Should I start my daughter in nursery before or after baby is born?

[chickpea123]

Hello,

I was due to start my 2.5 year old daughter in nursery this sept but due to covid and lack of job security, I chose to postpone until next sept.

I am due to have a baby in Feb, and my OHs parents have offered to pay for nursery for 2 mornings a week if I still want to send her. I am unsure of what to do. Anyone have any advice/been in a similar situation where they aren’t sure whether or not to send their toddler before or after the baby is born?

Before
So she doesn’t feel like you have rejected her for the baby

Definitely well ahead of baby so she doesn't feel the baby has pushed her out.

Before.

As PP said, plus then she'll be settling in to nursery during a settled period of her life, and you'll get a bit of me-time pre baby 2!

Definitely before! Get her nice and used to the new normal before the baby comes along.

DD1 started nursery 2 mornings a week at 16 months. DD2 was born 4 months later. Those 6hrs a week was the only time she wasn't with me (DH was working abroad). It was good for both of us. I even got to go to midwife appointments alone. After DD2 was born it was a chance for me to have a bit of 1-2-1 time with DD2.

Definitely before!
She may feel pushed out if it's after, like you don't want her around because of the baby. But if it's before, she may enjoy the break from baby! 😂

Thanks for all your messages. My reservation was that it might be more hassle than it’s worth trying to get her to nursery with a baby in tow but I guess it is better for her not to feel pushed out once the baby arrives