Starting nursery

My October 22 baby went to nursery two days a week from just before his 2nd birthday, it’s been 5 months and his speech has come on and he loves going, always smiling when he goes in and comes out. I’d sent my older children at age 3 and thought 2 was too soon but it’s really been a fantastic experience

My son will turn 2 in April and I have received an email to apply for him but I have also been contemplating for all your exact same reasons . I have also wanted him to start because he is hardly ever around any kids except his brother . I know he would enjoy nursery but I also feel he is a very adventurous child and might be too young . Although the truth is that younger kids have done just fine without their parental supervision 24/7.. You are definitely doing the right thing .

This is what i have heard, that their speech comes on so much and they blossom in general. Maybe I’m just over thinking it now but I’m feeling massive mum guilt. He’s only ever been looked after by my parents other than myself and the more I think about it the more sad it’s making me 😂

My daughter started going the week before her 1st birthday 4 days a week. She absolutely loves it, her speech is amazing as well as so many other skills she has learnt since being there.

my son is starting in march just after his 2nd birthday, i won’t be working as i have his younger sister to look after but i want him to go just as i know he will love it we go to baby groups all the time and his speech is amazing for his age. i just feel like it is a good experience for him to have x

My daughter was 7 months old when she started.. we've been incredibly lucky as our nursery is phenomenal. It has been the best place to help with her socialising skills as an only child, and they've really supported us with potty training and developing confidence for our daughter. They are also working with us to help support her transition into becoming a big sister this summer. Would I have preferred more time with her? Of course, but seeing her happy face and telling me everything she's gotten up to that day with a big smile on her face makes it all worth it.

I’d suggest doing your own research and reading work (or watching YouTube videos) by child-focused experts like Erica Komisar, so you can make an informed decision you truly trust - one that’s based on studies and expert insights rather than social or political influences. That way, you’re not just relying on others who may be trying to justify their own choices. Trust your instincts and don’t doubt yourself. This is your child and your decision.

My daughter went to nursery 3 days a week since she was 10 months old. She's really flourishing there, she learns so much from the other kids as well as the staff. My personal opinion is that nursery is good to develop social skills with other kids and their confidence when apart from you. I also think it will make the transition to school easier. I think all parents dread taking their kids to nursery at first, wondering if they will be ok, what they are doing all day etc. It's normal to feel that way being apart from your child x

Similar question here https://www.peanut-app.io/share/Mu9dzfLTNQb

Can I ask a question, are you paying privately to the nursery or you are using the 15hrs provided by the government

I get the funded 15 hours, I kept checking on my local council website and when I last checked I was able to fill out the form to get the code

I sent my daughter to nursery when she was 2 (also no work commitments) and i will be doing the same with my boy when he turns 2. I didn’t feel bad at all because i knew it would benefit my daughter. They helped with toilet training her & i noticed her eating significantly improved and she was always SO happy to go there! She was always a good speaker & was saying full sentences by 18m so i didn’t notice too much of a change in her speech. I will be sending my boy to the same nursery. I’m a little nervous because he is very clingy & has bad separation anxiety (if i pop out to the shop & leave him with their dad, he screams the place down) so i’m concerned in that sense but i know he will eventually love it x

Ah thank you everyone, I feel so much better about my decision now. It’s only 3 hours twice a week and I think he will love it. He’s in his element when I take him to toddler club and I don’t think he’d even notice if I wasn’t there but I was really starting to over think the whole thing. It will probably still play on my mind but hopefully when April comes it all goes smoothly with no tears (from him, there will definitely be lots from my end 😂) Thanks again ❤️