Nursery -baby

[btna]

Hi there,

I am due to go back to work soon and will need to send my 8 month old baby to nursery twice a week. I am starting to feel like this is too early and will cause them distress.
Can anyone share views on this from their own experience? What should I look for in a nursery for a baby (doubting my choice of nursery).

Thanks so much

My DS started nursery at 6.5 months for 3 days per week and loves it. But you need to feel confident in the nursery you've chosen and the care they'll provide. Things that were important to me were how much outside space they had, how friends and hands-on the staff were, that the child's well-being was clearly the priority, previous ofsted inspections, that they'd follow my feeding schedule, that they wanted to really understand his likes/dislikes etc.

I sent mine at 6 months and she was fine. Some tears at drop off for a while but on the whole she was keen. I think the nursery were honestly more fun than me - I don't do messy play! At 2 she still undoubtedly loves it there so no deep seated trauma evident, and still I surmise they are more than me! Having said that, this could totally vary by child so you may have to play it by ear. I just wanted to reassure that you shouldn't feel to anxious. I was at the time too of course.

Our DS went from 9 months and is 2 now and absolutely loves it. I agree in needing the right nursery and we are very lucky as thry are so good.

Another person here who sent DS at 6 months and he has thrived there! Small local nursery, low staff turnover, 3 days a week, and it’s gone brilliantly.

It's absolutely fine. I started nursery at 3 months. Both of mine went at 9-11 months, 3-4 days a week. They've loved it and it was great for them.

I think 8 months is perfect because it’s before the worst clingy phases, so they can get used to their key worker before they hit those. Mine went at 8 months and was always happy, still happily goes now at nearly 3.

I sent mine at 6 months with no issues at all. She wasn't at the clingy phase yet and just took it in her stride. We've never had any tears, even when she returned after the first lockdown. I actually think it would be awful sending her now for the first time (16 months) because she's so much more aware.

She has a lovely bond with her keyworker, who she will be with until she goes to the next room at 2 yrs. Nothing but positives from me - 8 months is a great age to go and really not that small.

Thank you @Dinosauraddict @xtinak @Jumanji89 @UpToMyElbowsInDiapers @mindutopia @edgeware @Ihaveoflate
I feel much better from reading your messages. I think I need to look at a few more nurseries to just make sure but feeling less anxious starting at 8 months. FTM in lockdown has made things a bit overwhelming x