Daycare stress

Following im in the same boat

My LO started at 1 year old and I was such a heap of anxiety, but I'll tell you what, it took a huge amount of pressure off and I was able to be me again and not just 'mama'. We all need a break for sure. He's now 18 months and he loves nursery and I don't worry as much. Solidarity with you - it'll be hard, but you'll definitely feel better for it

My LO started at 1 year went for 3 months, then we moved house so he was at home for a few months and started again when he was 18.5 months. It takes the kids a few weeks (sometimes months) to settle in - so be prepared for lots of tears at the door initially. We also had a string of illnesses both times and has taken 2 to 3 months for them to ease up. In the first stint , he literally went only half of the days he was supposed to because the other half he was unwell. So be prepared for that too! But in a few months things get better for sure. My son loves going to nursery now so its easier on my conscience too and I get a lot of work done when he's away!

Both of my kids started going to a program at just over 2yrs. They only go for 5 hours twice a week. ( you can always change frequency to fit your family) One key to help your little adjust is to help instill confidence when you drop them off. So don't ask for just one more hug/kiss tell them you will be back later and you know it will be a great day. Asking for more or letting your sad emotion show will make them more likely struggle because why is mommy so upset this must not be a good thing.

Takes them time to settle but definitely worth it for them and you. My daughter started at 11.5 months. Still attending the same place at 2.5 and loves it. They will probably cry when you pick up. It's normal cos they are relieved you came back cos they love you and you are their safe space. They may play up when first getting home cos they have been behaving all day. All normal and doesn't mean they don't like it.

My baby starts at 10.5 months next month. I have a very similar anxiety😕. She sits while getting her diaper change so I keep thinking what if she falls while getting changed or loses her weight too much. Thanks @Hayley & @Natalie your experiences feel comforting.

You'll both do great! It's ok to feel the stress, but also enjoy the excitement and make plans for what you're going to do with the time you have back for yourself. Don't just clean the house!

@Avani I'm really glad that you're reassured. It is so tough putting your little one in someone else's care! My LO's nursery has an app that they update with what he's up to (food he's eaten, sleep and nappy changes) and I was refreshing it every 5 minutes on that first day 😅. But now I don't check as I know they'll call me if there's any worries at all. Like others have said the first week was tough and he would cry on drop off. I was super worried about his sleep pattern too as he only would sleep breast fed and co-sleeping, but he developed his new routine there and they were so good with him. He picked up a lot of colds and things to begin with too, but it's all good for building up that immunity before he is old enough for school. Best advice I can give: On that first day - pamper yourself. Have a nice bath, get a face mask, do some self care to try to calm those anxiety pangs xxxx you got this

My twins have been in daycare since they were 4 months old. I cried when I dropped them off the first time. Our daycare lady has been a godsend though.

My LO started when she was 1 and she is 19 months now. I have had a very similar experience to others here. I also had anxiety but there are more positives than negatives, the only negatives is the endless sickness at the beginning and some drop off's can be teary if she's under the weather but they can get so much from nursery that just isn't possible from being at home, the friendships she has made, sharing, eating much more foods than at home the improvements with walking/talking the learning and different types of play that I just wouldn't be able to do at home. She just absolutely loves it at nursery and has such a great time. I was so worried about staff being able to cope with our routines but children adapt so quickly, my LG has a different type of sleep routine depending on where she is.

Feels comforting & reassuring reading all these experiences. I have had really difficult times during the entire pregnancy and after. It just seems one thing after the other. Will try my best to be positive 💞 . Sending 💗 to y'all @Bonny @Hayley @Madeline @Laura @Anna Bracing myself for early sicknesses🙈