What to consider when choosing a nursery
Wondering how to pick a nursery to look after your baby? We have put together a list of some things to consider when choosing a nursery, from childcare costs to location.
- Consider the location of the nursery. Will it be more convenient nearer home or your place of work?
- Consider the time it takes you to get there and how you would get there.
- Talk to other parents using facilities locally to you and find out their experiences.
- Read government reports to see if the standards meet your requirements or check out forums to see what local parents think.
- Make a shortlist of places and try to view as many of them as possible.
- Consider taking your child on these visits too if you can.
- Take note of how you and your child are greeted at the nursery.
- Observe your child’s reactions to the staff, setting, and other children.
- Consider if the other children seem settled and happy.
- Consider if the staff are attentive to the children and to each other.
- Ask what activities your child might be involved in during the day.
- Ask if the nursery keeps records of the children. Could they show you an example?
- Ask what provisions are made for naps or quiet time.
- Ask about meals and nutrition and how they deal with picky eaters or specific dietary requirements.
- Ask about toileting and potty-training policies.
- Ask if diapers and formula feed are included, if you’re formula feeding.
- Ask about settling-in periods.
- Consider that you and your child might need time to adjust to childcare arrangements.
- Ask about staff ratios. Are they in line with government guidelines? What happens when people are off sick or on leave?
- Ask what safeguards are in place for other people picking up my child.
- Ask about the childcare costs and what you may be entitled to under government schemes. Also, check if they accept childcare vouchers if you have these in your country.
- Find out what the nursery’s daily hours are and if these apply all year round or just to term times.
- Check the availability of places. Some nursery places need to be booked up to a year ahead.
- If you’re returning to work, read our tips for going back to work after a baby.
SOURCES:
https://www.childcare.co.uk/information/nursery-is-your-child-ready
Related articles
Your baby proofing action plan
Protect your baby with effective baby proofing strategies. Discover essential tips to make your home safer as your little one begins to explore and grow.
6 mins to read
How To Help Baby Sleep Better
Learn the importance of baby sleep for growth and development. Discover red flags in your baby's sleep patterns and ensure they get the rest they need.
5 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Discover how to emotionally prepare for parenthood, recognize red flags, and manage challenges to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood.
5 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
Learn how to address toddler sleep problems with expert tips, identify red flags, and promote healthy sleep habits for your little one's well-being.
5 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Explore helpful techniques to calm your crying baby, from addressing basic needs to create a peaceful environment, fostering comfort and connection.
5 mins to read
5 myths about motherhood and having a successful career
There is so much judgement when it comes to motherhood. Moms across the world have fulfilling and rewarding jobs. And yet, myths about motherhood and having a successful career prevail.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week scan
Finally, your 12-week scan is here! This pregnancy scan is an important one. It can also be very emotional, so it helps to have a list of questions pre-prepared.
2 mins to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
1 min to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
2 mins to read
Top tips for a perfect family vacation with a baby
Do you believe that taking a family vacation with a baby is impossible? It isn't. It takes a little more planning and might restrict your destination choices slightly...
4 mins to read
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay.
2 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Once your little one has arrived, it’s easy to forget about you—but a happy mom means a happy baby.
2 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
What to ask at my baby’s health check?
A baby health check will be carried out soon after birth to ensure baby’s development is on track.
1 min to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Take a look at this children’s dental care checklist to improve and help his growth and development.
5 mins to read
How to soothe a colicky baby
Babies cry. Some babies cry more than others. If your otherwise healthy baby is under five months old and has repeated bouts of uncontrollable crying, it could be colic.
2 mins to read
Guiding Your Baby's First Steps: A Milestone to Cherish
Unlock the secrets to nurturing your baby's first steps with expert tips and insights and the red flags to ensure healthy development.
5 mins to read
Pregnancy Cravings 101: Everything you Need to Know
Learn all about pregnancy cravings, from common causes to effective management tips and recognizing warning signs, for a healthier pregnancy experience.
5 mins to read
Baby names help
Need baby names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
