My son is 10.5 months and just started daycare this week. He's been 3 days. Drop offs have been pretty rough, but the teacher tells me he cries maybe 5-10 minutes and then settles down. He's been sleeping okay, less than at home but 2 naps where he goes down easy and wakes up happy. He's eating much better for them than he does for us, which is awesome cause he is borderline failure to thrive and they really load him up. The teacher told me that every day around 3/3:30, or after his post-nap bottle, he pretty much melts down - he can be calmed down but needs to be held and REALLY loses it when he sees me. The teachers are all really positive and say he is transitioning well, but I do hate to see him upset! Also at home, he has gotten a lot more clingy and has been waking up at night which he rarely does. I think it must be separation anxiety, and I'm struggling with it cause he's never had it before.
Whew! Sorry for the novel. I've got the mommy guilts and am curious about your experiences. Did starting daycare affect your children's life at home? How long did they take to properly settle in? Anyone also start around 10-11 months? Please tell me stories!!