‘Attachment parenting’ and starting nursery

[crazycatlady5]

‘Attachment parenting’ In quotes as I guess I have kind of fallen into that style of parenting with no aim or purpose. I have a Velcro baby who I’ve coslept with most of her life, she has never ever taken a bottle or cup (she’ll only drink water out of them now at 10 months), I babywear a lot and she’s not been left to cry for any length of time.

She’s a very ‘friendly’ baby, so although she relies on me a lot she will happily go to anyone and laughs a lot and cuddles etc.

I’m going back to work soon 😭 and I’m nervous about nursery. She has always fed to sleep for a start so I’ve no idea how they’ll manage to get her to sleep. People tell me that nursery staff have magical powers though! I hope that’s true.

Sounds ridiculous but has anyone ever been nervous that nursery/childminder might ‘sleep train’ your child?

Don’t really know what my question is. I suppose it is: people who AP, what have your experiences been when you’ve finally had to leave your child?

I've been naughty and haven't read thread but my daughter also forced me into an APish style and she was absolutely fine when she went to nursery at one year. I always fed her to sleep but somehow they magically got her to sleep their own way. She did 'know' some of the other babies from baby groups but at 1 I'm not sure that would've given any comfort.

She is now three and still feeding (sigh) and still super clingy/affectionate with me, and still loves nursery. It's done wonders for her.

She was there three days a week initially and now there four days.

my daughter also forced me into an APish style

This made me laugh as it’s exactly how it’s been with us 😂

I agree that it will be easier for your daughter if you try to help the transition in advance.

Transitioning to napping not in your lap, bottles etc will have to happen, and whilst the nursery doing it is less distressing for you (mostly because you won't be there for it, and they may sugar coat), your daughter going prepared will be a lot less distressing for her.

Hi OP, I was following with interest as I will be in a similar situation soon. How is your little one getting on at Nursery, and how are you feeling about the transition? X

Can I butt in as sometime who posted on this thread earlier and was quite frankly, shitting it about putting DS into nursery? He's actually settled in incredibly quickly (he only cried properly on the morning of the first day) and loves it there now. He does sometimes cry for a minute or two after drop off but that's literally all it is. He's doing so many activities etc there, I feel really pleased for him. He's also bonded much better with his dad and grandma (in particular) outside of nursery whereas only I would do 95% of the time before this. Success all round!

Someone, not sometime

That's reassuring Quilliam, how old is your little one?

He started at 12mo, he's 13.5 now.

Ah fantastic, that's really encouraging. Thanks.

You're welcome. I remember how worried I was - it used to keep me awake at night. I was half-convinced I'd have to resign from my (new) job because he would never settle. I think if you have a decent nursery they work hard to create a strong bond with your little one so you're very quickly not leaving them with 'strangers' anymore.