10 HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER SETTLE INTO NURSERY
10 helpful ways to settle your toddler into nursery: It’s the big question that strikes fear into all parents as they enter that new parenting phase . Of course, starting nursery can be exciting but it’s also perfectly normal for you and your tot to experience fear, upset and anxiety during those first few weeks. Fortunately there are a few things you can do to help baby to stay as relaxed as possible. Here are 10 tips.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Maintain their schedule
Ask the nursery to stick to your child’s usual patterns of eating, sleeping and playing through the day. Once they have settled in they can gradually be moved onto the nursery’s routine.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Bring a comfort toy
Children have an amazing sense of smell so bring a familiar toy or blanket that has your smell on it. If you’re still breastfeeding, a little bit of breast milk on their blanket works wonders.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Be positive about nursery
Talk to your child in a happy voice about what they are going to do at nursery and how much fun they are going to have. Also, try to be specific about when you are coming to pick them up.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Do a trial
Even us adults get shy around new people and places, so imagine how scary it for a toddler. Most nurseries offer a settling in day so you can give it a go before committing long term.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Don’t hover
Leaving your toddler at nursery for the first time can be quite hard, however, hanging about nervously, watching how to react to their surroundings actually hinders the settling in process and confuses the child.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Keep smiling
The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your child will be. If you arrive at the nursery panicked and stressed out, your little one will be panicked and stress too.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Ensure your child has a key person
This is one dedicated person who knows your child and is familiar with their likes and dislikes, routine, and how to soothe them if they get upset.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Build up nursery timings
Don’t leave your child too long for the first few days. Try one hour on day one, two hours on day two, and then work your way up gradually from there.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Familiar words
If your child has a pet name at home then make sure you share that with the key worker, so that they can use it to help soothe your child, should they become stressed.
HELPFUL WAYS TO SETTLE YOUR TODDLER INTO NURSERY: Brief the staff
It’s really important to talk to the staff about your child’s rituals. Explain their likes and dislikes, how they like to be dealt with, eating preference, favourite song and favourite way of comforting.
