Feeding at nursery

[Liff]

Our eight month old started nursery last week and although he seems to be settling and is now taking more food there, he is refusing to take his milk from the staff. We have taken in our own bottles so that the bottle/sterilisation method and water are as familiar as possible, but he still won't drink. Does anyone have any advice?

It's only been a week - persistence paid off in our case. Is there a shawl/blanket or somethingthat smells of you they could have as a burp cloth so there's something comforting and familiar for him?

Good idea, hadn't thought of that, thanks!

DS still refusing to take his milk and yesterday (27 degrees) he also refused to have any water. We are getting increasingly worried, does anyone else have any top tips?? Thanks in advance!

is it the same carer who is giving the milk/water? ask because this could make the difference, they get used to one person.
we have had this situation a couple of times where i work.
even now if a different member of the team try to bottle feed a baby, the baby may not take it if it is not the usual carer.
in the meantime have you tried ice lollies (made from water)or crushed ice?

what kind of bottles have you tried?

Not sure whether it is the same person trying to feed him each time but I think it is his key worker. The strange thing is that he is really settled there, spends his days playing and eating his solids happily but just won't take any liquid. He is now there from 8 til 6 and is clearly very thirsty by the time we get to pick him up. Will give the ice lolly thing a go, thanks!!

If it's only been a week I wouldn't worry too much yet. Just give him good big feeds morning & evening.
My experience is that even the best settlers take at least a couple of weeks, if not a month, to be settled in all aspects.

One other thought - could you check how they are holding him? For example my ds (now 2+) always preferred to lie right back on my lap for a bottle, rather than sitting up more. Also our nursery often laid them back on cushions or bouncy chairs with the bottle.
Also, have you tried giving him a bottle in those surroundings? Maybe pop in during the day if you can - or do it first/last thing. Just so he settles - or if poss even hand him over to carer once he's drinking, just to build the association?

Sadly neither or us can really pop in as it's a good 45 min journey from work. Very difficult to balance trying to make sure they are doing everything they can with being a total pain of a parent!