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How to ease separation anxiety, exactly what to pack, and how to manage the emotional first day for both you and your little one.
Leaving your child at nursery is a major milestone. It naturally comes accompanied by a lot of questions about the settling-in period, what they’ll need, and how they’ll feel when you’re not around. The good news is that there is a lot you can do in the weeks leading up to their first day to make the transition calm, exciting, and successful.
To make the transition easier, start preparing your child gently in the weeks leading up to their big day:
Familiarising your child with the environment is vital. We recommend making at least 3 settling-in visits. It also helps to do a “practice run” of the journey there, talking positively about the friends they’ll make and the activities they’ll do.
Look at the gallery photos on your nursery’s webpage together. Read storybooks like “I’m Starting Nursery” or “Spot Loves Nursery” to introduce the concept and talk about how the characters are feeling.
It’s natural for children to have questions, and non-verbal children may display signs of anxiety. Be patient, make them feel heard, and keep conversations about nursery light and upbeat. Don’t put too much pressure on the topic!
If you strike up a friendship with other parents during your settling-in visits, consider arranging a playdate. Having a familiar face on day one is incredibly reassuring.
If your child has additional needs, the settling-in process needs to be robust. Prior to their start date, we spend extra time getting to know your child until we’re confident we can provide for their specific care needs. We ensure any additional resources and staffing are in place, and utilize our on-site sensory rooms to provide a quiet environment for bonding with their new key person.
Consider buying them a special backpack just for nursery and let them pick it out themselves to build excitement and independence! (Tip: Please clearly name all personal items with a waterproof label or marker).
A well-rested child copes much better with change. Start an early-night routine a couple of weeks before. Wake up a little earlier than necessary to enjoy a slow, stress-free breakfast together.
Letting them choose what to wear gives them a sense of autonomy. To build their independence, choose shoes with Velcro straps instead of laces, and clothes they can practice taking off easily.
Make parting ways special with a secret handshake, a high-five, or a “kiss to hold in their pocket.” This lifts spirits and creates a predictable transition marker.
Do your best not to linger. Hesitating creates a sense of uncertainty. Be upbeat, confident, and leave quickly. Trust your keyworker to distract and settle them.
It’s likely your child might not fully understand why you are leaving them. Comfort them, reassure them you’ll be back, and leave the setting. Trust your keyworker, they are highly trained, and even the most distressed children usually settle into their new routines very quickly!
🥦 A Note on Meals: You don’t need to worry about packing a complicated lunch! Nutritious food gives your child the energy they need to settle in. All Kids Planet nurseries have on-site chefs preparing fresh, balanced meals and snacks every single day.
This is a big milestone for you, too. Don’t put pressure on yourself to make this a perfect, seamless, and stress-free transition, because there is no such thing!
Come and see how our environments are designed to make every child feel safe and inspired. Book a visit to meet the team and ask any questions you have about settling in.
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