Baby Won't Eat For Anyone Else

by Jenn
(Lancaster, PA)

My 11 month old will not eat at daycare or from any caregiver if I am not there! He will take a bottle sometimes but will not eat babyfood or adult food. He just started daycare and has gone 7 times in the past 2 weeks.







Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Jenn!

I understand that you're worried and in a sense of course your baby is saying that he doesn't approve of the new situation. As he starts to adapt to being at daycare, he will most likely start eating.

I know it can take a long time for some children and in such case you will have to try to give him lots of food both for breakfast and dinner or whenever you pick him up.

Still, most children do adapt over a few weeks and start eating and sleeping as usual.

Has the caregiver tried serving him some tasty finger foods? If he normally enjoys picking up tiny bits of food, then maybe this could make him interested in eating?

They could also give him something on the go, while playing for example, to take away the focus on eating.

Good that he at least takes a bottle from time to time so that he gets some liquid and energy whiel away from you.

I wish you good luck and don't be too worried! If you are confident that the daycare is good, your son is likely to start enjoying his time there eventually too.

/Paula