Help! Baby refuses all food and drink when I’m at work

[seaborgium]

I had my first day back at work today. Daddy was looking after him while I was away.

While I was away DS(7mo) refused to drink any milk or water from a cup, beaker, bottle, bowl, glass, spoon or mug. He is breastfed but normally he will accept milk from a cup. He also refused to eat any of the selection of purees that he was offered, all of which he normally loves. The whole 8 hours he had nothing to eat or drink. He was crying ‘Mum mum’ constantly the whole time. Now that I’m back he’s much happier but he’s suddenly turned clingy. I can’t put him down or hand him over to daddy for a minute without him moaning.

I’m supposed to be back at work tomorrow.

Oh dear, sounds a bit hard for all of you.

How was he overnight?

I think it’s just the shock. I wouldn’t worry too much they will soon get used to Daddy and they’ll have a lovely bond.

Mine was like this for two weeks. Although didn't cry too much. She had a massive bf when I got home each day. Weaning really took off after a few weeks too.

How much feeding was Dad doing before you went back to work?

Try not to worry, they adapt quickly. My second wouldn't take a bottle at all and wasn't really interested in food until 8/9 months but she would sip watered down apple juice and her dad would offer her food when I was out for more than a couple of hours, she was fine and learned to eat

Did dad normally do some feeds and give him food?
He'll be thinking wtf where are you but they quickly get used to it.
It's very hard though.

He was ok overnight. He settled in his cot ok and woke up twice for feeds.

Before I went back to work I was doing most of the feeding, but his daddy fed him solids sometimes and practiced a bit with the cup. He’s never had a problem with Dad feeding him before.

My DD was the same although she went to nursery..eventually at 11 months she'd take water in a cup. She just reverse cycled and fed all night, which was hard working full time!

I'd suggest dad leaves the house, go to feed the ducks or something and try some puree at the park. Just get away from places associated with mum.

Update:

So far today he’s doing absolutely fine. He’s eating his food, he’s drinking his milk, he’s not crying and… he has a brand new pearly white TOOTH!!

Pleased he's doing better! He needed that tooth to pop then!
Sure you feel a lot better

@seaborgium

I had my first day back at work today. Daddy was looking after him while I was away.

While I was away DS(7mo) refused to drink any milk or water from a cup, beaker, bottle, bowl, glass, spoon or mug. He is breastfed but normally he will accept milk from a cup. He also refused to eat any of the selection of purees that he was offered, all of which he normally loves. The whole 8 hours he had nothing to eat or drink. He was crying ‘Mum mum’ constantly the whole time. Now that I’m back he’s much happier but he’s suddenly turned clingy. I can’t put him down or hand him over to daddy for a minute without him moaning.

I’m supposed to be back at work tomorrow.

It will be ok. It won’t last more than a few days - don’t break! Your DH has to keep offering food and drink regularly and frequently - is he doing that?

I suspect the tooth may have had a lot to do with yesterday and looking for what is normally there and comforting for him. Congrats to him, and hopefully the rest of your first week back goes smoother as a result.

Update:

So far today he’s doing absolutely fine. He’s eating his food, he’s drinking his milk, he’s not crying and… he has a brand new pearly white TOOTH!!

Great update!