try this but their routine was for the babies to sleep after lunch. To cut a long story short he goes two days per week and usually comes home tired and grumpy.

There seems to be mixed messages about how he adapting (DH swears they tell him he is fine all day and doesn't cry, they tell me he has been crying!). One of the staff suggested that we change his days to two consecutive days (at the moment he goes Tues and Fri and was designed to give him a break at home with me between the two sessions). They feel he will settle better if the days are consecutive.

So my questions are, firstly, should I consider trying to change his sleep routine to fit in with the nursery routine; and secondly, do you think two consecutive days will help him settle?

would really appreciate your advice
x

I have thought of a CM but thought it might be better to try hard with the nursery before uprooting him again - he has only been there 2 months, so still in settling in period. I do wish I'd given a CM more thought in the first place though.

Also in response to runnybottom - I am trying to work with the carers hence posting on here to get advice about changing things to make it easier for everyone.

thanks for all your advice - its very helpful.

Of course they have different needs, but how do you expect a nursery to be individually tailored to every single child? Maybe in your magical fairytale nursery....

I'm actually really shocked by your attitude runnybottom!

"the ridiculous expectations of parents"

The childs needs are first and foremost and should be accommodated in a childcare setting. It is part of the EYFS. Any nursery who is not willing to accomodate the needs of its children, sleep being one of them, should be avoided and I would hope not be allowed Ofsted registration.

I think you did exactly the right thing, leaving childcare with an attitude like that runnybottom. Thank you on behalf of all the children who may have ended up in your care.

At my DDs nursery, there is a baby room, where, they are allowed to be babies, and eat and sleep when they need to. THe nursery room has a scheduled nap time after lunch or in the afternoon, however they also have a separate sleep room for children in that age group who have different sleep routines. So that parents do not find themselves in the situation the OP is in now.

OP- My DD was much older when she started at nursery, infact she was already in the pre-school room. She did settle much better with consecutive days. Then I was able to change them once she was happy in the setting. Although, that said, we have ended up with her going mon & tues.

in the majority of day nurseries, the under 1s are in a young baby room, and often the individual baby routines are followed.
however , once baby is over 12 months, sent to a 'toddler' type room. with more active , larger toys, and a different routine.
between the ages of 12 months to 2yrs , sleep pattern does change.

even if the staff could catter for your childs needs, it would be probematic............can your baby drop off to sleep in a cot , in a large room with all the other children still playing/having morning snack etc?

and if he cant, they would have to put your child in a sleep area or room, and have to asign one member of staff to sit there until he wakes.
leaving them short of staff in the general room.

also , all staff are entitled to a lunch break, in fact , its very important they get one, so that they can handle the large amounts of children they deal with.
and while the children all settle down for afternoon nap, they have a lunch break, then in turn let the staff in younger baby rooms have a lunch break.
all at staggered times during this short nap time.

when you put your child in a day nursery, part of the down side is the fact that herd type upbringing is not a normal so adjustments do have to be made , on parental expectations and grasping the benifits and negatives of nursery upbringing.

Runnybottom, you are talking out of your runnybottom.
I'm a nurse, my patients needs are their needs, regardless of the rest of the wards 'needs' or 'routine'. They get what they want as and when they need it.

It is no different in a childcare setting. The early years foundation stage stipulates many many things, sleep being one of the important needs of a child, which should be met, at the requirement of the individual.

You seem to be the the one living in a fairytale. I'd like to know where you worked actually. Very much, as I'd be very concerned at the nursery's policies, or is it just your take on the policy that should be of concern.

I can't believe you ever considered a career in childcare with an attitude that puts the child last it would seem.

That would be like me putting my patients last all the time, when infact its the complete opposite, and the main reason I don't eat when i'm on a 13 hour shift or sit down, or get a break etc.... their needs along with the whole wards needs are paramount. Its just the way it is. Always will be amongst my profession.

Did ye hurt yourself on that big leap?

you are just odd. read what you have written. read what others have written. yet you seem it ok to be sarcastic to me. you are an odd person.

at my nursery each child has individualised file detailing what sleep,food,allergies and nursery adheres to that.with obvious exception awake at lunch and snacks.but in general it is collaboration between parent and nursery.certainly at 13mo id expect them to cooperate with nap in quiet area