When you picture your baby at nursery, one question usually comes before all the others: “What will they actually do all day?” Who feeds them, when do they sleep, and who picks them up when they cry? It is a very normal thing to wonder, and a clear picture of the day helps far more than general promises. This guide walks you through a typical day in an infant room, from the morning hand-over to the moment you collect your baby.

At Balloon Nursery our infant care programme welcomes babies from 45 days old, and children can stay with us as they grow, up to 4 years. If you are still at the stage of choosing a nursery, start with our practical guide to infant care from 45 days in Sharjah, then come back here to imagine the day itself.

One thing to keep in mind: a baby does not run on a school timetable. A young baby’s day turns around three things: feeding, sleep and comfort. A good infant room follows your baby’s rhythm instead of putting every baby on the same clock.

Morning: a calm arrival and a clear hand-over

The hand-over is the most important few minutes of the day. This is when you tell the caregiver when your baby last fed, how the night went and anything new: a tooth coming through, a slight cold, a vaccination yesterday. These small details help the caregiver read your baby from the first hour and notice hunger or tiredness before it turns into crying.

Say goodbye with a smile and a calm voice, and keep it short. Babies pick up on our stress more than we expect.

Feeding: led by your baby, not the clock

In the first months, babies differ a lot in how often and how much they feed. So the caregiver watches for early hunger cues, such as mouth movements, turning the head or sucking on hands, and feeds before your baby reaches hard crying. If you are breastfeeding, the World Health Organization encourages continued breastfeeding, and expressed milk can let you carry on even after you return to work.

Questions worth asking any nursery: How is milk stored? How is it warmed? How will I know how much my baby drank today? A nursery with clear answers to these questions knows its job.

Sleep: safe first, cosy second

Babies sleep a lot during the day, usually in short stretches. Safety comes first here. The NHS advises placing babies on their back for every sleep, in a cot with a firm, flat mattress and no pillows, bumpers or soft toys. On your visit, look at the sleeping area: does each baby have their own cot, and is the space calm and away from the noise of older children?

It also helps when the caregiver learns how your baby likes to settle. Some like gentle rocking, others relax to a soft voice or a familiar song. Share your home habits so that nursery feels like an extension of home.

Play time: senses before toys

For a baby, play is not a lesson. It is talking, singing and smiling together, supervised tummy time while awake, and soft, safe objects to hold, shake and explore. All of this builds muscle strength, wakes up the senses and grows the bond between your baby and the person caring for them.

In the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which we follow with Montessori-style hands-on learning, babies learn most through warm relationships and free exploration rather than organised activities. You can read more in our post on EYFS and Montessori.

Nappy changes and hygiene

A nappy change is a moment of connection, not just a routine. The caregiver talks to your baby and smiles while changing them. Ask where changes happen: the area should be clean and separate from where food is prepared and eaten. Agree on what you send each day, such as nappies, spare clothes and any cream your baby uses.

Afternoon: catching up before pick-up

What reassures most parents at the end of the day is knowing the simple things: How long did my baby sleep? How much did they feed? Were they settled or unsettled? Agree from the start how the nursery will share this with you, and what happens if traffic makes you a little late.

How Balloon Nursery does it

  • We welcome children from 45 days to 4 years, so your baby can grow up in a place they already know.
  • We are open every day from 6:30am to 7:30pm, with early drop-off from 6:00am on request. See our daycare page and our guide to a nursery open at weekends.
  • British EYFS with Montessori-style hands-on learning, and Arabic and English every day.
  • Licensed by SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority), in Al Ghafia, Sharjah. Bus service available.

The best way to understand an infant room is to see it. Book a visit and bring all your questions, or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 342 8582.

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age does Balloon Nursery take babies?

We welcome babies from 45 days old, and children can stay with us up to 4 years.

Do babies follow a fixed timetable at nursery?

Young babies vary a lot in feeding and sleep, so care should follow each baby’s own rhythm, with regular updates between parents and the nursery.

How do babies sleep safely at nursery?

The NHS advises placing babies on their back for every sleep, in a cot with a firm, flat mattress and no pillows or soft toys. Ask about this when you visit any nursery.

Can I send expressed breast milk with my baby?

Yes, many mothers continue breastfeeding with expressed milk. Agree with the nursery on how it is stored, warmed and recorded.

What are the nursery opening hours?

Balloon Nursery is open every day from 6:30am to 7:30pm, with early drop-off from 6:00am on request.