Legally, nurseries often have their own guidelines. Many start accepting children from six weeks (yes, really), but that’s usually for daycare, not classic nursery. For a proper nursery setting—with painting, story corners, and a sand table—most places aim for two to four years old.
Check your local options. Some nurseries have a “settling-in” period where you stay for an hour, then leave for fifteen minutes. It’s like a playdate with a parachute. You’re not abandoning them; you’re just teaching them that you always come back.
Ages & Stages | Help Me Grow
The Emotional Truth: It’s Okay to Be a Little Nervous
Let’s be real: you might not be ready for nursery either. That first drop-off is like watching a part of your heart walk away in a tiny backpack. But here’s the cool part: nursery builds resilience in both of you.
Your child learns that other grown-ups can be safe and fun. You learn that you’re still their favorite person, even if you’re not the one wiping their nose all day. It’s a win-win disguised as separation anxiety.
