Dummy to nursery? (sorry, long)

[Hadeda]

I am currently settling DD (10 months) in at nursery before I go back to work next week. Today we went at her nap time so she could sleep there.

Now, DD uses a dummy to fall asleep with me but she doesn't with DH. Although I obv put her to sleep at lot more than DH does. My HV advised me not to send the dummy to nursery as it may get popped in her mouth every time she squeaks. I really don't want that to happen as I'm hoping to reduce dummy use rather than increase it.

Anyway, nap time at nursery today went appallingly. I took her into the sleep room to settle her. Of course it is much noisier and more light than home. DD could hear people having fun and so was not interested in sleep at all. I had sneaked the dummy in with me (how pathetic am I?!) and tried to settle her with it but she was having none of it. She was awake until we left (so missed her usual 2 hour afternoon nap) and naturally was very grumpy by then.

So, I'm now wondering whether or not I should send her with the dummy but ask them not to use it other than for naps - but I'm really not sure she'll "learn" to sleep quicker with it as she's going to have to get used to the noise and light as well. The noise, especially, will be a big disruption for her - she can never resist a party!

Does anyone have any thoughts? I don't want to be unfair on her as nursery is a big change, but I very definitely do not want the dummy plugged in her face all day. She doesn't have a special toy but perhaps I could send her with a soft toy that I've slept with (so it smells of me) and she could develop an attachment to that?

yes that should be fine tell them in no uncertain term shall she be given this apart from nap

if she cries etc no dummy is given they will oblige by your rules if you go in and see a dummy in mouth you remind them only nap times

nursery should abide by your instructions so just make it clear that she is only to have a dummy at nap times

shouldn't present a problem

hadeda my daughter has a dummy at nursery for naps - and they take it off her once the naps are finished.. - actually my dh took her to nursery this morning, she had found a dummy and walked in the room with it and her carer confiscated it, and said "no dummy now!!!!!" . Staff at the nursery will abide by your wishes, and i let me dd keep her dummy so that she could have one for nursery (although i was thinking of stopping it around this time i figured out she might need it more).

it is hard getting them to sleep at nursery in the beginning (noise, more light, different room) but they get used to it, my dd went from 20 minute naps to now having almost 2 hours naps. it just takes a bit of time, and you will find that your nursery will work it out, and your child will get used to it ...

I left a soft toy for my dd, also took in her grobags etc for her (or your own blanket etc)

It feels hard in the beginning, my dd went at 11 months as well to settle in, she is now 18 months,walks in and says "bye bye" to me as i leave, and sometimes i have to wrestle her out of the room!

Goodluck ... it gets easier

Thanks also for the responses - am Krugerparkrules for the reassurance re nursery. (From your nickname I think we might come from the same part of the world? )

I'll speak to them today about the dummy for naps only. I'm leaving her alone today which caused lots of tears yesterday - hers, not mine - so wish us luck!

hadeda hope it went well today - from spending almost 5 days in the nursery with my dd i realised that they cry, and very soon after the parent has left they are fine agian. most nursery staff are experienced at this and will comfort and distract the child. it is hard, but it will get easier, for both of you!
you guessed, south africa! name to remind me of the wonderful times in the gamepark, waking up early, going animal sighting! mmmh for a week there now! where you from?