Baby Picky is off to nursery :0(

[Picky]

Hi All

Baby Picky is off to nursery in 3 weeks, and I am going back to work 3 days a week. We spent a lot of time going round about 15 nurseries, and this was the only one we liked enough to leave him at, we have been having settling in visits at the nursery. The staff are lovely and the place itself is really nice too, but I am totally besides myself about leaving him. I'm waking up at night with the fear of being away from him, and just feel totally panicked about not being with him. I know he'll be fine, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for me to try and calm down and cope with it all a bit better. I just feel like he's so young (nearly 10 months) and I've not really ever left him with anyone before. Please help if you can

Thanks in advance

Px

[Ice-Maiden]

Sorry you have to put such a young child in a nursery, but it may have benefits, as he'll get used to being with other children before he goes to school. I'm sure the staff'll reassure you, but I don't think anyone can make you feel any better about the decision you've made. Once you see that your little boy's happy and well cared for, I'm sure you'll calm down, but the first few days are always a bit strange for mums.

[tigwig]

Hi picky, I am a nursery nurse and work in a baby room and can assure you that baby picky will love nursery, maybe not at first but he will settle in eventually. Just try to relax and remember that all staff in good nurseries are qualified and will bond with babies and love them almost as much as you do! It really is good for their social skills and they will become more confident and less clingy to you. I know as a mum myself, it is hard to trust someone else to look after your baby and you feel that no one can do it as good as you but really they can! Make sure you're organised on the morning he starts and arrange further visits if necessary. Can you do half days at first to settle in gradually? If not don't worry, and don't let baby see you are upset, hand him to the staff with a kiss and cuddle then leave without hanging around. You may be able to peek and make sure he is ok without him seeing you and you will be able to ring throughout the day. It will get easier as time goes on, good luck!