Daycare 1st timer
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Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29748
Printed Date: 30 August 2025 at 1:26pm
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Topic: Daycare 1st timer
Posted By: Juice
Subject: Daycare 1st timer
Date Posted: 05 November 2009 at 2:01pm
| Any hints on making the transition to daycare. My 13month old starts in 3 weeks and I'm already a nervous wreck. Am convinced she won't sleep there, won't eat lunch etc etc. Help..... |
Replies:
Posted By: KazS
Date Posted: 05 November 2009 at 2:37pm
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My 6 month old had her first day on Tuesday (a shortened day as as first day)
I was terribly concerned she would sream the whole time and not eat etc Turns out i worried over nothing - there was 30 seconds of tears and then ate lots and had 3 sleeps! i had taken her for lots of little visits in the weeks leading up to it though which helped (and helped me more than her i am sure) I know it is a bit harder with a 13 month old though so good luck and hopefully you are worrying for nothing 
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Posted By: Tastic
Date Posted: 05 November 2009 at 3:02pm
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Id ring the daycare and see if you are allowed to go visit for a couple of hours for a few days before hand. we did this and it made the whole transition alot easier.
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Posted By: hannibal
Date Posted: 05 November 2009 at 3:15pm
| Hi, when my 6 month old started we did visits - 1st couple of times just for half hours, then she went all by herself for an hour and then we did an almost full day. It wasn't easy leaving her but I have never once had tears. We are given each day a record of nappies, naps and what she has eaten - and I always ask extra questions if I'm not sure. In the seven months she has be going she has become such a strong little person, she has learnt a lot and HAS a great time interacting with the other kids (we aren't from the area I live in - so its great for her to socialise). Yesterday when I went to pick her up - she had other ideas and didn't want to come home ... I do think about her while at work but also to some extent take of my mummies hat if you know what I mean. They have been great too in helping her get into a highchair, eating a huge variety of foods etc. The first week is probably the hardest but its probably best if you can arrange to have some settling in time. |
Posted By: Ella1
Date Posted: 05 November 2009 at 10:32pm
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Most centres would actually recommend you do visits beforehand. Do you have a good feel about the centre? Many of the teachers I know are very caring and they will give your child a lot of extra attention and care if she needs that, especially when she has just started.
But I know it can be hard. In my experience though (I am an ECE teacher), most children will eventually settle and really enjoy it. Funnily enough the onces that take the longest to settle are often the onces that after a few months need to be carried out kicking and screaming by their parents, cause they don't want to go home yet, they want to stay and play. |
Posted By: Juice
Date Posted: 06 November 2009 at 7:13pm
| Thanks so much for the helpful tips. I've rung and arranged to go for some visits over the next 2 weeks and will start by just leaving her for half days before I start work. |