Your child's first day at nursery: a calm, practical guide
2 min read Last reviewed October 2026 Checked against official guidance
The first full day is a milestone for the whole family. A little preparation helps everyone feel more confident.
Label it
Every item of clothing
Spare set
Of clothes, at least
Quick goodbye
Usually easiest for children
In this guide
1
What to pack
- Two or three full changes of clothes, labelled
- Nappies, wipes and cream (if not provided)
- Comforter or dummy, if used
- Weather-appropriate coat, hat and wellies
- Bottles or formula, clearly labelled
- Any medication with a signed consent form
2
The night before and the morning
Keep the evening routine as normal as possible and aim for a good night's sleep. Leave plenty of time in the morning so you aren't rushed, children pick up quickly on stress.
3
Drop-off and pick-up
Hand over to the key person, share anything about the night or morning, then say a clear goodbye. At pick-up, expect your child to be tired, keep the evening quiet and cosy.