Starting nursery is a big step for children and for parents. Some little ones wave goodbye on day one; many need a few weeks to feel at home. Both are completely normal. A gentle, steady plan helps.
Before the first day
- Visit together a few times. Short visits where you stay let your child explore the room with you nearby.
- Share your child’s routine: naps, feeds, favourite foods, comforters, words they use and what soothes them.
- Talk about nursery in a positive, simple way, and read a picture book about starting nursery.
- If you can, practise short times apart with a grandparent or friend.
The first weeks
- Start with shorter days if your nursery offers them, and build up over a week or two.
- Pack a comforter or a family photo. Familiar things help children feel safe.
- Keep goodbyes short and warm. Say goodbye every time, rather than slipping out, and tell your child when you will be back, for example “after lunch”.
- Ask the key person how the day went. Small details, such as what your child played with, help you talk about nursery at home.
When it feels hard
Tears at drop-off are common and usually stop soon after you leave. Ask the team how quickly your child settles once you have gone; most nurseries are happy to call or send a message. Expect a few wobbly days after illness or holidays too.
If your child still seems unsettled after several weeks, talk to their key person. Together you can adjust the plan, for example with shorter days or a different drop-off routine. Every child settles in their own time.