Please tell me leaving them at nursery gets easier

My LO is 4 months and already dreading this 😫 I do really hope it gets better 😔 🙏

I had really bad anxiety leading up to and after she started but now shes 18 months, been there for 9 months and is so happy and I'm totally comfortable now. It feels horrible and it does take a little bit of getting used to but it does ease xx

Yes i felt like this! Especially as I work in a secure setting and literally had no phone etc to even look at pictures of him. Its hard to describe but I could literally feel the pain of missing him in my body. I remember driving to pick him up and my heart beating out of my chest as I was so desperate to get there. I think I had undiagnosed postpartum anxiety back then though.

But yes, it does get better. It will take a while but you will get used to this new normal and it wont feel so horrid every day. You will probably treasure more the time that you are together, now you have time apart. Hang in there xx

I’m a nursery manager and feeling this way is normal. So many parents describe it as losing a limb. To begin with, you won’t know the staff and you’re relying on your gut instinct. However, as time goes on you’ll form relationships with them that will reassure you even more in addition to seeing your little one settle.


Your little one may struggle a little in the beginning, it’s perfectly natural as you’re their safety and security blanket. It’s a healthy response for them to miss you. Once they form attachments with the key workers they’ll be happy and thriving.

The best advice I can give you is to be open with the nursery staff about how you feel, they can tailor support to you that way. It’s not just about settling the children, it’s also about supporting the parents.

I encourage parents to call for check in as much as they need, if your nursery has an app as well that will also help. Sometimes a cup of tea and a chat can also help.

I hope it gets easier for you soon x

Honestly, I actually love my job so I was excited to go back. I rang nursery after about 2 hours, then 2 hours before pick up for the first week, and he was always fine and busy!
I can understand if they're upset at handover, it makes you unsettled all day but remember, you know where your LO is, you've met who looks after them all day and you chose this setting because you knew they would look after your baby.
It does and will get easier, enjoy the adult conversation and having a bit of you time x