My 1 yr old baby has recently started nursery 2 days a week due to me having to go back to work in a months time. I started her early so that she wouldn't have to jump straight in to long days. I am fortunate to have found a nursery that seems lovely and had a very generous settling in period of several sessions over 2 weeks. Whilst at these sessions, I was of course able to observe the other babies already there. Although generally the babies (8-12months) all appeared settled, I would notice on occasion that they might cry for a little bit and then stop, some would look a bit sad or 'dead behind the eyes' ( for lack of better words). I didn't feel like I saw any of them smiling/laughing really. I am not saying this is reflective of the nursery as the staff do appear caring but they also have to look after multiple babies and can't give that 1 to 1 time they would get an home ( i recognise this is not a realistic expectation).
My baby has been upset whenever I have dropped her off and they have said crying on/off whilst there for many hours. I recognise it is early days and settling in takes time. They have said they will call me if she gets too upset but have yet to do so. I guess what I am saying is am I overthinking things that their threshold of 'too upset' will be a lot lot higher than mine and that actually baby probably is very upset when she is there and if she stops crying for amounts of time it is ?out of exhaustion/ resignation . Am I overthinking things by thinking that nurseries generally portray things as more positive than then really are. It makes me think about when people say their young baby is happy at nursery - is the baby actually happy throughout the day or just subdued and coping on some level........
Hope that makes sense, think I am looking for reassurance really