11 month old hated first nursery session

[Tillyfloss1]

My 11 month old had her first nursery 'settle' session today. It was two hours and I wasn't there. I got a call an hour in to say she had got upset and they were just letting me know so it wasn't a surprise when I came to collect. She refused the lunch when she was there and also formula offered as a substitute. When I turned up she was crying and she's been off all day since and barely eaten anything. The nursery were very reassuring and said it can take time. She's got several more sessions before going for a full day. Because we don't have family nearby she's not used to being with anyone else but me really so I feel that may be a factor but we go to plenty of groups and so on. I really like the nursery and have been impressed with the staff and my interactions so far. Just wondered what other people's experience was like with their little ones starting nursery...really hoping the next session is better

Hi OP.

I made a post on this a few months ago. I was really worried because my very sensitive boy hated nursery and I knew he would. But it didn't make it any easier! He would cry so hard in the car knowing we were going and cling to me. He also cried on and off throughout the day although he was eating and sleeping which was good.

He has now been there 2 months and I am so pleased to say he is SO much happier. He still isn't a massive fan of drop off and will cry but we have figured out if there is breakfast waiting for him on the table he is absolutely fine! He is bonding well to the staff now and these last few weeks he is off exploring and having a genuinely lovely time. I honestly didn't think he would settle and I was expecting to have to take him out tbh because he has always been sensitive with other babies and adults.

So I hope that offers some hope. The first few days, weeks, months may well be tough but hopefully things will calm down :) x

It’s really really hard but I’d stay positive and give it time. I’m a few weeks into settling DD, nine months. She happily did a full afternoon there yesterday, which I never would have believed after her first week! I’m the same as you, have socialised her loads but don’t have anyone to look after her for me which is probably a factor in her slow settling along with her personality.

We had crying at drop off and he'd get upset before naptimes when he was tired probably for the first 3 weeks. Now he loves it and I don't even get a backwards glance!

Great to hear all your babies settled in fine and just to give it time - appreciate your responses very much. Staying positive for the next few sessions!