Kelsey is preparing the nursery baby bag for when she drops off her baby for the first time in just a couple of days. It’s an emotional time for her because she’ll be leaving her baby in the care of someone else. She wants to make sure she has packed everything her baby will need.
“I am going back to work in a couple of days after spending 6 glorious months with my precious new baby. I found a terrific nursery that comes highly recommended although I am still nervous about dropping off my baby in a strange place with people he doesn’t know. I need to go back to work because we really need the money and I had planned to return after 6 months. Now that that day is near, I can’t help but feel guilty I won’t be able to spend every minute with him anymore. I get a little teary eyed just thinking about it and can’t even imagine how I am going to make it out the nursery door when it’s time to say good bye. I have begun to pack the nursery bag and it is SO stuffed there is no way it is all going to fit, let alone get it closed. I’ve just been struggling with what to include and what not to include. I want him to have everything possible to make him feel more comfortable. I think the transition will be much easier on us both if he is surrounded by familiar things.
The nursery provided me with a list of the usual essentials; clothing, formula, bottles and nappies. I have also packed rattles, 2 soft books, extra clothing (3 outfits) a favorite plush toy, ointment, wipes, bags for soiled clothes, 4 pairs of socks, bibs and one of his favorite blankets. Perhaps I need to rethink everything I have included, so at least the bag will close. I just don’t have a clue what to leave out.
I’m probably packing all these things to make me feel better for leaving him. I’m worried about what it will be like to go back to work and leave him all day with strangers. I would gladly welcome any advice from mums who have made it through the first traumatic week of dropping their baby off at nursery.
If you have gone through the first few days back at work and have had to leave your baby at the nursery, please share your experiences here with us. By sharing your experiences with us it will be helpful to mums like Kelsey who are having an emotional time leaving their baby for the first time.