Baby starting nursery

Hifromhere · 2025-12-28T02:24:30+00:00

Just wanted advice really. LO is 10 months and starting nursery soon. Truthfully, I’m dreading it! I’ve been so lucky and had a wonderful PP experience. I genuinely enjoy his company and watching him grow. I feel quite jealous that I don’t get to be with him all the time. I actually do like my job and worked very hard for my career pre baby. Plus, I’m only returning part time. Quitting just isn’t an option financially for us. Also, I’d like to set the example that working hard is important. But right now, I see my tiny baby and I want to be with them all the time. Some mums I’ve spoken to understand the feeling, but others have been a bit dismissive and acted like I’m work shy! It’s not that, it’s just I want to be with my very longed for baby as much as possible. After a tough pregnancy, this will probably be my only one. Does it get easier? Will I regret this decision?

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KatRee · 28/12/2025 07:17

I also have a 10 month old, who’ll be starting nursery in February. I cried when I registered him. I know I’ll miss having so much time just me and him and I do feel sad to think of how he’ll feel when he first starts as he’s too young to understand that mummy’s coming back. However, I’ve been through it all before with my now 3-year-old, and last time in the event it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d been dreading. He settled in pretty well- the staff were brilliant and he formed a lovely bond with them and I actually enjoyed being back at work more than I thought I would. It was good for me to have something else to focus on and talk to other adults about things other than babies. It definitely did get easier, so hoping for a similar experience this time.
I’m jealous that you will be working part-time though- I’ve had to go back full-time. I think you may find that the days you spend either baby are better ‘quality ‘ for want of a better word once you are no longer with them 24/7

Original poster

Hifromhere · 28/12/2025 09:58

KatRee · 28/12/2025 07:17

I also have a 10 month old, who’ll be starting nursery in February. I cried when I registered him. I know I’ll miss having so much time just me and him and I do feel sad to think of how he’ll feel when he first starts as he’s too young to understand that mummy’s coming back. However, I’ve been through it all before with my now 3-year-old, and last time in the event it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d been dreading. He settled in pretty well- the staff were brilliant and he formed a lovely bond with them and I actually enjoyed being back at work more than I thought I would. It was good for me to have something else to focus on and talk to other adults about things other than babies. It definitely did get easier, so hoping for a similar experience this time.
I’m jealous that you will be working part-time though- I’ve had to go back full-time. I think you may find that the days you spend either baby are better ‘quality ‘ for want of a better word once you are no longer with them 24/7

Thank you for this. I agree that I will cherish our days even more now. I know I’m very fortunate to work part time. I also have half terms as I work in education. I guess it’s all just a transition. Hoping both our babies settle quickly for us 🤞 Thanks for sharing your experience

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Bryonyberries · 28/12/2025 10:04

I definitely understand that feeling. I was a mum who didn’t want to leave her babies. Fortunately I was able to work opposite shifts to my partner when they were small (both in care work).

I now work in a nursery and many mums do struggle when leaving their baby to begin with but once baby settles and comes in happy you can see the parent relax too. I think parents often find it harder than the baby so you aren’t alone.

Only you can decide if it is it worth it to you though as there are so many factors involved. How much you need the money, whether you have a career to maintain or just a ‘job’ that won’t make a difference leaving for a few years. If you function better with space or by being with baby full time. I think mums especially are under a lot of pressure from society to go back to the work place when babies are still very young and just because society says you should you need to work out what your own little family needs most in the early years. With retirement ages rising all the time we are all working a long time.

Sunshineclouds11 · 29/12/2025 17:37

I've been through it twice.
DD started at 11 months at the beginning of this year.

prepare for tears from yourself and DC.
the first couple of weeks are always hard, your both adjusting and finding a new routine.

DD doesn't even look back to say bye now

NuMummy1234 · 29/12/2025 20:37

Our baby started nursery at 8 months old. It was and still is really hard! I miss him every day and spend time between meetings looking at videos and photos of him.

Changes in his nap routine and bottle feeding have been challenging and have given us new problems like not sleeping through the night. He’s also had lots of illnesses in his first 6 months.

But with all that said, I know I could never give him the enrichment he gets in nursery every day. He spends all playing, making friends, arts & crafts, eating new foods, practicing walking, etc. He’s also built amazing relationships with the staff which has been so nice to see.

I truly think he’s better off developmentally being in nursery than he is being home with me— that’s what makes it all worth it.

good luck mama, you got this!

Original poster

Hifromhere · 29/12/2025 22:22

Bryonyberries · 28/12/2025 10:04

I definitely understand that feeling. I was a mum who didn’t want to leave her babies. Fortunately I was able to work opposite shifts to my partner when they were small (both in care work).

I now work in a nursery and many mums do struggle when leaving their baby to begin with but once baby settles and comes in happy you can see the parent relax too. I think parents often find it harder than the baby so you aren’t alone.

Only you can decide if it is it worth it to you though as there are so many factors involved. How much you need the money, whether you have a career to maintain or just a ‘job’ that won’t make a difference leaving for a few years. If you function better with space or by being with baby full time. I think mums especially are under a lot of pressure from society to go back to the work place when babies are still very young and just because society says you should you need to work out what your own little family needs most in the early years. With retirement ages rising all the time we are all working a long time.

Thank you for this. It’s good to know that it will be harder for me than him. I hate the thought of him struggling and wondering where I am. We really couldn’t afford me not working but honestly, nothing is more important than my baby and I’d do anything for him.
I hope that he will settle quickly and our new routine will work for us. Thanks again!

OP posts:

Original poster

Hifromhere · 29/12/2025 22:24

NuMummy1234 · 29/12/2025 20:37

Our baby started nursery at 8 months old. It was and still is really hard! I miss him every day and spend time between meetings looking at videos and photos of him.

Changes in his nap routine and bottle feeding have been challenging and have given us new problems like not sleeping through the night. He’s also had lots of illnesses in his first 6 months.

But with all that said, I know I could never give him the enrichment he gets in nursery every day. He spends all playing, making friends, arts & crafts, eating new foods, practicing walking, etc. He’s also built amazing relationships with the staff which has been so nice to see.

I truly think he’s better off developmentally being in nursery than he is being home with me— that’s what makes it all worth it.

good luck mama, you got this!

This is so reassuring. Thank you! I will definitely be looking at his photos all day! I think all mums want the same. A happy, healthy kids thats well adjusted. I’m sure nursery is part of creating that for many families. It’s just hard to think I would be with him all the time. Thank you so much for the words of encouragement

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HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 30/12/2025 11:24

Ds went nursery full time at 9 months. He loved it and thrived.
He’s 11 now and still talks fondly of his ‘first school’.

Original poster

Hifromhere · 30/12/2025 15:22

HighLadyofTheNightCourt · 30/12/2025 11:24

Ds went nursery full time at 9 months. He loved it and thrived.
He’s 11 now and still talks fondly of his ‘first school’.

Thank you so much. Really needed to hear stories like this one 🥰

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Shamesame · 30/12/2025 15:25

Honestly the first two weeks were horrific for us and she was hysterical dropping off but the staff were amazing and really focused on getting her to settle.

Developmentally she’s come on so well and it’s been less than 2 months (she started at 1).

I’d still rather be hanging out with her but do need to work.

Lottie6712 · 30/12/2025 19:24

Both mine went to nursery at 10 months and my eldest is now 4 and gained so much from her nursery experience :) we're lucky that it's a great setting but the positives have been numerous for our family.

Peonies12 · 30/12/2025 19:27

Mine started at 11 months; i spent most of those 11 months worrying about it! But it was fine, tears at drop off and pick up initially but now it’s been 4 months she is so happy to go in and has a great time. Going back to work has been great for my mental health and feels like such a break! And I enjoy my days with her more.