Sending Your Baby to Nursery: A Checklist to See If Your Baby’s Ready for Nursery (Working Parents Edition)

Returning to work after maternity leave is a huge transition; emotionally, practically, and logistically. 

For many working parents, one of the most significant parts of that shift is preparing to send their baby to nursery. 

It’s a time filled with questions, doubts, and hopes for a smooth adjustment.

If you’re wondering, “Is my baby ready for nursery?” or “How do I prepare for returning to work after having my baby?”, this blog is here to guide you. 

Whether your baby is six months old or closer to two years, this baby readiness for nursery checklist for working parents will help you assess your child’s readiness, as well as your own preparation for emotional and logistical elements.

Baby’s First Nursery Checklist

✔️ Have you processed any feelings that come up for you as you prepare to return to work

✔️ What’s the logistics of returning to work? Commuting, drop-off & pick-up times, emergencies

✔️ Think about the financial implications of nursery, and the Government’s funded childcare hours

✔️ Is your baby happy being around other individuals other than their main caregivers?

✔️ Does your baby have a routine for feeding, napping, etc? 

✔️ Have you and your baby visited the nursery? Are you aware and comfortable with their values, settling in routines, etc?

✔️ Are you aware of what needs to be packed for your baby for the day at nursery?

✔️ Is everyone (family, friends, work…) aware of emergency and contingency plans?

Your Readiness to Return to Work after Maternity Leave

Before taking a look at whether your baby is ready for nursery, it's important to understand your own readiness. 

Working parents returning to work after having a baby is a big step, and it's okay if you’re not feeling 100% ready.

There are a few things to consider:

Emotional Readiness

How are you feeling about leaving your baby with someone else?

Acknowledging the anxiety and any other feelings around leaving your baby is the first step. Take the time to process these, talk about it with your partner, friends, family, and other working parents - you’ll see that whatever you’re feeling is totally expected.  

Having a support system in place of friends, family, and even your work colleagues will help settle you before and during your transition back to work. 

Emotional preparation for working parents is a highly important step to take into consideration. 

Logistical Readiness

It is always advised to explore a number of nurseries in South West London (or your area). Check the availability and get a sense of whether the nursery is aligned with your values. 

We have produced an excellent guide with 5 tips to help you choose the best nursery for your child. 

A logistical preparation for nursery for working parents is to think about the timings and routes.

What is the commute like for drop-offs, pick-ups, and getting to and from work? Is it all workable? Is there enough time?

Financial Readiness

For the majority, there will be a cost to childcare. 

Be aware of what this actually includes, and if there are any add-ons, such as registration fees, meals, clubs etc.

There has been a change to the funded hours of childcare in England. 

From September 2024, 15 hours of childcare funding is available for children between 9-23 months of age. 

This will change to 30 hours of free childcare for working families in England. A more detailed explanation can be found here. 

Is Your Baby Ready for Nursery?

Every baby is different, but there are key signs that can help you decide ‘when is my baby ready for nursery?’.

Social & Emotional Readiness

A key indicator to see if your baby is ready for a nursery environment is to identify if they are comfortable around other people. 

Can they manage short separations from you and other key caregivers? Even if it’s 15-30 minutes. Separation may be difficult at first, but it will get easier. 

Being curious about new places and faces is another good way to tell if your baby is ready. 

Physical Readiness

Having a basic routine for naps and feeding can make the transition to nursery much easier. Especially if they fall in line with the same routine/timings as the childcare setting.  

How is your baby if there are slight changes to their routine? 

Similar to your baby being comfortable with others, is your baby happy to be fed and put to sleep with other individuals?

These will all help with the transition to nursery.  

How to Prepare for the Transition

This step-by-step guide will help ease both you and your baby into nursery life.

1. Visit Nurseries in Advance

• Think about their settling-in sessions and staff-to-child ratios

• Ask any relevant questions for you and your child, e.g. any medical needs, how are you kept updated about their day and progress 

• Keep communication open with nursery staff. This will build your confidence and trust that they have your baby’s best interests at heart

• Attend open days and event days to get to know the staff and other parents. 

2. Discuss Expectations with Nursery Staff

• Share your baby’s current routine, comfort items, and habits.

• Ask how they handle illness, sleep schedules, and emergency procedures.

3. Begin Short Separation Sessions

• Practice brief periods away from your baby with a trusted caregiver.

• Gradually increase the length of time to help your baby adapt.

4. Create a Home Routine

• Align your baby’s daily routine with the nursery’s as much as possible.

• Practice the nursery’s nap and feeding schedule in advance.

Final Considerations Before Nursery Starts

Tick these off to ensure a smooth first day:

✔️ Is your nursery place confirmed, with start dates and paperwork complete?

✔️ Have you packed your baby’s nursery bag? (Nappies, wipes, bottles, comforter, clothes, sun cream.)

✔️ Do you have backup childcare for emergencies?

Not sure what to pack? See our baby’s first nursery checklist for a complete breakdown.

You’ve Got This

There’s no perfect time to start nursery, and no parent has all the answers from day one. 

But with preparation, emotional support, and a flexible mindset, both you and your baby can thrive during this transition.

Remember, your baby will benefit from new experiences and social interaction from attending nursery.

We hope this checklist gave you clarity and confidence as you take this next step - returning to work after maternity leave and preparing for nursery as a working parent.

Remember, every baby (and parent) adjusts at their own pace.

Have you recently gone through the nursery transition? We’d love to hear your tips and experiences - leave a comment below to help other parents in the same boat.

 FAQs:

Q1: How can I tell if my baby is ready for nursery?

• Look for signs such as comfort with other caregivers, ability to follow a simple routine, and comfort with short separations from you. Every baby is different, so take it one step at a time.

  
  

Q2: How do I manage my own feelings about returning to work and sending my baby to nursery?

• It’s normal to feel anxious or guilty. Talk with other parents or your support network, and remember that it’s okay to feel this way. Trust the nursery staff and remind yourself that the routine will improve with time.

  
  

Q3: What should I pack for my baby when they start nursery?

• Essential items include nappies, wipes, comfort items, bottles or food, a change of clothes, and sun protection (if required). Always check with your nursery for their specific requirements.

  
  

Q4: How long will it take for my baby to settle into nursery?

• The adjustment period can vary from baby to baby, but most babies settle in within a few weeks. Stay positive and patient with both your baby and yourself.

  
  

Q5: Are there any financial supports available for nursery fees?

• Yes, parents may be eligible for tax-free childcare or other government schemes to help with the cost of nursery care. Check for available options based on your situation.