Whitehall Early Learning Centre in Footscray — playmat

Starting Daycare as a Baby: A Gentle Guide to Our Nursery

Trusting someone else to care for your baby is a big step — and a very emotional one. At Whitehall Early Learning in Footscray, we welcome babies from just six weeks of age into a calm, nurturing nursery, and we work closely with you to make the transition gentle for both of you. Here’s what to expect when your little one starts.

The Whitehall Early Learning Centre building in Footscray

Babies are welcome from six weeks

Our nursery cares for infants from six weeks to around one year, in a warm, home-like space designed just for babies. Whether you’re returning to work or study, we’ll help your little one feel safe and settled from day one — at their pace, never rushed.

A gentle, gradual start

We know babies (and parents) settle best with time. We encourage a staged start — shorter visits to begin with, building up as your baby grows familiar with the space, the sounds and the faces. Bringing a comfort item from home and keeping goodbyes warm and calm helps your baby feel secure.

A calm, home-like nursery room at Whitehall Early Learning in Footscray
Caring educators at Whitehall Early Learning Centre

Secure bonds with consistent, caring educators

Babies thrive on trusting relationships. Our educators build secure attachments through consistent, one-on-one care, so your baby is comforted by familiar faces every day. These warm bonds are the foundation of your child’s confidence, wellbeing and early learning.

Your baby’s own routine, followed with care

Every baby is different, so we follow your baby’s individual routine rather than the clock. Sleep, feeding, nappy changes and cuddles all happen in line with the rhythm your baby knows from home — and we keep you updated on every one.

A bright, welcoming room at Whitehall Early Learning
The area where babies are fed at Whitehall Early Learning

Feeding: breast milk, formula and first foods

We support your feeding choices fully. Breast milk and formula are welcomed, carefully stored and prepared, and from around six months we introduce age-appropriate first foods from our dietitian-approved puree menu — mashed banana and oat, pureed lentils with sweet potato, and carrot and chickpea — all planned around the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

Safe spaces to move, explore and grow

Babies learn through their senses. Our nursery offers safe, soft spaces for tummy time, rolling, crawling and reaching, with sensory play that supports early brain development. Every day brings gentle new experiences to spark curiosity and build strength.

Soft toys and sensory play for babies at Whitehall Early Learning
A cosy reading and books area at Whitehall Early Learning, Footscray

A close partnership with you

You’re your baby’s first and most important teacher, and we’re here to partner with you. We share daily updates, photos and those precious milestone moments, and we’re always here for a chat at drop-off and pick-up — because the best care happens when we work together.

If you’re looking for gentle, nurturing childcare in Footscray for your baby, Whitehall Early Learning Centre welcomes children from 6 weeks to 6 years — book a tour to meet our team.

Come and meet our nursery team

The best way to feel confident about your baby’s care is to visit. Book a tour of Whitehall Early Learning in Footscray and see our nursery for yourself.

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