Whether or not nursery is an appropriate option for your child is entirely dependent on them and your overall family requirements; only you can decide if the time is right. As parent, you know your child better than anyone, so you should explore your options and determine which is most suitable. Don’t worry about what other parents are doing or what people say; people are always bound to pass judgement but they don’t have the same family dynamic as you. You might have work commitments that require you to seek out childcare options, or perhaps you just want to help your child feel more prepared for big school. A nursery in Surrey share some of their expertise on the topic below.
Regardless of your child’s age when they start nursery or school, there will be a unique set of challenges. For instance, if you send your child to nursery when they’re a little older, they may struggle with separation anxiety after spending most of their life with you up until this point. On the other hand, if you send your child to nursery when they are very young, you won’t be able to spend as much time with them during their early years. What’s more, your child will have additional requirements at this age compared to older children, so it’s vital that they are given a suitable level of care.
The majority of nurseries will not accept babies under the age of 3 months, but you might discover that there are some exceptions. If you do make the decision to send your child to nursery before their first birthday, you need to ensure you are completely satisfied with your choice. A great place to start is Toddle. Lots of children tend to start nursery between the ages of 2 and 3 and they usually settle in well because they are starting to become independent and keep themselves amused, so this should put your mind at ease somewhat.
If don’t believe your child is ready for nursery, you could introduce them to the idea slowly by socialising them at a parent and baby group in your local area. These groups are great because they create an opportunity for your child to meet and play with other children their own age whilst also promoting a simple level of sensory development through things like music and dance. You will still be near during these groups, so your child is far less likely to struggle with separation anxiety.
Before you make your choice, it’s important to visit a fair few nurseries and get a feel for them. Make a list of all of your priorities prior to your visit so that you can tick or cross them off once it is over. You will also be able to use the visits as an opportunity to ask lots of relevant questions. Essentially, you’ll want to know what a typical day at the nursery is like so that you can establish whether or not it will suit your youngster’s current schedule.
