What is best age to start nursery?

[Pinklady3777]

My daughter is 7 months old now. I'm looking at nursery options for her for 2-3 days a week for either september or Januarynand wonder what might be better for her. She will be a yer in sept, 16 months in jan. I'm anxious to do it at the least stressful time for her (separation anxiety etc) but also when she is ready for it- she is a little bit shy in groups I bring her to at the mo so I don't want her overwhelmed. my husband and I can share child are between us in the autumn but she would need to go for a dy or two at least in the new year. Any advice in general even on starting a little one in nursery would be great. It's he still feels so young- it is hard to imagine how she will be/what she will eed in sept and after! Thanks!! Xx

I started my ds in nursery at 12 months and he settled fine and really loves going. He is 15 months now and never wants to come home with me when i go to collect him, as he is having to much fun.

All children are different though and no age is perfect to start nursery, babies and children often dont like new things and change at first but they settle very quickly. I really believe though that its inportant to give a positive vibe about a new situation as children pick up on your anxiety.

Thanks! Definitely right about the positive vibe!! I have to work on that! I want her to be exactly like that and be having so much fun that she can't wait to go! I think we have found a good nursery for that but it's so hard to know! Was your ds ever clingy around the 12 month mark? Some people seem to say send the baby before 9 months or wait til they are 2 and a half to avoid that but that isn't an option!

DS started nursery when I went back to work 5 days before his first birthday.
Due to various holidays etc he had only had 2 x 1 hour visits before hand.
He settled in fine and has been there ever since. He is 3.6 now.

Just reread my post - he has not been at nursery ever since the week before his first birthday, I have been picking him up in the evenings!

DS started at 10 months. He only goes 1 day a week. He settled fine. The first day he didn't nap very well but since then he's napped the same as he does at home.

I don't think there will be much difference between 12 and 16 months in terms of separation anxiety, so go for either. Anywhere between 9 months and 2ish is going to be much the same (depending on the personality of the child).

He has always been a bit clingy and had never been left before with anyone other than myself or Dp. I was worried about him starting, but when i took him for his settling in period i just acted positive ( as i had to go back to work so he had to go) and it worked he settled really quick.

I would say either before 9 months or after 2.5 too, TBH. Can you not start her in the next couple of months?

At 9 months the separation anxiety thing kicks in big time, if they already have a relationship with their carers before then, it shouldn't be an issue. If in between these ages, then I would look for a nursery where you really feel comfortable with the staff and you are happy with the settling in procedure.

Have you considered a childminder? I feel little ones get on better with them, personal preference of course though :)

Brilliant! I'm still giggling at this post!

Wrong thread?