Baby Not Eating Well at Daycare

If you just went back, I think she needs some time to adjust to daycare. All babies show this change in their routine in different ways. For some it is sleep, for some it is fussiness, for some it is eating. If she gets hungry, she will eat, she is just on strike for now. My daughter is 5.5 mo and has been in daycare for 3.5 of those months. Even now, she has her off days and it takes 3 attempts to get her to eat. They just try again later. She also won't eat at all with my husband. I have to travel next week for work, so we will see how she does. Luckily, she is a pretty happy baby even when she doesn't eat, and I know that she will eat at daycare, so she may just be on an evening/morning strike.

You might check out something called "reverse cycling" - it's more common in breastfed babies, but perhaps your formula-fed baby is doing this. Here's a link to kellymom and you can always google more info - HTH!

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/reverse-cycling.html

dont feel bad for me saying this, but maybe she misses her mommy?? but i dont know how to fix this problem if it is the case...

i know we have fantastic day care providers in our day in age, but some out there leave alot to be desired... maybe this day care provider isnt being patient enough with her? and she can sense it??

This problem should resolve it'self before your little one can lose any weight or fail to grow properly. You could try sending a blanket that you have slept with so that your baby can have your smell during feedings.

Also, it's not unusual at all for babies to switch their routines for little to no reason and even more common during a big change in routine. It will even out. As long as your little one is still eating at home, coming home clean, seems to be sleeping normal for her, then I wouldn't worry just yet.

Some babies can be a bit tougher on this front...I should know..I am a home childcare provider! I would give it some time.

Also..I have had to try my own things with tough feeders. I have sometimes ended up using whole different bottles and nipples (totally different shape, etc)..and different positioning, etc.

If it were me, first I would be trying swaddling vs no swaddling and varying degrees (loose holds, etc)..all different positions..I had one who I could never cradle against me...I had to lay him on my crossed legs as I sat on the floor..he simply would NOT eat if I tried feeding him close to my body! Just have her keep trying things..sing to her..differnt holds...quiet rooms, noisy one...and give it time....

Good luck!

How long has she been in daycare? Could it just be that it is so new that she hasn't adjusted to the provider and/or the surroundings yet? Is the provider distracted and maybe your daughter is sensing that? My initial thought is to just give her time.

What kind of water do they use? I know my son had issues when we used tap water instead of the filtered nursery water.

Your providers should be patient. After all the baby has changed routines and no longer have the smell and comfort of mommy to encourage the appetite. I don't remember if growth spurts happen at 12 weeks, but that could be the issue too. Are you close to the daycare to probably drop by around feeding time and help them out with your baby? Just a thought.

its prob because the baby misses you. one of my gf's when her daughter is with the daddy, she doesnt eat much at all, but when shes with her mom she does. its poss that the baby is missing you, and thats why she isnt wanting to eat. But remember, once she gets hungry she will eat.