A guide for new parents: Choosing the right nursery for your baby

Choosing a nursery is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a parent. Whether you're preparing for a return to work or simply planning ahead, it's natural to want a place that feels safe, nurturing, and aligned with your values.

At Early Learners Hub, we understand how emotional this decision can be. Our team is here to support you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident every step of the way.

It’s more than care, it’s connection

In the early months of life, your baby is learning who they can trust and how the world around them works. A quality nursery program doesn’t just supervise babies — it nurtures them through connection, routine and care.

Look for a nursery where:

  • Educators take the time to build relationships with each baby

  • Feeding, sleep, and settling routines are individualised

  • Babies are engaged in play, stories and music throughout the day

  • There’s warmth, calm and consistency across the environment

These small details matter. They help your baby feel safe, supported and ready to explore.

What questions should you ask?

It can be hard to know what to look for when you’re starting out. Here are some helpful questions you might want to ask during your visit:

  • How are babies’ routines supported?

  • What is your approach to sleep and feeding?

  • What qualifications do your Nursery Educators hold?

  • How do you settle babies into care?

  • What is the Educator-to-child ratio for infants?

  • How do you communicate with Families during the day?

At Early Learners Hub, we welcome questions like these. You deserve to feel informed and confident, and our team will take the time to explain everything clearly.

What to observe when you visit a Centre

Often, the best way to get a feel for a nursery is to see it in action. When you visit, take a few moments to notice:

  • Are the babies relaxed and engaged?

  • Are the Educators calm, warm and attentive?

  • Does the room feel clean, inviting and safe?

  • Is there a quiet space for rest and soft spaces for play?

You should never feel rushed or unsure. A good Centre will give you space to ask questions, share your child’s needs, and explore how your baby will be cared for.

How our Nursery Program supports your baby’s first years

Our Nursery Program is built around consistency, care and connection. From your first day with us, we aim to create an environment where babies feel safe, families feel supported and learning happens through every moment.

You can expect:

  • One-on-one interactions with familiar Educators

  • Sensory play and language-rich experiences

  • Gentle routines tailored to your baby’s needs

  • Open communication with your family

  • Respect for how your baby sleeps, feeds and settles at home

We also know that starting care can feel like a big step for families, so we offer flexible orientation visits and regular updates to help make the transition smooth and positive.

Give yourself time to decide

Some parents choose to explore options during pregnancy, while others begin closer to returning to work. There’s no perfect timeline — just the one that’s right for you.

Taking the time to tour a few Centres, ask questions and reflect on how you feel can help you find the right fit for your family. And when you find the right place, you’ll know.

Want to learn more?

We’d love to welcome you for a visit. Book a tour to meet our Nursery team, explore our spaces and see how we care for our youngest learners.

You can also contact our Enrolments team on 1300 595 939.

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