For those of you who work, how long did it take for your baby to adjust to being with a child minder?
I returned back to work part time when Gina was a few weeks old, however I don't have her at DC - my gran takes care of her. Gina was OK with it from the start.
and is there anything that you did to help make the transition a bit easier?
We made sure Gina had spent time with gran before we left them alone for a whole day ie I'd leave them together in the room and just go and do something else in another room. So Gina got used to being alone with gran. We've only ever had family baby-sit her and she's familiar with them so that has been OK too.
At the moment she doesn't have a comfort toy (just her thumb ), but I was thinking about getting her something with my scent on it to give her comfort when I am not there.
Gina has a 'comfort' bee rattle that goes with her everywhere - not sure if it helps or not.
....any other suggestions?
Maybe try playing together - all 3 of you - and when she's happy and distracted, leave the room then. Maybe try for short periods at first so Ella will realise you're coming back, then build up on that. Good luck