Hi, my little boy was the exact same when he went to nursery at six months because I had to go back to work. I would really struggle to get him to eat breakfast and when he was picked up, his sheet would say things like "ate well" and we couldn't believe it either. We just had to leave it alone and be glad that he was at least eating properly for some of they day, because when he got home, he wouldn't eat much of his dinner again. As regards feeding her inbetween, I know what you mean about giving her snacks if it seems she is hungry, you feel you can't ignore it. I would just give her healthy snacks like fruit or toast fingers perhaps but give them in small portions. My little boy is still a fussy eater with us and he is now 2 yrs old.

someone told me not to feed her inbetween if she hasdnt had at least so of her food. that seems to me like starving her anyone no if thats ok? xx

Because she knows (by which I don't necessarily mean she is aware she knows- its a case of A being followed by B) that at home not eating (A) gets lots of attention (B). She spits out food and you get upset, she does not eat and instead of getting on with your own meal, talking with your partner or going off and making coffee or answering the phone, you give her your undivided attention.

All small children need to reassure themselves over and over that Mum (and Dad) are on their case every minute. She is after all utterly dependent of you. She probably does not have tantrums at creche either-even if she has lots at home. Very, very few children do.

At chreche she wants to conform and be like the children she admires.

What to do? Remember that until she is five years old milk and milk provide all her daily needs. So list the few things she will eat- and feed her with these day in day out. She does not need variety providing she has milk and milk products such as cheese and yoghurt and a small quantity ofr fruit or fruit juice every day.
After a week or two ask- as you give her the daily teatime cereal and apple sauce "Or would you like sausage and mash like Mummy? "
Once all the pressure is off and she has learned that you take her food fads absolutely in your stride she will probably start saying yes- especially if you are all eating something she likes at creche.
Dorothy Einon

babies try it on a bit for parents! she may think she can get away with not eating it with you, do you get anxious when she doesn't eat or give in and give her something sweet ie if she hasn't eaten the savoury give her a pudding or yoghurt instead just so you know she has had something? don't worry we've all done it! it's not a judgement sometimes we do it without realising it. Wait til she gets older and tells you daddy says she could, so you give it and it turns out he didn't! it's a kiddy classic and they ALL do it! She may also be a better eater there because it is a social setting, she sees the other children eating it so will try more things! Do you eat with her at meal times? I noticed with my two year old she is terrible at the table at tea time when her sisters are there, getting up and down off the table, messing with drinks etc, but at lunch time when it is just us and i'm sitting with her she is brilliant! hope this helps you, also ask the creche staff for any advice x

my daughters been in creche 2 weeks now and when i read what shes eaten in the day i can belive it, sausage casserole, sweet and sour chicken, toasties!!! for me she hardly eats anything. ive tried 2 copy what they make and she wont touch it, i joke with my partner that its worth paying for the creche just so she eats well, but now i think im being serious. how can strangers get her to eat but im her mum and she wont.. any suggestions