Fear of creches

[Catt]

Yesterday I took my 10 month old son to the creche at my local gym for the first time. He'd never been to a creche before and he absolutely hated the noise and crowded atmosphere! I had to stay with him, didn't go to the gym and after about half an hour of trying to get him used to the place, we both left. I'm planning to keep going to try and get him gradually used to the creche - I must admit I was a bit flabbergasted at his reaction. He's such a sociable baby generally, but he obviously found the creche terrifying. Does anyone have any tips or thoughts about how best to get him used to being left in a creche?

From my own experience, I think your own idea of keeping trying sounds like the right way to go about it. Is there one person you could physically give him to, rather than just leave him on a mat? Sometimes if they are actually held by someone for the parent departure bit that makes it easier? Also is there a local playgroup you could take him to, so that he could get used to other environments with lots of noise and people?
You may find that initially you can only leave him for very short periods. Perhaps next time you go, try leaving for just 5 mins, so that he gets used to the idea of you going and returning too.
Good luck.

Hi Katt

I've been settling my little one into a creche too, my best advice is keep it regular, if you stop all the work done so far is wasted. When you do go make sure its a quiet session, I started to leave my little one in the afternoons when it was quieter, so he was brave enough to explore and have more attention from the adults. At first he was permanently on someones hip, now he is off on his own. Still cries when I leave him, but that is not uncommon and I know they stop almost 2 seconds after you're out of that door. Plus if the child was really distressed they would come and get you, always remember that.

I think the noise is the most unsettling factor, mine hate it apparently when others cry, also dont be late in picking up, they see other mummys coming and are always looking up for you!

I know just what you're going through and it is hard, and sometimes I'd be in the gym thinking non-stop about him, but if you stick to it, little and often, I'm sure he'll be fine.

PS: I agree with Bugsy, always pass them to someone, I never leave him on a mat, that does feel like abandonment to him (and me!)

Some creches you can wheel the buggy in and the children can sit securely in it and survey the surroundings and then get out when they feel confident. Do you take his comfort toy/blanket and favourite biscuit?

Its not surprising that your little one cried at the creche, when you think that the babies that are sent to all day nursery at that age, they have a couple of short sessions with the parent before leaving them. Also at nursery its the same carers and children each time so its easier, but even so they still cry at first!

Why don't you try Crazy Tots or something similar- you know the ball pools and the bif spongy/foamy cushions etc? They're excellant and you spend the whole time with your child so they will get used to all the other screaming children - and before long he'll be running off!

Catt, is there anyone else you can go with that also has a young child and perhaps they could go to the creche together and at least he'll know one of the faces.