Joanna Fortune: I worry about anxiety when leaving my 10-month-old at creche

Joanna Fortune: Staying and sitting on the floor with your baby and the minders is a great way to start getting to know each other and building that all-important trust-based connection.

I have recently started the creche settling-in process with my 10-month-old son. He is very curious, open to exploring new environments and happy to get to know wider family and friends. Unfortunately, the first week of creche hasn't been easy, and he has been quite upset when I leave.  I hear a lot from creche staff saying: 'It's just a process, and all babies go through it', and I do not doubt this is true. However, I worry about any possible impact of separating before 12 months and of the impact of possible prolonged crying.

The transition back to work from maternity leave is challenging, not just for your baby but also for you. Whatever your childcare choice, you are leaving your baby with someone else, which requires trust. This is particularly challenging when you've yet to build a relationship with the minders who will care for your baby.