First Day at Nursery: How to Prepare Your Child (and Yourself!)
The first day at nursery is a big moment — for both you and your child. It marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with learning, play, and development, but it’s also completely normal to feel a mix of emotions leading up to it.
Whether you're feeling a little nervous or just want to make sure everything goes smoothly, this guide will help you feel prepared and confident.
From what to pack to how to ease those first-day nerves, here are some helpful tips to get ready for your child’s first day at nursery…
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Top Tips for the First Day at Nursery
1. Talk About Nursery in a Positive Way
Start by chatting about nursery a few weeks before their first day. Talk about the fun activities they might do, the friends they might make, and the lovely grown-ups who’ll be there to help.
Reading books about starting nursery or role-playing with toys can also help prepare your child for this new routine.
If you’re still in the decision-making stage, our guide on how to choose a nursery can help you feel confident in your choice.
2. Visit the Nursery Together
If possible, arrange a settling-in session before their first full day. This gives your child a chance to explore the space and get to know their key workers while you're still nearby. It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask any last-minute questions.
3. Establish a Routine
A few days before their start date, begin shifting into your new routine — from wake-up times to mealtimes.
This helps your child feel secure and builds familiarity before the big day arrives.
4. Pack Comfort Items
A familiar soft toy, blanket or dummy can offer great reassurance on their first day.
Most nurseries will happily accommodate comforters, especially during rest times or when a little extra support is needed.
5. Label Everything
From water bottles to spare clothes, make sure everything is clearly labelled. It’ll make life easier for nursery staff and help your child feel more confident when recognising their own things.
6. Keep Goodbyes Short and Positive
Saying goodbye can be tough — for both of you. Keep it upbeat, offer a reassuring hug, and let them know when you’ll be back. Most children settle quickly once you’ve left, especially with encouragement from caring staff.
Supporting Yourself as a Parent
It’s completely normal for parents to feel emotional on their child’s first day at nursery. After all, it’s a big step.
Try to plan something kind for yourself that day — even if it’s just a quiet cup of tea, a walk, or a catch-up with a friend. And remember, feeling a little wobbly is a sign that you care deeply.
What is the Settling In Process at a My Ohana Nursery?
Starting nursery is a big step, and at My Ohana, we believe it’s important to take things at your child’s pace.
That’s why we offer settling in sessions for every child joining us.
These sessions are designed to help your little one grow in confidence, get used to their new surroundings, and begin building a bond with their dedicated key worker — someone who will be there to support and comfort them every day.
We understand that every family is different, so your Setting Manager will work with you to agree on the settling in process that’s right for you and your child. During these sessions, we’ll chat with you about routines, needs, and interests to help us provide truly personalised care from day one.
Our aim is to make sure your child feels happy and secure — and that you feel reassured every step of the way.
First Day of Nursery FAQs
What happens on the first day of nursery?
Your child’s first day at nursery is all about helping them feel safe, welcome, and settled. Staff will greet you both with a warm smile and guide your little one through their new environment.
They’ll spend time with their key worker, take part in age-appropriate activities, and begin to get to know the other children. It’s completely normal if there are a few tears — and rest assured, our experienced team are there to offer plenty of comfort and reassurance.
What should I take on the first day of nursery?
You’ll need to pack a bag with a few essentials, including:
Spare clothes (including socks)
Nappies, wipes, and creams (if needed)
Any comforters or dummies your child uses
A labelled water bottle or sippy cup
Weather-appropriate items (e.g. coat, sun hat, wellies)
Your nursery team will let you know if anything else is needed, but this list will help get you started.
When should you send a baby to nursery?
The right time to start nursery depends on your family’s needs and your child’s readiness. Some babies join as early as 3–6 months old, while others start closer to 1 year or beyond.
Whether you're returning to work or introducing a new routine, our team is here to support a smooth transition whenever the time is right for you.
What should a baby wear to nursery?
Dress your baby in comfortable, practical clothes that are easy to move in — think leggings, t-shirts, and jumpers.
Avoid anything too fiddly (like lots of buttons), and keep in mind that nursery often involves messy play and outdoor adventures! Layering is also helpful to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
How many spare clothes should I pack for nursery?
We recommend packing at least 2–3 full spare outfits, including socks and vests. Little ones are busy exploring, and changes due to spills, water play or accidents are very common — having extra clothes ensures they stay comfortable all day.
Can my child go to nursery in nappies?
Absolutely! Many children start nursery before they’re toilet trained, and that’s perfectly normal. Our team will support your child with nappy changes and, when the time comes, work with you to support toilet training in a consistent and encouraging way.
Do nurseries provide milk?
At My Ohana, we’re here to support your baby’s feeding routine in a way that works best for you.
For breastfed babies, we ask that expressed breast milk is provided in bottles, ready for each feed due while your child is in our care. Milk feeds can be served cold or warmed to the right serving temperature — just let our team know your preference.
If you’re providing expressed milk, please check with your nursery setting to see if we have refrigerated storage available. Where refrigeration isn’t available, we kindly ask that milk is brought in a suitable insulated carrier to keep it at the right temperature.
For formula-fed babies, you can supply ready-to-feed cartons or pre-measured powder in containers. We’ll prepare feeds as needed throughout the day. Don’t forget to include enough sterilised bottles for each feed.
We’ll always follow your instructions closely to ensure your baby is comfortable, cared for, and fed just as they are at home.
A New Adventure Begins
Nursery is the beginning of so many wonderful milestones - from building friendships to gaining independence and confidence. It also plays an important role in your child’s development.
If you’re still navigating the practicalities, we also have useful resources on budgeting for childcare and understanding Government Funded Childcare, as well as a blog exploring the many benefits of nursery for your child’s wellbeing and learning.
Have questions or want to chat about how we support little ones on their first day?
Get in touch with your local My Ohana nursery — we’d love to help you and your child feel confident and excited for the journey ahead.
