How do I acclimatise baby to being away from me?

[PirateWeasel]

DS is six months and has recently become very clingy to me. Contributing factors are: we have no family nearby for him to spend time with away from me, I'm BFing (although have just started adding solids too), and DH works shifts so doesn't have as much time with DS as I'd like. I'm going back to work in six months time and DS will be going to nursery. Has anyone got any tips for how I can start laying the groundwork now to make the transition as easy as possible? With nobody around to care for him apart from me I'm really stuck for ideas!

my nursery offered 8 weeks of settling in sessions to get baby used to it. Started with 2 hours twice a week and built up from there

You don’t need to do anything but make him feel loved and secure and safe with you. They don’t need to be taught to get used to you not being around. They just adjust as needed.

But 6 month old is very different to a 12 month old. It will happen naturally when it’s time.

My dc2 was never left with anyone really, except my dh for a couple hours on occasion. I went back to work at 12 months, 3 very long days (I leave before anyone else wakes up and I come home as they are getting in the bath at night). It’s been fine.

The only thing I would suggest if he is bf is that you get him used to drinking milk from a cup, but not until closer to 9-10 months.

Just continue to nurture him and give him what he needs and make sure he has enough settling sessions at nursery.

Agree that a six month old is very different to a 12 month old so try not to spend the last half of your maternity leave worrying. Nearer the time, have a settling in period with whatever childcare provider you go with. Young babies are more adaptable than adults and you’ll probably find it harder returning to work than your baby will find it!

I'm actually in the same boat. Baby 6 months, no family nearby, BF and husband works long days 7 days a week, although we do go and help him most days so spend time together.
No advice, but one of my worries too and dreading leaving him to go back to work. Hoping to make money on side from posts here so maybe just maybe I could reduce my hours slightly when returning to work happens 😭😭😭😭

Thank you so much everyone, I'm feeling loads better now! As you say, I've still got six months, which is his entire lifetime again! Bubbaba, I know, I'm 😱😭 just thinking about it but he's still so tiny and by 12 months I hope we'll both be able to handle it.

He'll be fine. Maybe take him to some toddler groups, so he gets used to the hustle and bustle of other children and adults around and the noise.

If you have anyone who can give him a quick cuddle and then pass him back, so he gets used to the idea that you will come back, then that's good, but not essential.

Help him fall asleep without being in your arms, take a bottle, maybe have a comfort blanket (you need more than one - but this can also just be one of your t shirts).

Please don't worry yet. 6 months is a long time away. Just enjoy your baby.