Nervous about nursery

[Millano]

Just wanted a few words of advice from all the mums out there who've put their DC in nursery from a relatively young age. My DS is 9 months old, and starts nursery week after next, which is also when I start a new job. I feel sad, guilt, nervous, but also pleased he'll be mixing with children, will be entertained, socialised, have fun etc etc. I'm scared of starting a new job the same day he starts nursery (he does have a 'settling in' few hours next week in preparation), and having to massively compartmentalise all thoughts of my son, and quash all worries, so I can concentrate on work. Argghhh it's consuming me! How did you find it?

Mine started at six months, and I was a bit wobbly dropping him off, but as the baby room is on the same wall as the entrance it was very obvious when the weeping as I handed him over was almost instantly replaced by glee at new things to chew on. Little traitor.

Honestly you'll be fine, and most places use Seesaw or something to send you pictures through the day - ours is great at making sure parents get plenty of pictures during the first week and did it the first week back after lockdown too. It really helps with the wobbles.

@Amrythings

Mine started at six months, and I was a bit wobbly dropping him off, but as the baby room is on the same wall as the entrance it was very obvious when the weeping as I handed him over was almost instantly replaced by glee at new things to chew on. Little traitor.

Honestly you'll be fine, and most places use Seesaw or something to send you pictures through the day - ours is great at making sure parents get plenty of pictures during the first week and did it the first week back after lockdown too. It really helps with the wobbles.

Thank you, that was really reassuring to read.

I found the first week so hard . I dropped my son off and cried on my way to work . It got better though and now I’m on maternity leave with baby number 2 and decided to keep my firstborn in nursery 2 days a week because he loves it ( and it gives me one on one with his brother)!

I’m not sure if my answer is warranted because my DC started later at 18m (delayed from 12 due to C19).

However I was very anxious and worried but it’s been fine. The nursery has an app so I know when and how much for sleep, meals and nappies. I also get photos during the day.

Work wise I was fine once I got into the swing of it and felt happier within myself as I found the Covid part of Mat leave quite difficult. I’ve not had to compartmentalise as when I’m focused, I’m focused.

DC loves nursery, the staff are great. I won’t focus too much on that as I know you want reassurance for younger babies.