How to get baby used to new childcare arrangements?

[Coleman93]

Would love to hear others experiences / suggestions.

I go back to work after 12 months MAT leave in March and my DS will spend 2 days with grandparents and 2 days at nursery.

I know the nursery will want to arrange some settling in sessions soon. Not entirely sure what that will look like in terms of frequency/duration.

Really don’t want my return to work to be a shock to my LO, but I also don’t want him spending lots of unnecessary time away from me during what’s left of my precious MAT leave!

What did you do/what would you suggest in terms of time with grandparents and at nursery before I’m back at work 4 days a week by mid-March??

Hey! I was in this exact position a few months ago. 12 months mat leave returning to work with 2 days grandparents 2 days nursery. Grandparent started minding her here and there from 6 months (she was EBF so short periods) and then a few half days and build it up. Nursery she did a few short settling in sessions over a couple of weeks. By week 3/4 I was 4 full days. We had good days with grandparent always, he is her safe happy place! Nursery was always good but sometimes a few tears in the morning. I trusted them and never felt unsure leaving here there - now she loves it!

Sometimes she struggles going (if she has been off for a week or something) but generally the 2 days & 2 days is a good balance and routine for us.

I really felt at 8/9 months it would never work and I was worried. By 11/12 she was totally ready and I was too. Now it feels normal. Sending love, you’ll both do great!

I go back 4 days in April 2 days in nursery 2 with grandparents. I’m starting my LO 2 short days at nursery from end of Feb to settle in. Then will increase to the maximum time whilst I’m back at work.