You drop your baby off at daycare with a full lunchbox and high hopes. But when pickup time rolls around, you hear it again:
“She didn’t eat anything today.”
It’s frustrating. It’s worrying. And honestly, it can make you feel like something’s wrong.
Let’s clear the air—you are not alone. Many working moms go through this.
And your baby? They’re not being difficult. They’re just adjusting.
Here’s what might be going on and what you can do to help.
Related Reading: If Daycare Drop-Offs Are a Nightmare, Read This First!
Why Your Baby Might Not Be Eating at Daycare
1. It’s a New Environment
For babies and toddlers, eating is about more than just hunger. It’s also about comfort.
Daycare is full of new sights, sounds, and people. It can be overwhelming. So it’s not uncommon for babies to skip meals when they’re adjusting.
This is especially true for younger babies. They are still learning to trust their caregivers.
Just like some babies don’t nap well in a new setting, others may struggle with eating away from home.
2. Separation Anxiety Can Affect Appetite
If your baby is still adjusting to being away from you, it might show up in their eating habits.
Separation anxiety and food refusal often go hand in hand.
Some babies skip meals simply because they miss the comfort of eating with mom or dad.
3. Different Feeding Routines
At home, your baby may eat in a quiet high chair with familiar smells and soft music.
At daycare, it could be louder. There may be more children, a different schedule, and less individual attention.
If the daycare feeding schedule differs a lot from your home routine, your baby may find it hard to adjust at first.
4. Picky Eating or Sensory Sensitivities
Some babies have preferences that daycare staff may not know about yet.
They might prefer their food warm or only eat soft textures. Or they may not like being fed by someone new.
This can look like picky eating. But it might just be your baby trying to communicate their needs in a new space.
5. They’re Eating Less—But Not Nothing
Here’s something important to remember:
Just because your baby isn’t eating as much at daycare doesn’t mean they’re eating nothing.
Daycare providers may focus on what’s untouched in the lunchbox. But your baby may have nibbled here and there. A few bites of fruit, a spoonful of yogurt.
It counts!
And many babies make up for it at home, especially in the evenings or during night feeds.
Related Reading: No Naps, No Peace? What to Do When Daycare Sleep Fails
What You Can Do to Support Your Baby
1. Talk to the Caregivers
Open communication is key. Ask about:
- How meals are served
- Whether your baby is seated near familiar kids
- If they’re showing interest in others’ food
Sometimes small changes—like adjusting seating or offering a comfort item during meals—can help.
2. Send Familiar Foods
Pack meals your baby already loves from home.
Avoid trying new foods at daycare. Stick with safe favorites while they’re adjusting.
Tip: Include a small note or sticker with your baby’s lunch. It won’t mean much to the baby, but some parents say it gives them comfort. And that calm energy carries over.
3. Gradual Exposure at Home
You can help your baby get used to daycare-style meals at home.
Try this:
- Eating together at a table with background noise (to mimic the daycare vibe)
- Letting them practice eating independently
- Packing their food in the same containers that you use for daycare
It helps to build familiarity and confidence.
4. Stay Consistent but Flexible
It’s okay to feel frustrated, but try not to stress in front of your baby.
Babies are sensitive and can pick up on pressure. Keep offering food without forcing it.
Stick to your feeding schedule at home, but trust that your baby won’t starve.
Most kids won’t let themselves go hungry long-term.
5. Give It Time
Some babies take days to adjust. Others take weeks.
This is normal.
If your baby is still having wet diapers, seems active, and is growing, they’re likely just fine.
But if you notice weight loss or signs of dehydration, always check with your pediatrician.
Related Reading: The Call No Mom Wants: “Your Toddler Hit Someone at Daycare Today!”
When to Be Concerned
While most eating struggles at daycare are temporary, reach out to your pediatrician if:
- Your baby consistently refuses all food (even at home)
- There’s rapid weight loss
- You suspect feeding delays or oral motor issues
- Your child shows signs of extreme distress during meals
Sometimes what looks like picky eating or adjustment issues could be sensory-related or developmental.
Getting support early makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing the Right Thing
Daycare transitions aren’t just hard on babies—they’re hard on us, too.
You’re juggling routines, emotions, and that constant question: “Am I doing the right thing?”
Yes, you are!
Feeding challenges are common in daycare settings.
Your baby is learning, growing, and adjusting.
And so are you.
So breathe deep. This shall pass, too. And you’re not alone in it. There’s a whole community of moms walking this same path with you.
If this post helped you feel seen, we’ve got more where that came from.
Read our articles at WorkingMomAndBaby.com for practical tips, real talk, and encouragement you can actually use.