6 Tips For Preparing Your Baby For Their First Day In Nursery School

Although you want to spend every precious minute with your baby, sooner or later, you’ll have to send your child to school and go back to your day-to-day routine.

This usually entails going back to work. Of course, doing this requires you to bring your baby to a nursery for infants or day care centre.

A nursery school with an infant section ensures your little one is in a safe, structured environment where trained caregivers and teachers will look after them even when you’re not with them.

While in school, your baby will benefit from interacting with their teachers and other children, helping them build their communication and social skills. The toys, games and activities they are given will also enable them to develop their gross and fine motor, cognitive and emotional skills.

Your little one will also be introduced to routine and predictability, which will help their growth and development and prepare them for their future schooling.

The right nursery school for infants supports parents and helps babies thrive in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment.

Your Baby’s First Day At A Nursery

Bringing your baby to the nursery for the first time can be daunting for both you and your little one.

However, there are tips and steps you can follow to prepare for your baby’s first day in nursery, ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your child. Below are some of these:

1. Choose A Good Nursery

Selecting the right school for your infant is crucial since it will give you peace of mind and ensure they receive the best quality of care and attention even if you’re not with them.

Research local nurseries, read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents. Look for schools with experienced and nurturing teachers who can provide your child with a safe and stimulating environment.

Additionally, consider other vital factors such as the nursery’s proximity to your home and workplace, school hours, and facilities.

Take the time to visit your shortlisted schools and speak with the staff to ensure you make an informed decision that sets the foundation for your baby’s educational journey.

2. Ensure You Maintain Open Communication With Your Child’s Teachers

Make sure your child’s teachers and other staff have all the information they need to teach and look after your little one.

Share important information about your baby’s habits, likes, dislikes, and any special needs they may have. Also, ensure the school has your contact details.

Once your child starts schooling, regularly check in with the teachers to stay updated on your little one’s progress and well-being.

Building a strong partnership with the school staff will ensure your baby has a supportive and nurturing environment as they start their education journey.

3. Know Your Baby’s Feeding And Napping Schedules

To ensure your child is happy and comfortable in a new environment, help them stick to their usual schedules.

This means ensuring they follow their usual napping and feeding times.

Pay attention to your child’s napping and feeding times. Although they may not have a strict schedule yet, they expect to be fed and sleep at certain hours.

Share this schedule with your baby’s teachers so they can remember when to give your child milk or put them to sleep while they are in school.

If your baby is a bit older, they may already be able to follow the set class time for napping and recess. However, talk with the teachers to find out if this can work for your little one and ask them to keep you updated regarding their routine.

4. Know What To Pack For Your Baby

You need to make your child’s new environment feel familiar to ensure they are happy and comfy in the nursery. You can do this by packing everything they need for school.

Choose a bag large enough to carry all your baby’s essentials. These should include:

• Milk or formula
• Feeding bottles
• Pacifier or teether
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Bibs
• Stuffed toy
• Baby blanket

You may also be asked to bring extra clothes, blankets, bibs, diapers and other essentials you can leave in school in case of emergencies. Prepare these items in advance as well.

5. Do A Trial Run

Before your child officially starts nursery school, go on a few trial runs.

Visit the school with your little one while they are awake so they can take a look and start getting familiar with their new learning environment. Make sure you bring them to their classroom and other facilities they will frequent.

A few days before school starts, do a trial run. Go to the nursery before or at the exact time your child’s class begins.

Make sure you have a routine planned, which includes the time you and your baby wake up, eat breakfast, change clothes and leave home.

Since this is only a trial run, stay in school for only an hour or so.

Do this test run at least twice so you and your child can have a feel for and start getting used to your new routine.

6. Create A Smooth Drop-off Routine

Saying goodbye to your infant on their first day in nursery school can be emotionally fraught. To make the process smoother and less stressful, develop a drop-off routine that involves a quick but reassuring goodbye.

Give your baby a hug and a kiss, tell them a loving phrase and then confidently leave the room. Avoid prolonged goodbyes since these can make you and your little one more anxious.

Although you are worried, trust the teachers and school staff to handle any tears or apprehension your child may show.

Over time, your baby will be more comfortable with the routine and drop-offs will become easier for both of you.

Bringing your baby to the right nursery is a significant step in their early development.

By following these tips, you can help lay a strong foundation for your child’s future success in school and life.