First Day of Nursery: What to Expect (and How to Prepare)

By Steven Clarke Nuuri
Page updated 17 February 2026

Reading time: 5 minutes

Your child's first day of nursery is a big milestone (for them, and you!). It's exciting, it's emotional, and it's completely normal to feel a bit nervous about it. Whether your little one is three months old or three years old, this is a significant moment for your whole family.

The good news? With a bit of preparation and knowing what to expect, you can make the first day much smoother for both you and your child. Let's walk through what's likely to happen, how to get ready, and what you can do to help your child settle in confidently.

What to Expect on the First Day of Nursery

Here are a few tips (tried and tested by our own experiences here at Nuuri), to help you manage the transition to nursery or pre-school as best you can.

Your Child Will Be Tired

Even though your child might only be at nursery for a few hours, they'll be taking in so much new information. New faces, new sounds, new routines, new toys, new smells. Their brain is working overtime. By the end of the day, they'll be exhausted, even if they've had a nap.

Don't be surprised if they're grumpy, clingy, or emotional when you pick them up. This is completely normal. They've been managing their feelings in a new environment all day, and now they can finally relax with you. It doesn't mean they've had a bad day. It usually means they've had quite an intense day, or might still be navigating nursery separation anxiety.

You'll Get Updates Throughout the Day

Most nurseries now use apps or messaging systems to keep you updated. You might get photos of your child playing, messages about what they've eaten, how long they napped, and any observations from their key person. This is brilliant because it helps you feel connected to their day and gives you peace of mind.

Some nurseries also encourage you to call during the day if you want to check in. A good nursery won't mind you calling a couple of times, especially on the first day. It helps you feel less anxious, and it reassures your child that you're thinking about them.

Their Key Person Will Be Their Main Point of Contact

Your child will have a key person assigned to them, perhaps a dedicated Early Years Practitioner. This is a specific staff member who will be their main point of contact at nursery. They'll be the one who settles your child in, supports them throughout the day, and gives you a handover at pick-up time.

The key person will have gathered information about your child during settling-in sessions, so they'll know their routines, preferences, and any worries. They'll use this to make your child's first day feel as familiar and comfortable as possible.

There Will Be Planned Activities

Your child's first day isn't just about sitting around. There will be activities planned specifically with your child in mind. If they love dinosaurs, there might be a dinosaur sensory tray. If they enjoy books, the book corner will be ready to explore. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and help your child feel engaged and happy.

Your Child Might Get Messy

Nurseries do a lot of messy play. Paint, gloop, sand, water, mud. Sensory play like this is brilliant for development, but it means your child will probably come home covered in something. Think about the best clothes for your child to wear at nursery (they don’t always need to be dressed for a fashion show!). Practical, washable clothing is the way to go.

How to Prepare Your Child

Talk About It Positively

Even if your child is very young, talk about nursery with excitement and positivity. Use simple language and focus on the fun things they'll do. "You're going to nursery tomorrow. You'll play with toys, paint, go outside, and have lunch. It's going to be fun!"

If your child is old enough to ask questions, answer them honestly and reassuringly. If they're worried about something specific, acknowledge their feelings but reassure them. "I know you're a bit worried about where your comforter will be. Your key person will keep it safe for you, and you can have it whenever you need it."

Read Books About Starting Nursery

There are some lovely children's books about starting nursery. Reading these together helps normalise the experience and gives your child a chance to ask questions. It also helps them feel less alone if they're feeling nervous.

Visit the Nursery Before the First Day

Most nurseries have settling-in sessions before the first full day. Use these to help your child get familiar with the space, the staff, and the routine. Let them explore the rooms, meet their key person, and start to feel comfortable. The more familiar it feels, the easier the transition will be.

Pack Comfort Items

If your child has a comfort item (a teddy, a blanket, a muslin), bring it with them. This familiar object can be really reassuring when they're feeling unsure. Keep it somewhere accessible so they can have it if they need it during the day.

How to Prepare Yourself

Don't Start Work on the Same Day

If possible, don't go back to work on the same day your child starts nursery. Give yourself a day or two to ease into the routine. This takes the pressure off you both and means you can focus on the transition rather than worrying about work deadlines.

Have a Plan B

It can help to have a backup plan for the first few days, just in case. Could your partner take a few hours off? Could a family member be on standby? Knowing you have a plan B can help you feel more relaxed, even if you don't end up needing it.

Talk to Other Parents

Connect with other parents who've been through this. Hearing their experiences can help normalise your feelings and remind you that what you're feeling is completely normal. Most parents feel anxious about their child's first day at nursery.

Manage Your Own Emotions

Your child will pick up on your emotions. If you're anxious and worried, they'll sense that. Try to stay calm and positive. Take a few deep breaths before drop-off. Remember that your child is in a safe, professional environment with trained staff who are experienced at helping children settle.

The First Day: What to Do

Keep Goodbyes Short and Sweet

When it's time to say goodbye, keep it brief and positive. Give your child a big hug and a smile, and then go. Don't sneak away or linger. A quick, confident goodbye is much better than a long, emotional one.

Your key person will have strategies to help your child settle after you've left. They might distract them with an activity, or they might sit with them for a bit. Trust that they know what they're doing.

Don't Call Too Often

It's tempting to call every five minutes to check on your child, but try to resist. Most nurseries will call you if there's a problem. Frequent calls can actually make it harder for your child to settle because they know you're thinking about them being away. One or two calls during the day is fine, but try not to overdo it.

Prepare for Emotions at Pick-Up

Your child might cry when you arrive at pick-up. This isn't because they've had a bad day. It's because they've been holding it together all day, and now they can finally let go with you. This is actually a good sign. It means they feel safe with you.

Be warm and reassuring, but don't make a huge fuss. Let them decompress for a bit before asking lots of questions about their day. They might not remember much anyway because they've been so stimulated.

What to Pack

Pack a bag with:

Several changes of clothes (including socks and underwear)
Outdoor clothing suitable for the season
A comforter if your child uses one
A water bottle
Any bottles or milk if your child is still bottle-feeding
Nappies and wipes (unless the nursery provides these)

Label everything with your child's name. Seriously, everything. It's the only way things come home.

The First Week and Beyond

The first day is just the beginning. Most children take a few days to a couple of weeks to fully settle. Some settle in a day or two. Others take longer. Every child is different, and there's no right or wrong timeline.

Your key person will keep you updated on how your child is settling. They'll let you know if there are any concerns and work with you to support your child through the transition.

After the first week, you'll probably notice your child talking about nursery more, getting excited about going, and becoming more confident. This is brilliant. It means they're settling and starting to enjoy it.

When to Worry (and When Not To)

It's normal for your child to be upset at drop-off for the first few days or weeks. It's also normal for them to be tired and emotional at pick-up. These are all signs of adjustment, not signs that something's wrong.

What you should talk to the nursery about:

If your child is still very distressed after several weeks
If they're not eating or drinking
If they're not sleeping at all
If they're showing signs of regression (like losing toilet training skills)
If staff aren't responding to your concerns

A good nursery will work with you to support your child through the transition. If you have concerns, speak up. Your child's wellbeing is the priority here, of course.

Making It Easier for Everyone

The transition to nursery is a big change for your whole family. Be patient with yourself and your child. Some days will be harder than others, and that's okay! You're doing a great job, and your child is learning valuable skills like independence, resilience, and how to build relationships with other adults.

Use Nuuri to find a quality nursery where your child will be happy and supported. Read reviews from other parents, check Ofsted or Care Inspectorate ratings, and visit nurseries before you commit. The right nursery makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every child is different. Some settle in a day or two, while others take a few weeks. Most children are reasonably settled within two to four weeks. Your key person will give you a sense of how your child is doing.

Yes, it's very normal. Many children cry at drop-off, especially in the first few weeks. They're adjusting to a big change. Most children stop crying once you've left and get distracted by an activity. If your child is still very distressed after several weeks, talk to the nursery about strategies to help.

During settling-in sessions, yes. But once the first day arrives, it's usually better to leave. Staying can actually make it harder for your child to settle because they keep thinking you might leave. Your key person will have strategies to help your child settle after you've gone.

Some children are too anxious to eat on the first day or two. This is normal. They'll usually start eating once they've settled. If they're refusing food after a week or two, talk to the nursery about what might help. They might be more willing to eat certain foods, or they might need more time to settle.

Yes, most nurseries are happy for you to call. But try not to call too often, as it can make it harder for your child to settle. One or two calls is usually fine.

Nurseries are experienced at managing minor illnesses. If your child gets ill, the nursery will call you and you can pick them up. Don't worry about this. It happens to lots of children, and it doesn't mean the nursery isn't right for them.

Trust your instincts. A good nursery will be warm, welcoming, and responsive to your child's needs. Your key person should be engaged and interested in your child. You should feel confident leaving your child in their care. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.