Helping Your Child Settle With a New Childminder in Harlow

jameswaterstone
Dec 2, 2025
4 min read

Starting with a new childminder is a big step, both for children and parents.It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.

At Marta’s Creative Corner in Harlow, I’ve supported many families through their first days and weeks, and I’ve seen how a few simple steps can make the transition much smoother.

Here are some practical ideas to help your child settle with a new childminder.

1. Talk about the change in a simple, positive way

Young children pick up on our feelings, even if they can’t put things into words.

You don’t need a big serious chat, just simple, friendly messages like:

“You’re going to play at Marta’s house. There will be toys and other children.”
“Mummy/Daddy will drop you off, then come back after lunch.”

Keep it calm and positive. If you’re feeling anxious, try to talk to another adult about your worries, not in front of your child. Your calm confidence helps them feel safe.

2. Use visits and settling-in sessions

If possible, start with short visits before full sessions. This might look like:

A first visit where both you and your child come together.
A second visit where you stay for a little while, then step out for a short time.
A gradual build-up to a full session.

These settling-in sessions give your child time to:

Get to know me and my home.
Explore the toys and play spaces.
Realise that you always come back.

They also give us time to talk about routines, likes, dislikes and anything that helps your child feel secure.

3. Share your child’s routines and comfort items

You know your child best. Little details make a big difference, such as:

How they like to fall asleep (rocking, patting, stories, music).
Favourite comfort items (teddy, blanket, dummy).
Words or phrases you use at home for naps, meals or toilet time.
Things they love (cars, animals, books, messy play) and things that worry them.

When I have this information, I can mirror what you do at home as much as possible, so your child feels more at ease in a new place.

4. Bring something from home

A familiar item can be very reassuring on those first days. You might pack:

A favourite cuddly toy or blanket.
A family photo in a small wallet or card.
A jumper or muslin that smells like home.

If your child is old enough, you can tell them:“Bear is coming with you to Marta’s. If you miss me, you can cuddle Bear and show him the toys.”

5. Keep goodbyes short and consistent

Long, emotional goodbyes often make things harder. Children can become more upset if they sense you’re unsure about leaving.

Try this pattern:

Come in, hang up coats, say hello.
Share any quick updates with me (sleep, food, mood).
Give your child a hug and a clear message like:“Have a lovely play at Marta’s. I’ll be back after lunch.”
Hand over to me, then leave promptly.

If your child cries when you go, it’s heartbreaking, but very common. Most children settle quickly once parents are out of sight. I can always update you by message once they are calm, if you’d find that reassuring.

6. Ask for updates that work for you

Some parents like a message and photo during the first few sessions; others prefer a chat at pick-up. There’s no right or wrong.

At Marta’s Creative Corner, I’m happy to:

Send a quick message once your child has settled.
Share photos or short notes during the day when appropriate.
Give a proper run-through at home time of what they enjoyed, ate and how they slept.

Tell me what helps you feel most at ease, and we can agree what works for both of us.

7. Expect a bit of tiredness and extra cuddles

Starting with a new childminder is exciting but also tiring. Your child is:

Meeting new people
Learning a new place
Trying new routines

At home you might notice:

Extra clinginess
More tantrums at the end of the day
Needing a bit more sleep or quiet time

This is all normal. Try to keep home routines simple and calm while they get used to the new pattern. Extra cuddles, familiar stories and early nights often help.

8. Keep talking to your childminder

Settling in is a team effort between parents and childminder. If something is worrying you, please reach out. We can:

Adjust the settling-in plan
Try different drop-off routines
Share ideas that have worked for other children

Likewise, I’ll let you know if I notice anything that might be helpful at home, such as favourite activities, new friendships or changes in naps.

Open, honest communication helps your child feel supported on all sides.

9. Trust the process

Most children settle far better than parents expect. For many, the first few days are the hardest; then they begin to:

Run in happily at drop-off
Talk about their friends and activities
Show new skills and independence

If settling takes a little longer for your child, that’s okay too. Every child is unique. With patience, consistency and good communication, almost all children grow to feel happy and secure in their new childcare setting.