Returning to work after maternity leave can be an emotional rollercoaster. For many mums, it is a mix of excitement, guilt, anxiety, and hope. You want to do the best for your baby, but you also want to maintain your career, your independence, and your sense of self. At Yellow Kite Nursery, we understand how challenging this transition can be, and our Bay Cottage is designed to provide a supportive, nurturing, and practical environment for both babies and mums as they take this step together.
The first thing to remember is that this transition is not only about your baby adjusting to nursery life. It is equally about you, the parent, learning to trust and feel confident that your child is safe, happy, and thriving while you are at work. Settling in can take time, and that is perfectly normal. At Yellow Kite, we work closely with parents to make this process as smooth as possible, supporting families from the very beginning of their early years journey—well before children transition into a kindergarten in Dubai.
How We Support Mums in the Bay Cottage
Our Bay Cottage welcomes babies from 45 days old, providing a carefully designed environment that caters to the unique developmental needs of newborns and infants. The setting includes both indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring that even the youngest children benefit from fresh air, natural light, and safe exploration. One of the highlights is our private sensory garden, created to stimulate all five senses while giving babies the space to move freely and engage with their environment safely.
We understand that returning to work can be stressful, and staying connected with your baby while you are away is often one of the most important priorities for mums. This is why we have our internal family app, which allows you to communicate directly with your child’s teacher. Through the app, you can receive updates, photos, and videos of your baby throughout the day. This connection reassures parents and allows them to participate in their child’s early learning journey, even when they are at work.
Settling is a gradual process for both parent and child. We encourage mums to take a flexible approach, starting with shorter sessions and building up to full days. Our experienced baby nursery team works with each family individually to create a settling plan that meets the child’s needs and respects the parent’s comfort level. We also provide tips and techniques for creating a positive drop-off routine, so the transition feels secure and loving.
Practical Advice for Returning Mums
Returning to work after maternity leave requires planning, self-care, and support. Here are some practical tips that can help make the transition smoother:
- Start with a clear routine: Babies thrive on predictability. Try to establish regular feeding, nap, and play times before starting nursery.
- Use a consistent drop-off routine: Calm, confident goodbyes reduce separation anxiety.
- Stay connected through updates: Use nursery apps, photos, or videos to feel reassured and involved.
- Plan your return gradually: If possible, start with shorter days and build up over time.
- Ask for support: Lean on family, friends, or colleagues when needed.
- Prioritise self-care: Looking after yourself helps you show up fully for your baby.
Principal Laura Says:
“As a parent myself, I know how hard it is to leave your baby. It is a feeling I understand deeply. Trusting someone else with your child is a big decision and parents should take their time with it. What makes that decision feel lighter is knowing your child is in qualified, regulated and capable hands.”
“At Yellow Kite Nursery, we care for children with the same commitment and tenderness we give our own. We build real relationships with every child and value the partnership we form with parents. Many of us are parents too, so we recognise the emotions that come with this stage and the weight of choosing the right place.”
“Becoming a parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re an expat without your usual support system. That is why we show up the way we do. Over time, this place becomes more than a nursery. It becomes family.”
— Principal Laura
Supportive Communities and Brands in the UAE
At Yellow Kite Nursery, we are proud to collaborate with a trusted network of partners who support mums and families across Dubai. These include Sweet Dreams Consulting, Nightingale, Malaak, Babies & Beyond, The LifeStage Lab, Inspire Therapy, Jad’s Inclusion, The Developing Child Center, The Camali Clinic, High Hopes Dubai, and Genesis Healthcare Centre. Together, we create a holistic support system that complements nursery care and prepares children for future transitions, including the move into a kindergarten in Dubai. Visit our Community Links page to learn more.
Why Choosing the Right Nursery Matters
Not all nurseries offer the same level of support for newborns and parents. The right nursery will prioritise individual developmental needs, maintain open communication, and provide a nurturing environment. Our Bay Cottage is staffed by specialists trained in baby care and early development, helping children build strong emotional and developmental foundations that support long-term success, including readiness for a kindergarten in Dubai.
We also emphasise play-based, curiosity-led learning from the earliest months. Sensory experiences, gentle exploration, and movement-based activities help babies develop motor skills, emotional resilience, and cognitive connections—all documented and shared with parents through our app.
A Partnership Between Parents and Nursery
Settling in works best when parents and nursery staff collaborate closely. We encourage open communication, sharing routines, preferences, and concerns so we can adapt care accordingly. This partnership creates a sense of security that allows both baby and parent to feel supported and confident.
Getting Started at the Bay Cottage
If you are preparing to return to work, our Bay Cottage offers:
- Care for babies from 45 days old
- Indoor and outdoor spaces, including a private sensory garden
- A specialist baby nursery team
- A family app for real-time updates
- Play-based, developmentally appropriate learning
- Flexible settling plans
We invite parents to visit, meet our team, and experience how we support babies and working mums with warmth, expertise, and care.
Final Thoughts
Returning to work after maternity leave is a journey, not a single moment. With the right support and partnership, it can become a positive and empowering experience. At Yellow Kite Nursery, we are committed to walking alongside families, offering a nurturing environment where babies thrive, and parents feel confident, connected, and supported.
Book a visit today and see how our Bay Cottage can support you and your baby.