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Original poster

Not eating

17 replies

katerosexox · 24/01/2022 18:39

My little man is 2.2 years and has always has eating issues and are still awaiting OT appointment. He has just started nursery, today was his 3rd day and he has not eaten or drank a thing every single day while he is there.. he refuses whole food groups, I don't think I could count on one hand the food he actually likes. It's really starting to worry me. He also gets confused by open top cups and at the daycare they use them and encourage them. They won't allow me to pack him a lunch due to allergies (I understand that) but In the mean time what am I supposed to do about my baby:( he is also barley eating at home we usually get nutrients into him through smoothies and milkshakes etc.

OP posts:
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LakeShoreD · 24/01/2022 18:45

How worrying for you Sad Does he have to be in nursery because of work? If not I’d consider keeping him until you’ve got to the bottom of the food issues. If he has to be there then you also send him with something like Pediasure? They can’t claim allergies are a risk with that and presumably they make formula for the babies so it’s not a million miles away from that. I’d also insist on supplying your own cup, I’m sure loads of the young ones bring their own bottles/cups so it really shouldn’t be an issue.

Original poster
katerosexox · 24/01/2022 19:04

@LakeShoreD

How worrying for you Sad Does he have to be in nursery because of work? If not I’d consider keeping him until you’ve got to the bottom of the food issues. If he has to be there then you also send him with something like Pediasure? They can’t claim allergies are a risk with that and presumably they make formula for the babies so it’s not a million miles away from that. I’d also insist on supplying your own cup, I’m sure loads of the young ones bring their own bottles/cups so it really shouldn’t be an issue.
I have just started a job yeah:( everyday I pack him his drink cup with drink in it but they never give it to him, I always find it full his bag. They've pretty much said all they can do is encourage him to eat with his peers,although hes is 2 he really still has quite a lack of understanding.. this is the second time I've asked about a packed lunch seems like they're very strict on that one. Considering pulling him out and a family member looking after him while I work. I just thought it would've been great for his development it's such a shame
OP posts:
YellowLemonz · 25/01/2022 17:02

My son started at two, fussiest little eater, he refused to eat any food at nursery aswell. I'd say 2 weeks in he started trying and now eats it all.

It's only his third day. Early days for him.

The no drinking concerns me though. Why don't they allow their own cups?
I would address this with them tbh.

YellowLemonz · 25/01/2022 17:02

Also have to say, seeing his peers eat helped a lot!

Clymene · 25/01/2022 17:59

If they won't give him food that you know he'll eat or his drink, then yes, I'd pull him out. Do they know he's waiting for assessment? Even Early Years settings should make reasonable adjustments.

I have a child with ARFID and his nursery were great at giving him things they knew he would eat and drink.

@YellowLemonz - a child who is waiting for an OT appointment for food issues probably isn't just being fussy.

YellowLemonz · 25/01/2022 18:22

@YellowLemonz - a child who is waiting for an OT appointment for food issues probably isn't just being fussy.

Apologies I missed that and my ignorance.

What is an OT appointment?

Bamaluz · 25/01/2022 18:23

I would pull him out as they are being so inflexible and uncooperative.

Original poster
katerosexox · 25/01/2022 18:43

[quote YellowLemonz]**@YellowLemonz - a child who is waiting for an OT appointment for food issues probably isn't just being fussy.

Apologies I missed that and my ignorance.

What is an OT appointment? [/quote]
OT is the occupational therapist, yeah he will literally starve himself at the most of times, it's almost like he's scared of food. We are super limited to what we can give him as he won't eat from spoon or fork and he also refuses most solids also.. usually he's a pretty good drinker (milkshakes, smoothies) it looks like my only option is to pull him out until I come up with a solid plan with the professionals.

OP posts:
YellowLemonz · 25/01/2022 18:53

I apologies op, i totally read your post wrong.
That must be extremely hard for you all.
Now I have some understanding I would agree to to pull.

Wish you both the best Thanks

Clymene · 25/01/2022 20:43

My son isn't quite as bad as that but I think you need to explain to them that either they cater to him or you will remove him. I'm sorry they're being so inflexible and so sorry you're going through this. It's absolutely horrible.

My only recommendation to you is to be led by him. Don't make food a big deal, don't praise him if he consumes a lot, don't chastise if he eats a little. Just give him what you know he likes. Any food is better than no food.

@YellowLemonz - I'm sorry i was a bit snappy. I had years of people telling me that my son would eat when he saw all the other children eating and he never did so it's a bit of a sore spot! I bet your son is great Smile

YellowLemonz · 25/01/2022 20:47

I'm sorry i was a bit snappy. I had years of people telling me that my son would eat when he saw all the other children eating and he never did so it's a bit of a sore spot! I bet your son is great

Absolutely fine and totally understandable.
In all honestly, I had never heard of it so have done some reading on it.

Clymene · 25/01/2022 21:20

Thank you Smile
You'll know more than 99% of the population now I expect Grin

Ilovesandwiches · 28/01/2022 20:54

I know you said about family
Helping, could he do half days for now? Could eat a decent lunch before/ after his sessions?

Asiama · 28/01/2022 21:25

So sorry you are going through this OP. My son started nursery at 14 months and was similar. He had food issues (still does 2 years later) and was under hospital care as he was underweight. When he got home from nursery we would give him oats with yoghurt and lots of fruit mixed in to give him nutrients, and just kept letting him graze on cheese and bread until bedtime. It was infuriating as he would wake up in the middle of the night starving so we would have to give him lots of food at 2am, which if only he ate at nursery he wouldn't need!

It was annoying to hear others say he will eat when he sees other children eat. That just didn't happen with DS. It's only from age 2.5 years he has started to eat more at nursery although still not great.

Would your nursery use your cup for his drink if you just have them an empty cup?

Tumbleweed101 · 29/01/2022 22:58

I'd arrange a meeting with the manager and see if he can have a care plan for this so that he can have food and drinks he will eat. If he prefers milkshakes etc maybe if they blended up their meals he would be more likely to try them?

I hope you manage to get to the bottom of what is causing his issues with food.

snappy123 · 31/01/2022 17:01

Some nursery will offer sandwich or toast if they don't eat the meal. You could ask

simonisnotme · 31/01/2022 17:08

I think the nursery should be allowing some flexibility in regards to his eating otherwise hes going to get poorly, if they are not willing to help then pull him out until you have some professional guidance you can show them , or find another nursery

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