Starting nursery is a major milestone for both you and your little one. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a mixture of both, these emotions are completely natural. Many parents in Dubai find themselves wondering if their child is ready for the separation, what age is best to start nursery, what to pack for the first day, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
At The Wonder Years Nursery, we understand that your child’s first day at nursery represents a significant step in their development journey. As a British nursery in Dubai, we know that proper preparation can make all the difference in helping your little one settle in confidently while giving you peace of mind. From our experience working with families across Dubai, we know that when parents feel prepared, children sense that confidence and adapt more easily to their new environment.
The key to success lies in thoughtful preparation that considers your child’s age, temperament, and individual needs. Whether you’re preparing a baby for nursery or helping an older child take this exciting step, having a clear plan will help parents feel more confident about starting nursery in Dubai.
Parent Checklist: Preparing for the First Day at Nursery
For Infants (6 months – 8 months)
Feeding Essentials
- Bring clearly labelled bottles with your baby’s preferred milk or formula
- If your child is eating solids, provide a favourite snack which they can enjoy
- Pack extra bibs and burp cloths for mealtimes
- Provide detailed feeding instructions including times and quantities
- Include any special cups or utensils your baby is familiar with
Comfort & Sleep Items
- Pack a favourite soft toy or comforter for naptime
- Bring a familiar blanket that smells like home
- Include extra dummies/pacifiers if your baby uses them
- Provide clear sleep routine instructions for our caregivers
Clothing & Hygiene
- Pack at least two complete changes of clothes in clearly marked bags
- Bring plenty of nappies, wipes, and any special creams
- Include spare socks and bibs (babies can go through several per day!)
- Label everything with your child’s name using permanent marker
Health & Safety Information
- Complete all required health forms and vaccination records
- Provide emergency contact details for both parents
- Include details of any allergies, medications, or special requirements
- Share your baby’s daily routine timings for feeds, naps, and play
For Toddlers & Preschoolers (18 months – 4 years)
Independence Preparation
While we don’t expect children to be fully independent when they join Wonder Years Nursery in Dubai it’s well known that attempting activities on their own can build confidence and provide reassurance. This growing sense of self-assurance can ease the process of settling into a new environment.
- Practice putting on and taking off shoes independently
- Encourage your child to communicate their needs clearly
- Teach them to recognise their belongings and name
- Practice following simple instructions and tidying up toys
Emotional Readiness
- Read books about starting nursery together
- Talk positively about nursery and the new friends they’ll make
- Making your child part of the process and allowing them to make some decisions, such as choosing their lunch bags or new water bottle or outfit for the first day.
- Practice short separations with trusted family members
- Create a simple goodbye routine that you can use each morning
Practical Items
- Pack a complete change of clothes in a named bag
- Include any comfort items like a small toy or photo of family
- Bring a familiar and healthy snack for meal time
- Provide a water bottle with your child’s name clearly visible
Communication & Routine
- Share your child’s interests, favourite activities, and any concerns
- Provide details of home routines including meal times and nap preferences
- Let us know if your child has any familiar faces at nursery or prefers playing alone or in small groups
- Discuss any words or phrases your child uses that might be unclear to others
Getting Started Tips at the Wonder Years Nursery Dubai
- Attend the settling-in visit before the official first day
- Start talking about nursery a few days beforehand (not too early!)
- Keep goodbyes short and positive on the first day
- Trust our experienced EYFS-trained staff to support your child’s transition
You don’t need to worry about missing out on your child’s day—at The Wonder Years Nursery, our team keeps you updated with activity photos, notes, and activities through the Blossom Parent App.
Remember, every child adapts to nursery at their own pace, and whether you’re enrolling at our Remraam or Sports City branch, our experienced team is here to support both you and your little one every step of the way.
If you have any questions about our nursery checklist for parents or need guidance on how to prepare baby for nursery, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Your child’s first day at nursery is the start of a joyful journey, and we’re honoured to walk alongside your family every step of the way.
If you’re preparing for upcoming nursery admissions in Dubai, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at The Wonder Years Nursery.
We are enrolling now at Sports City & Remraam Community Branch
Book a Tour at The Wonder Years Nursery – Dubai Sports City Branch
Book a Tour at The Wonder Years Nursery – Remraam Community Branch
Want a handy reference? Download our free printable nursery checklist to keep all these essential items organised and ready for your little one’s big day. Perfect for sticking on your fridge or keeping in your bag!
Download Free Checklist